According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT), there has been an average of 18,600 motor vehicle crashes on Wisconsin roadways during the winter months. These crashes have caused an average of 48 deaths and 4,700 injuries in Wisconsin each year. As a result, drivers should be aware of the potential hazards of driving in winter and take the appropriate precautions to avoid accidents cause or exacerbated by the weather.
First, you must ensure that you always keep a winter emergency kit in your care. At a minimum, your emergency kit should include the following:
If your car becomes disabled or stuck in the snow, you should stay put, as you are likely to wander in the wrong direction during a storm. Tie the fluorescent flag on the antenna and keep your dome light on so that emergency personnel will be more likely to see you. Use emergency flashers only for ten minutes per hour in order to conserve the life of your car battery.
While driving during winter weather, you always should follow other vehicles at a distance that is greater than usual. You also may need to drive slower than the speed limits, depending on the severity of the weather and the road conditions. Be gentle when using your brake and gas pedal; suddenly stopping or accelerating can cause your vehicle to slip out of control. You and all occupants of your vehicle should wear seat belts at all times. Leave extra space between you and snowplows, and observe the “move-over” law, which requires you to shift lanes or slow down when you encounter a law enforcement vehicle, tow truck, highway maintenance vehicle, or other utility vehicle that is stopped on the side of the road.
Whether your accident occurs due to another driver who fails to heed winter weather or another type of negligent situation, you may have a claim for damages under Wisconsin law if you or a loved one has suffered injuries as a result. Don’t delay in contacting the Madison personal injury attorneys of Boller & Vaughan, and set up your free consultation today.
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We live in Friendship, Wisconsin, and Boller & Vaughan came to our doorstep to discuss our mother’s wrongful death claim on a Saturday morning. Not only were we pleased with the large recovery, we were so thankful to have lawyers who were willing to explain to us every twist and turn along the way. It is great to know there is a law firm that will fight for the rights of elderly people all over Wisconsin.
Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan were incredible in working on my case and my daughter’s case. I was out of work and in the hospital with a new baby. Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan protected our rights and it was a pleasure to work with them. I hope never to be in another motor vehicle accident, however, if I am and I am injured, I will contact Boller & Vaughan immediately.
I was referred to Michelle through a friend. I have never had a better experience. It took a little over a year to get my settlement but the staff there stayed in constant contact and kept me in the loop. Oh, and Michelle actually got me MORE money than we discussed. I will refer anyone to this firm. Words cannot do justice the thanks that I have for Michelle and her staff (Mary especially) thank you guys so much!
After my husband died as a result of a motor vehicle accident, Boller & Vaughan spent countless hours talking with me, meeting with me in person, and making sure that I was okay. The drunk driver who hit us did not have any insurance, and we had to make a claim through our own insurance. Boller & Vaughan was fantastic at explaining the law to me and the handling of our claims.
After my son was injured in a daycare setting, Ms. Vaughan took the time to thoroughly investigate our case and my son’s injuries. Michele was approachable and had answers to our questions. Talking with her helped to relieve many of our anxieties.
