Drivers Beware of Winter

Winter is showing no signs of letting up as it batters Pennsylvania and the Northeast, and motorists must be ready for the physical and legal hazards the harsh weather brings, says Pennsylvania personal injury attorney J. Christopher Munley.
“Bad weather makes for bad accidents,” said Munley, the managing partner of Munley, Munley & Cartwright, P.C., a Scranton, Pennsylvania personal injury law firm that represents car accident victims throughout the region.
“Drivers need to be extra careful and extra alert,” Munley said. “But if accidents happen, know the law, your obligations and your rights.”
According to Munley, any driver involved in a car accident should get the insurance information on other vehicles involved, collect eyewitnesses’ names and obtain a police report.
But, he said, those steps should be followed by a consultation with an experienced Pennsylvania car accident attorney as soon as possible.
“For most drivers, an accident is a rare or first-time event. They may collect the right information but fail to realize their rights or their liabilities. A lawyer’s advice is crucial,” Munley said.
Should an auto accident occur, Munley said all motorists should follow these basic steps:
Stay calm, turn off the ignition and turn on the emergency flashers.
Render aid and call an ambulance. Do not move injured people if movement could add to the injury.
Protect the scene and make sure approaching motorists are warned.
Always call police so there is an accident report on file.
Gather information from others involved in the accident as well as any witnesses to the crash.
If there is the slightest chance of injury, see a doctor. Serious injuries do not always result in immediate pain.
Notify the car's insurer and report the accident. Pennsylvania law requires that an accident report be filed within two days after an accident. An insurance company or the police department can provide the standard form.
“The best way to avoid the injury, expense and legal issues of an accident is to avoid accidents,” Munley said. He encourages all drivers to review these tips provided by PennDOT for driving in winter weather conditions:
Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits the conditions.
Turn on your headlights.
Stay in your lane.
Increase your following distance.
Reduce in-car distractions since your full attention is required.
Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.
During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely get as far off the road as possible or when there is a safe area to do so.
Do not stop in the flow of traffic since this could create a chain-reaction collision.
Do not pass a vehicle moving slowly or speed up to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely.
Always buckle up and never drink and drive.