The movie Frozen really gave a magical, fantastical feel to the winter weather, although Elsa’s power to manipulate the snow, ice, and frost was a curse after all. As soon as the curse was broken, the kingdom thawed and the better, more-desirable season, summer, remained. That being said, Frozen really captured North America in the winter, as winter can easily be seen as a curse that affects us all. No matter how many acts of love North Americans comprise, the winter curse doesn’t seem to lift as easily as it did for Elsa. Unfortunately, we can only live in delusion for a matter of time until winter driving becomes a reality. It is important to know how to safely drive in harsh weather conditions so that winter accidents requiring automobile accident lawyers or Toronto personal injury lawyers do not occur.
Staying Safe after a Car Accident
Even after a car accident occurs in the winter, things can get worse before they begin to get better. This is why it is extremely important to be safe, even after a car accident occurs. You should always pack a winter survival kit in your car equipped with: a blanket, a flashlight, extra clothing and shoes, a whistle, a first aid kit, water, food, candles and matches, etc. If your vehicle is stuck in the snow, or veers further off of the side of the road, this emergency kit could save your life until help arrives.
The snowy winter weather can create visibility issues for all drivers on the road, so it is important to take these steps after an accident occurs, ensuring your safety on the road:
- If you have to get out of your vehicle on the side of the road, use the door that faces away from the traffic.
- Be careful if you attempt to free your vehicle stuck in snow; you can lose body heat rapidly if you exert too much force.
- Use emergency flashers, signs, or flares to draw attention to your vehicle on the side of the road.
- Open a window that is away from the wind to get fresh air inside of your vehicle.
- In a blizzard, make sure that one person in the vehicle stays awake, as it might take longer for any help to arrive to the scene of the accident. Make sure that you are also maintaining circulation by constantly moving your arms, hands, and feet.
These tips will allow you to stay as safe as possible, while waiting for help on the side of the road. After you are safe, warm, and have received any needed medical attention, it is advised that you hire an automobile accident lawyer to help you with your case immediately. Evidence will hold up in your case if it is brought to your lawyer’s attention sooner rather than later. Evidence deteriorates overtime, so if another car was at-fault in your accident, now is the time to build a case against the accused.
Hiring Automobile Accident Lawyers
Automobile accident lawyers and Toronto personal injury lawyers have experience dealing with car accident cases that take place in winter conditions. The Fault Determination Rules state that there is always a driver at-fault in an accident, despite miserable winter conditions. This means that you always need to be driving defensively and cautiously in the winter season and adjusting your speed accordingly. Automobile accident lawyers will make sure that the person at-fault in the accident is held accountable for their actions and that you receive the financial compensation that you deserve.
Sources:
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/ontario-511/pdfs/winter-safe-driving.pdf
http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/sfttps/tp201012-en.aspx
http://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/900668