Driving in and around Kansas City can be difficult in clear weather conditions. However, this is the time of year that we really need to be aware of freezing rain and colder temperatures that can cause icy roads. A recent winter storm that moved through the area highlighted the reason why it is so important to be prepared for winter driving. At Mayer & Rosenberg, P.C., our car accident lawyers in Kansas City want to discuss winter driving and how you can be safe.
The recent winter storm is a warning to drivers
Every year, drivers in and around Kansas City are thrust into freezing conditions that make driving hazardous. The recent winter storm that moved through the area covered most of Kansas City highways either partially or completely in snow and ice. An overturned semi-truck was just one of the many accidents drivers in our area experienced during and after the storm.
This storm brought our attention to statistics provided by the Missouri Department of Public Safety. Our Kansas City car accident lawyers wanted to look into the number of collisions that occurred depending on what type of weather our area experiences. During the latest reporting year in Missouri, the following number of crashes happened in these weather conditions:
- Clear – 104,452
- Cloudy – 33,610
- Rain – 12,831
- Snow – 1,769
- Sleet/Hail – 209
- Freezing – 2,541
- Fog – 2,022
Most days are clear, which is why most collisions occur on clear weather days. However, any bad weather significantly increases the chances that a serious accident will occur. Drivers in Kansas City should avoid driving in wintry weather, if at all possible. When they do have to operate in freezing conditions, drivers need to operate more slowly and with greater care.
One of the most dangerous aspects of winter weather driving is the possibility of black ice. Black ice is formed when water or snowmelt re-freezes on the roadway and is virtually indistinguishable from the roadway itself. Black ice can cause drivers to lose control and spin out on the roadway.
It is not uncommon for drivers and passengers to sustain serious injuries in a winter weather crash, including:
- Broken and dislocated bones
- Spinal cord trauma
- Brain injuries
- Open head wounds
- Severe lacerations
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ damage
These injuries all require medical assistance and can lead to major medical bills for victims.
We can get to work on your behalf
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a car accident that was caused by another person’s actions, contact an attorney today. The team at Mayer & Rosenberg, P.C. will get to work on your case immediately, working to secure the compensation you are entitled to. This can include:
- Medical bill payments
- Lost income and benefits if you cannot work
- Mental anguish damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Possible punitive damages against a grossly negligent party
When you need a Kansas City car accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 816-941-8949.