Flying Snow & Ice Accidents
Driving in winter conditions is common in Pennsylvania and most people know all the basic tips of driving slowly and leaving space between you and the car ahead for maintaining control on icy, slippery winter roads. There is one winter driving danger, which can also happen year-round with different conditions, that can cause catastrophic consequences, despite being completely preventable – falling snow, ice or other objects from cars and trucks.
Cold winter nights can cause thick sheets of ice to form on car and truck rooftops. When this is not properly removed before the vehicle is operated the sun and the heat of the car causes this ice to loosen and fly off the top of the vehicles directly at cars behind.
This is especially dangerous with tractor trailers because of the increased risk of danger that occurs with snow and ice build on up on trailer roofs. These dangers include:
- More snow and ice accumulation because of the length of the trailers
- The height of the trailer makes it almost impossible to see snow or ice breaking until it is too late
- When it comes to snow on the trailer, the frequent stops truck drivers make – be it traffic, to rest, gas, etc.) – give the snow opportunity to melt and then turn the lower layers into ice
Many states have laws that require all drivers to remove snow and ice from their vehicles before getting on the road – Pennsylvania is one of these states. Despite this law, and the hefty fine that comes with violating it, many drivers do not clear off their cars causing many injuries, accidents, and even fatalities, each year.
This is dangerous habit is not isolated to winter conditions, either. Drivers will transport large items, like tires, furniture, or Christmas trees, in the bed of a truck or on the roof of a car or SUV without properly securing the objects. When the car gets moving, these objects come loose and fly into the roads and at cars behind, leaving devastating results.
Severe accidents result from neighboring drivers swerving to miss falling ice or objects from the trucks or cars in front of them. It’s not uncommon for the perpetrator to keep driving because they don’t realize the accident their laziness has caused.
When these types of accidents occur causing you or your loved one harm, you should always contact the Pisanchyn Law Firm’s experienced accident attorneys as you could receive compensation for the injuries you or a loved one suffered – even if the at-fault driver doesn’t stop. If you have uninsured motorist coverage on your insurance policy, you can still recover damages and obtain compensation for your injuries through your own policy without your insurance rate going up. We have handled many cases of this nature can help you, too.
Call 1-800-444-5309 now for a free consultation.
Get Free Advice Now!
What To Do After an Accident
Call the police
A police report is a necessary document for any personal injury claim arising from an auto accident. This will not only contain information regarding how the accident occurred and whether injuries were sustained, but also witness information that may be valuable in future litigation. If for some reason you do not call the police immediately, there is a form you can complete to file an accident report after it occurs, which can be found at the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles site: http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/dl_forms/aa-600.pdf
Seek medical treatment
If you sustained an injury in the accident, even if you are not sure whether it is serious, you should seek immediate medical treatment and truthfully describe your symptoms to the person who treats you. They may take X-Rays, MRIs, or other diagnostic tests to determine whether you need treatment. It is common to receive a “sprain and strain” diagnosis, which the emergency room physicians may say should improve with rest and over the counter anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen. Hopefully, you will improve. However, if you continue to have problems after the initial visit, you should consider following up with your regular doctor or a specialist to see if the injury is more severe than the original diagnosis would indicate.
Detail the accident
After a crash, you may have a vivid recollection of exactly what happened, or you may not recall the events. Since memories may fade over time, it is helpful to draw the road or intersection where the accident occurred, including the position of the vehicles and any traffic lights or signs. If you recall what speed you were traveling, whether you saw the other driver on a cell phone, or anything else that you think may be important, writing it down can help refresh your recollection later on.
Call your insurance agent
Your car insurance will likely cover your initial medical bills, up to your coverage limit. You may also have wage loss and property damage coverage. It is important to contact your insurance company to open the claim and provide them with whatever information they need.
Get an estimate
Related Practice Areas
Uber Passenger Attorney
At Pisanchyn Law Firm, our experienced Uber passenger accident attorneys in Scranton, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh are here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Car Accident Attorneys
Depending on the circumstances of your car accident, you or your loved one could recover compensation for all that you have endured. This area of law is very complicated; there are exceptions and technicalities that if you do not know the law can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars. This is why it is imperative you consult with our experienced Pennsylvania car accident attorneys at The Pisanchyn Law Firm to guide you through your claim.
DUI Accident Attorney
Our DUI injury lawyers want to get you the compensation you deserve after being the victim of a drunk driver. You could receive compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of income, property damage, and more.
Roadway Defect Accident Attorneys
Our experienced accident attorneys will gather the evidence and use our expertise to help you get compensation from whomever is responsible for your roadway hazard caused collision.
Multi Car Pileup Accidents
If you have been involved in a multi-vehicle accident, we encourage you to contact us. We can assess your situation, and we can advise you on any steps you need to take to protect your legal rights. To speak with a Pennsylvania trucking injury lawyer about your case, call 1-800-444-5309 today for your free consultation.
Unsecured Load Accidents
If you or a loved one has been injured, or a loved one has lost their life as a result of flying debris while driving, you may be entitled to compensation. Call 1-800-444-5309 now for a free consultation. We have offices in Harrisburg, Scranton, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and will travel to you.
Vehicle Recall Attorneys
Whether defective seat belts, car seats, airbags, brakes, gears or tires caused your accident or made it worse please, fill out the form on the right or call our Pennsylvania accident attorneys now toll free at 1-800-444-5309.
Seat Belt Malfunction
Our experienced seat belt malfunction attorneys will help you after you or a loved suffers an injury as a result of a defective seat belt. We will gather the evidence and use our expertise to help you get compensation from whomever is responsible for your seat belt injury.
Tire Defect Attorneys
Please, call our PA tire blowout and defective tire attorneys now toll free at 1-800-444-5309 for a free consultation. We have offices in Harrisburg, Pittsburgh and Scranton and will travel to you.
Defective Airbag Attorneys
Contact our experienced Pennsylvania defective airbag attorneys after you or a loved one have suffered an injury as a result of a defective airbag. We will gather the evidence and use our expertise to help you get compensation from whomever is responsible for the defect in the airbag.
Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys
Please, call our Pennsylvania accident attorneys toll free at 1-800-444-5309 for a free consultation. We have offices in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Scranton and will travel to you.
Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Please, if you or a loved has been hit by a car, don’t suffer any longer. Call our pedestrian injury attorneys toll free at 1-800-444-5309 for a free consultation.
Bicycle Accident Attorneys
When you call for your free consultation, we will consider all the details related to your accident and let you know the best steps to take. Evidence and witnesses disappear, and accident victims have strict deadlines to file legal claims, so it is in your best interested to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
