Michigan winters are unforgiving, especially for road users. Accidents are common in busy areas, even more so with snow and ice. It’s important for road users to be cautious when driving in unfavorable weather and have a winter car accident attorney in case an accident does occur.
Common Causes of Winter Car Accidents
Winter car accidents often happen because of tough weather conditions that make driving more challenging. Here are some of the most common reasons:
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Slippery Roads: Snow, ice, and slush can make roads dangerously slick, reducing your car’s grip and making it harder to stay in control.
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Poor Visibility: Heavy snowfall, blinding whiteout conditions, and even glare from the sun can make it hard to see what’s ahead, whether it’s other cars, road signs, or obstacles.
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Unprepared Vehicles: Cars that aren’t ready for winter—like those with worn-out tires, weak brakes, or no winter tires—can struggle to handle icy roads safely.
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Risky Driving Habits: Some drivers don’t adjust their speed or leave enough space between cars in bad weather, which increases the risk of accidents.
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Lack of Experience: Drivers who aren’t familiar with handling slippery roads or who panic in icy situations may lose control more easily.
Winter driving requires extra caution, preparation, and a little patience to keep everyone safe.
How Weather Conditions Affect Road Safety
Michigan winters can make driving tricky and dangerous, with weather conditions that create serious hazards on the road. Here’s how some of the most common winter challenges affect safety:
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Snow and Ice
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When snow piles up, or roads get icy, your car’s tires can lose their grip. That makes it harder to stop, steer, or stay in control, no matter how careful you are.
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Freezing Temperatures
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When it’s cold, black ice can form on the roads. It’s almost impossible to see, but it can send your car sliding in an instant.
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Whiteout Conditions
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Heavy snow and strong winds can create whiteouts, where you can barely see a few feet ahead. Driving in these conditions feels like navigating blindfolded—extremely risky.
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Freezing Rain
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Freezing rain can coat roads with a slick layer of ice, turning them into skating rinks. Even the best drivers can struggle to keep control in these conditions.
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Snowdrifts and Snowbanks
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Piles of snow along the roads can block your view, narrow driving lanes, or even cause accidents if cars get too close or slide into them.
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Understanding Michigan’s Winter Road Laws
Snow Removal Laws
Michigan law makes it illegal to push snow, ice, or slush onto public roads in a way that blocks a driver’s view or creates a hazard. For example, shoveling snow from your driveway onto the street could lead to a fine of up to $100. This law helps keep roads safe and visible for everyone.
Winter Driving Advisories
During extreme weather, authorities might issue advisories or restrictions, like urging people to avoid unnecessary travel or banning certain vehicles from the roads. Paying attention to these updates is key to staying safe and avoiding potential penalties.
MCL- Section 257.627 also states that drivers that operate “a vehicle on a highway shall operate that vehicle at a careful and prudent speed not greater than nor less than is reasonable and proper, having due regard to the traffic, surface, and width of the highway and of any other condition existing at the time.” Meaning drivers should take into consideration the weather conditions and slow down regardless of the posted speed.
Winter Tires
Michigan doesn’t require drivers to use winter tires, but they’re highly recommended. Winter tires, or all-season tires with good tread, can make a huge difference in traction and control when you’re driving on snow or ice-covered roads.
Liability in Winter Accidents
Michigan uses a modified comparative negligence rule for car accidents. This means that if you’re found partially at fault for an accident, the compensation you receive may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re more than 50% responsible, you might not be eligible for compensation at all.
Statute of Limitations
If you’re involved in a winter car accident, Michigan law gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a claim for personal injury or property damage, according to MCL-Section 600.5805. Missing this deadline could prevent you from pursuing legal action.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Winter Car Accident
If you’ve been in a winter car accident, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but taking the right steps can make a huge difference.
1. Stay Calm and Don’t Leave the Scene
It’s easy to panic after an accident, but take a deep breath and stay put. Leaving the scene can get you into legal trouble, so it’s important to remain where you are until everything is sorted out. Focus on staying safe and calm.
2. Check for Injuries and Call 911
First, make sure everyone is okay. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, getting medical attention right away is important. The emergency responders will also file a report, which can help later with insurance or legal issues.
3. Move to a Safe Spot
If you’re on a busy road and it’s safe to do so, try to move your car to the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights to let other drivers know there’s an accident. But if moving the car feels unsafe, stay where you are and wait for help.
4. Document Everything
Grab your phone and take as many photos and videos as you can. Get shots of:
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How the vehicles are positioned
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The road conditions (snow, ice, slush, etc.)
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Weather conditions, like heavy snow or fog
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Damage to all vehicles
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Any visible injuries
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Street signs or traffic lights near the accidents.
5. Exchange Information
Talk to the other drivers and gather:
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Names, phone numbers, and addresses
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Insurance details (company name and policy number)
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Driver’s license numbers
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License plate numbers
If there are witnesses, ask for their contact info. They might be able to provide an unbiased account of what happened.
6. Get Checked Out by a Doctor
Even if you feel fine, it’s smart to see a doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, might not show up right away. Plus, having a medical record of your visit can be important if you need to file a claim later.
7. Call Your Insurance Company
Let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as you can. Just be careful about what you say—don’t agree to recorded statements or sign anything until you’ve spoken to an attorney.
8. File a Police Report
If the accident caused injuries, major damage, or involved dangerous road conditions, file a police report. This can serve as a key piece of evidence for your case.
9. Talk to an Attorney
Winter accidents can get complicated, especially if bad weather or someone else’s negligence is involved. A good winter car accident attorney can help you:
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Deal with insurance companies
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Investigate what happened
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Fight for fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs
How a Winter Car Accident Attorney Can Help
Dealing with a winter car accident can be stressful, but having a knowledgeable lawyer can make a huge difference in how smoothly things go. A winter car accident attorney will handle the tough stuff so you can focus on recovering and getting your life back on track.
Lawyers start by digging into the details of the accident. They’ll look at the scene, gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and bring in experts if needed to figure out exactly what happened and who’s responsible. Winter accidents can be tricky, with conditions like icy roads or bad visibility often playing a big role, so this thorough investigation is key.
They also take on the headache of dealing with insurance companies. This means handling all the calls, paperwork, and negotiations to make sure you’re treated fairly. Insurance companies can sometimes pressure people into low settlements, but a lawyer will fight to get you what you truly deserve.
In winter accidents, figuring out who’s at fault isn’t always straightforward. Multiple factors could be at play—other drivers, poorly maintained roads, or even businesses that didn’t clear ice or snow. Lawyers sort through the evidence and apply the law to hold the right people accountable.
They’ll also calculate the full extent of your losses. This isn’t just about medical bills and car repairs—it’s about everything you’ve been through, like lost income, pain and suffering, or future medical needs. By working with experts, they make sure no detail is overlooked.
If the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair settlement, a lawyer will take the case to court. They’ll present a strong argument, represent you in front of a judge or jury, and work hard to get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Most importantly, a winter car accident attorney will be there to guide you through the whole process. They’ll keep you informed, answer your questions, and make sure you feel confident about every step. With their help, you can focus on healing while they handle the legal details.
Your Winter Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been involved in a winter-related car accident, do not hesitate to contact Khamo Law. Our offices are located in Troy and Sterling Heights, making it convenient for those in the metro Detroit areas. Our attorneys are knowledgeable in weather-related accidents and will fight for you to get the compensation you deserve. You can reach our office at (248) 466-0606.