Winter car crashes are different from collisions that happen during summer or even autumn months. There are a lot more dangers to be mindful of in the seconds and minutes after a crash on a snowy or ice-covered road. Even if the roads have been cleared, falling snow or frigid weather creates additional risks for victims.

As a driver, you can only be responsible for your own actions. Unfortunately, despite your best efforts, another driver’s negligence may cause you to be involved in a crash. During Minnesota’s harsh winter weather especially, the first steps you take are important and could help you avoid further injury until first responders arrive.

At TSR Injury Law, we are deeply committed to helping victims injured by the negligence of other drivers. If you need legal help after a winter traffic incident, contact our law offices today. Our highly qualified Minneapolis car crash lawyers want to help. When we take your case, there are no upfront costs or fees to pay.

Call for a FREE case review today. (612) TSR-TIME

1.     Stay in Your Vehicle After a Winter Car Crash in Minneapolis

After a winter crash, you should avoid getting out of your vehicle for several reasons. First, your car provides vital protection from other vehicles that may lose control in the same dangerous conditions that caused your crash. The visibility, weather and road conditions that led to your crash could affect other drivers too. Your car’s steel frame and safety systems provide protection if another vehicle slides into the crash scene.

Second, your vehicle shields you from frigid winter weather elements. Exposure to cold temperatures, wind, snow and ice can quickly lead to hypothermia, especially if you are injured, your clothes are damp, or you are underdressed for the weather. Your car provides shelter and some insulation, and you can run the engine periodically for heat if the exhaust system is unobstructed and away from snow.

Third, staying in your vehicle makes it easier for first responders to find you. A car, SUV or other vehicle is much more visible than a person on foot, especially during heavy snow or in low light situations.

Emergency vehicles are equipped and trained to safely stop and protect crash scenes by strategically positioning their vehicles and using their emergency lights. You can help to protect yourself from further harm after a winter crash by:

• Keeping your seat belt on and properly fastened in case of a secondary collision
• Turning on your hazard lights to help increase visibility
• Only running your engine if you are absolutely certain the exhaust pipe is clear of snow and other debris (to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning)

What If It Is Dangerous to Remain in My Vehicle After the Crash?

The exception to this safety recommendation is if the crash has made it unsafe to remain in your vehicle. In that situation, it is important to remain calm and double-check for oncoming traffic before cautiously exiting your vehicle. Be sure to grab your coat and cellphone before moving a safe distance away from your vehicle and traffic.

2.     Move Your Vehicle Away From Traffic If Possible

Another unique risk of winter car crashes is the increased likelihood of them resulting in a multi-vehicle pileup. This is especially likely on roads that have not yet been cleared, in areas where black ice has formed or when visibility is low. Therefore, if your vehicle is still drivable, you should attempt to carefully steer it as far off the road as possible.

Once you are in a safer location, you should remain in your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened. Exiting on icy roads puts you at serious risk as other drivers may be unable to see you due to low visibility conditions. It is also critical to be aware of your surroundings. For example, if you are in a remote area and it is snowing heavily, you should still get off the main road but stay where you can be visible.

3.     Check for Injuries and Call for Help

Minimize moving around too much until you check yourself for injuries. If there are others in your vehicle, be sure to check on them as well. Keep in mind that the adrenaline and shock from the crash can initially mask pain and injury symptoms. Try to focus and determine if you feel dizzy, see any obvious wounds or have difficulty moving.

When you call 9-1-1, it is helpful to remain focused and calm so you can provide clear and specific information, which should include:

• The exact location, or as close as you can pinpoint it (the intersection, mile marker and landmarks can all help). You can also use your phone’s Emergency SOS to share your precise location with emergency dispatchers.
• The number of vehicles involved in the collision
• Any visible injuries you can see from within your car, including people who may be trapped
• Hazardous conditions, such as ice on the road or smoke from any of the vehicles involved
• Vehicle descriptions and where they are positioned on the road

The dispatcher will likely question you to help you provide the necessary information but being aware of what you may need to provide ahead of time can help you to focus.

4.     Remain Calm and Wait for Help to Arrive

It is natural to feel emotional after being involved in a collision. However, you can help yourself to remain calm by taking slow, deep breaths. Remind yourself that help is on the way. If you have passengers, especially children, maintaining composure can help to calm their fears as well.

Try to focus on practical tasks, which may include:

• Keeping Warm: Run your engine to provide heat, but only intermittently. If you have an emergency kit with blankets, those can help you avoid turning on the engine as frequently.
• Increase Your Visibility: If you have a bright or reflective cloth to hang from the window, put this out as it can help to make your vehicle more visible. Reflective triangles, if you have them, can also make you more visible to approaching vehicles. Since you have to exit your vehicle to put these out, do so cautiously, then return to the protection of your car immediately. If the situation makes exiting your vehicle too dangerous, you should remain in your car.
• Gather Documents: You can also use this time to gather documents police will want to see when they arrive, such as your insurance information, license and other details.

5.     Document the Scene of the Crash

It is challenging to gather evidence from within your vehicle but remember the police will be investigating the scene as well. In this situation, being mindful of safety is far more important than gathering evidence. That said, you can gather some evidence from your car, including:

Take Photos of the Following Through Your Windows:

• Position of Vehicles: Try to capture this image before vehicles get moved.
• Road Conditions: Open your window to capture the road, patches of ice, mounds of snow, etc.
• General Details: Capture traffic signals, signs or landmarks that can help to identify the location.
• Vehicle Damage: Capture what you can of the interior/exterior of your vehicle without exiting.

Document the Following:

• Crash Details: Use your phone to do a voice recording of moments leading up to the crash and other key details while you remember them. Be sure to include the other drivers actions you may have noticed as well, such as driving too fast for the weather.
• Date, Time, Road and Weather: Write this information down or record it, you can also take video to support your notes.
• Contact Details: Get the contact details of anyone who approaches your vehicle.
• Position of Vehicles: Draw a quick diagram of all vehicles before they are moved, either manually or using the notes app in your phone.
• Dashcam Footage: If you have dashcam footage, be sure to save it.
• Screenshot Your Location: Use your phone to do this and save it to your photos or file folder.

Avoid These Common Mistakes People Make After a Car Crash

Insurance companies often use drivers’ immediate post-crash actions or reactions to attempt to minimize or deny claims. While it is natural to want to be polite or downplay the situation at the crash scene, certain behaviors can seriously undermine your ability to receive fair compensation your damages, even if you were not at fault.

Common mistakes include the following:

• Saying you have no injuries at the scene (you cannot know this yet) – adrenaline can mask symptoms, and injuries may not be apparent for hours or days
• Leaving the scene of the crash: Not only is this illegal in Minnesota, but it also removes your opportunity to provide your account to police and have an official record of the crash.
• Failing to seek immediate medical attention: This decision leaves room for insurers to say you were hurt elsewhere and claim your injuries are not related to the crash
• Not getting legal help right away: Insurance companies start building their case immediately, and early legal guidance can help protect your rights and ensure you do not inadvertently damage your claim.

Why Seek Legal Help With TSR Injury Law After a Minneapolis Car Crash

Were you injured in a winter car crash in Minneapolis? If so, there is no need to face the insurance company alone. Our knowledgeable legal team knows how to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve, and we understand the unique challenges of winter car crashes. We are also well-versed in the tactics insurance companies use to try to minimize claims.

At TSR Injury Law, we are here to help you. Call our law office to request a free, no-risk consultation where we can discuss your situation and potential legal options. We have helped thousands of Minnesotans get back on their feet after being injured by the negligence of others. Why let insurance companies take advantage of you – we can provide the experienced legal help you need.

The sooner you call, the stronger your case can be. Your initial consultation is always free and you pay no costs or fees up front. We only get paid our fees if we win your case.

Call TSR Injury Law today: (612) TSR-TIME