5 Tips to Stay Safe While Driving on Snow and Ice in Spokane, Washington

Navigating the roads of Spokane during the winter months can be as challenging as it is beautiful. As snow blankets the city and icy conditions become the norm, prioritizing your safety on the road is more important than ever. Our personal injury law firm understands the unique driving hazards that come with Spokane’s harsh winters.

Thanks to our experience in personal injury law, we recognize the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent auto accidents. This blog shares five essential tips to help you drive safely on snow and ice to protect you and your loved ones during the winter season.

Have you already been in a car accident and need help with your car accident claim? Continue reading to learn more, then contact us at (509) 495-1246(509) 495-1246 to schedule your free case evaluation. We proudly provide legal representation to clients throughout Eastern Washington, including Grant County, Adams County, and Spokane County.

A Personal Injury Attorney in Spokane, WA Shares 5 Tips to Stay Safe on the Road During Washington State Winters

1. Maintain a Safe Following Distance

Washington State’s winter driving conditions demand extra caution, especially when it comes to following distance. On icy roads, your vehicle’s stopping distance can increase significantly. To account for this, maintain at least a five- to six-second gap between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This buffer gives you ample time to react and stop safely if the vehicle ahead suddenly brakes.

2. Equip Your Vehicle with Winter Tires

Winter tires are designed to provide better traction in snowy and icy conditions. Made from a specialized rubber compound that remains flexible in cold temperatures, these tires allow for a better grip on slick surfaces. If you haven’t already, consider swapping out your regular tires for winter ones to enhance stability and control on Washington State’s icy roads.

3. Adjust Your Speed to Conditions

Speed limits are set for ideal driving conditions, not the icy roads you’ll encounter during winters in and around Spokane, WA. Adjusting your speed for the road conditions is crucial. Reduce your speed when driving on snow or ice to give you more time to react to sudden changes. Remember, even if you’re driving below the speed limit, you can still receive a ticket for driving too fast for conditions if it results in a car accident.

4. Clear All Snow and Ice from Your Vehicle

Before hitting the road, take the time to clear all snow and ice from your vehicle, including the roof, windows, and lights for optimal visibility and for preventing snow from blowing onto your windshield or onto other drivers’ vehicles. Proper cleaning of your car can prevent dangerous situations and help you drive safely.

5. Stay Informed and Plan Your Route

Winter weather in and around Spokane, WA can change rapidly; therefore, stay informed about current road conditions and forecasts. Use apps or listen to weather reports before setting out. Plan your routes accordingly, opting for main roads that are more likely to be cleared and treated. If conditions look especially treacherous, consider delaying your trip until it’s safer to drive.

Implementing these tips can significantly reduce your risk of accidents on winter roads in and around Spokane, WA. However, car accidents can still happen despite the best precautions.

A Spokane Car Accident Lawyer Explains What to Do After a Car Accident

As our personal injury attorneys know from our work with clients, auto accidents can and do happen to the most cautious, diligent drivers for various reasons. Whether due to inclement weather or other reason, car accident victims in Washington State should take the following steps after an auto accident to protect their rights, tend to any serious injuries, and make it easier to prove liability in a personal injury lawsuit:

1. Call 911: After checking for personal injuries resulting from the accident, call for assistance immediately. Even if you think your injuries are minor, obtaining medical treatment is vital because injured victims may not manifest the worst symptoms until later and medical bills and documentation will support  your personal injury claim.
2. Document the Auto Accident Scene: With your phone, take photos of the auto accident scene, including property damage and an auto accident injuries your or any of your passengers sustained.
3. Gather Information: Write down names, contact information, license plate numbers, and insurance company information from all parties involved in the accident. If there are any witnesses to the auto accident, ask for their contact information.
4. Obtain a Police Report: As personal injury lawyers in Washington State can attest, police reports serve as vital evidence in personal injury cases. For this reason, be sure to ask for a police report.
5. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: Seeking legal assistance and representation from Spokane car accident lawyers can significantly benefit your personal injury claim and enable you to focus on your healing while your Spokane personal injury lawyer pursues fair compensation on your behalf.

What Happens in the Case of a Tragic Fatal Accident?

When auto accidents result in death, a surviving family member can pursue a wrongful death claim. Due to the complexities of wrongful death claims, seek representation from a wrongful death lawyer who has successfully handled these types of cases for other clients.

Your lawyer can advocate for your rights as a family member and seek compensation for your loss. A skilled attorney will investigate the details of the auto accident and collect evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and expert testimonies to build a strong case.

Moreover, with legal representation from a personal injury lawyer, you can better understand your legal options, clarify the differences between wrongful death claims and other personal injury cases, and move through the emotional and legal hurdles involved in a wrongful death claim, such as:

• Calculating damages, which may encompass medical expenses incurred before death
• Funeral costs
• Lost income
• Loss of companionship

By negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing the family in court, a Spokane personal injury attorney seeks to prove negligence and secure fair compensation for the devastating impact of the fatal accident on the victims surviving loved ones.

Have You Been in an Accident in and around Spokane, WA? You’ve Got Questions. We’ve Got Answers. Contact Albrecht Law Firm & Secure Legal Representation for Your Personal Injury Claim

Car accidents in Spokane and surrounding areas can inflict serious personal injury, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and even permanent disability, depending on the circumstances. Whether caused by weather or someone else’s negligence, you need a law firm that will pursue maximum compensation and personalized attention.

At Albrecht Law, our legal team understands the impact of car crashes on individuals who may be dealing with mounting medical bills, lost income due to an inability to work, and financial and emotional hardships. If you have sustained injuries in and around Spokane, WA, you need a Spokane injury attorney who will take the time to know you, ask questions pertaining to your accident, and guide you through the legalities of your case. That’s why we offer a free consultation.

Let the personal injury attorneys at our law office uphold your rights as we pursue a fair settlement. Contact us at (509) 495-1246(509) 495-1246 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout Eastern Washington, including Grant County, Adams County, and Spokane County.

Albrecht Law PLLC — Our Clients Are More Than Just Cases

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The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Albrecht Law PLLC
5105 E 3rd Ave, Suite 101
Spokane Valley, WA 99212
(509) 495-1246(509) 495-1246
https://albrechtlawfirm.com/