Last week’s Midwestern snowstorm did not affect many people in our region, but it served notice that snow will be coming soon. For those who have experienced snow storms during holidays, a near miss (as opposed to a blizzard) is always good news.
However, another storm is predicted for our region later this week, and it cannot come at a more inopportune time; the Thanksgiving holiday. According to the American Automobile Association, more than 46 million people will be travelling, with a large number of these travelers getting in their cars to get to their destinations. With the combination of additional traffic and the possibility of poor weather, drivers must be especially careful in order to avoid being in an accident.
The start of the holiday driving season is a good time for a reminder that drivers across Indiana have a duty to use reasonable care while behind the wheel. This means that drivers must reduce their speeds in inclement conditions, and leave some additional space between vehicles ahead of them to avoid the possibility of rear-end collisions.
While it may seem obvious, driver s must refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol, and using their cell phones while behind the wheel. If a driver fails to adhere to his or her duty to use reasonable care, and such a failure leads to an accident, the offending driver could be held liable for the crash. Those injured in the accident may seek compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages and other damages.
If you have questions about your rights and options after a car accident, an experienced personal injury attorney can help.