The car accident attorneys at Hoyt & Blewett have represented the people of Montana for over 30 years, and have successfully won numerous seven-figure jury verdicts against insurance companies and corporations. With that said, there have been thousands of automobile-related fatalities in the United States. With an average of 7,100 weather related US automobile deaths each year, and 116,800 people injured in vehicle accidents involving snowy, slushy or icy driving conditions each year, the residents of the state of Montana are set to experience yet another dangerous winter on the roads.
There is no shortage of examples where the harsh elements of winter have caused trouble for motorists in the state of Montana. In early January of 2017, there was a travel ban imposed by the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office on Interstate 90 due to several crashes occurring at once. These types of multiple car crashes often occur as motorists either misjudge curves or fail to give themselves enough room to break in icy or hazardous conditions.
The Dangers of Winter Driving.
The annual Montana Highway Report shows a 5% increase in accidents in 2014, which led to a total of 22,152 car accidents. Also in 2014, the months of November and December accounted for approximately 23% of all accidents. Reports also show that more accidents took place in November, in comparison to all other months. This means the possibility of inclement weather affecting driving conditions is much greater during the first snowfalls in the winter months.
In response to a catastrophic multi-vehicle accident, involving a semi and passenger vehicle, on December 28, 2014, the Montana Highway patrol and Montana Department of Justice posted a Winter Driving Awareness video online detailing the accident. Through the graphic footage, which shows several near fatal auto accidents in snowy conditions and an injured woman who was ejected from her vehicle, Montana’s law enforcement attempts to warn the drivers of Montana about the perilous winter driving hazards faced by motorists. Every motorist planning to drive this winter in Montana should review this video to help them understand the importance that speed reduction can play in avoiding accidents on Montana’s highways.
Make the Necessary Preparations.
There is a big price to pay for being ill prepared. That is why the residents of Montana have begun their preparations for dangerous road conditions by performing the necessary maintenance to their vehicles and equipping their vehicles with warm clothes, food, water and a first aid kit in the event they are involved in a crash or breakdown. Winter car accidents can happen anywhere and anytime. With 19 fatal car accidents in Missoula and 1252 total accidents during the 2015 Montana Winter, it is important to take every precaution while driving in the winter.
The increasing amount of winter car accidents has imposed a heavy burden on many individuals and their families who have been injured through no fault of their own. It is important to hire an experienced automobile accident attorney to ensure that insurance companies pay fair compensation for injuries and deaths caused by car accidents.
The car accident attorneys at Hoyt & Blewett are dedicated to representing injured residents of Montana, whether their accident takes place in Missoula, Kalispell, Bozeman, Helena, or Great Falls. Hiring a team of experienced personal injury attorneys will aid injured people in dealing with insurance companies.
There’s No Such Thing as Being Too Prepared.
Prior to hitting the road this winter, it is imperative that the residents of Montana do everything possible to minimize the risk of collision. To avoid a costly winter car accident, it is recommended that you:
- check exterior lights to ensure they’re functioning properly
- change your all-season or summer tires with winter tires for extra traction
- check oil and car filters regularly
- clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system
- have your battery checked for optimum performance
- ensure your heaters, defrosters and wipers are working properly
- check tire pressure and tread depth
Need a Car Accident Attorney? Contact Hoyt & Blewett PLLC
Unfortunately, these safety precautions still cannot prevent all accidents in inclement weather. However, they can reduce the risks. Winter car accidents claim lives each and every year, and insurance companies frequently attempt to quickly settle claims and exploit their information advantage to avoid paying claimants the full amount of their damages.
If you believe that have been treated unfairly by an insurance company then you owe it to yourself and your family to schedule a free consultation with one of the car accident attorney’s at Hoyt & Blewett. With over 100 years of combined experience and 18 jury verdicts in excess of $1,000,000.00, Hoyt & Blewett is more than prepared to handle your claim. Contact us today to find out how one of the attorneys at Hoyt & Blewett can help you and your family.