Black Ice Accidents in Erie, PA
As the temperatures fall and winter takes a firm grasp on Pennsylvania, we can expect to see more episodes of dangerous driving conditions because of weather. Sleet, freezing rain, snow, and other winter weather conditions can make driving treacherous. Even when drivers believe the roads are safe, black ice can pose a significant danger for drivers and others using our roads.
If you are injured in a black ice accident in Erie or the surrounding areas, our law firm can help. You might be entitled to compensation from the other driver even though weather and road conditions may have contributed to the cause of the crash. Contact The Travis Law Firm toll free at (800) 401-2066 to schedule a free legal consultation with one of our attorneys.
What is Black Ice?
Black ice is a term used to refer to a thin sheet of ice on the road that is difficult to see. In many cases, black ice reflects the color of the road making it very difficult for drivers to see the ice until it is too late. Drivers can lose control of their vehicle, spin out, and crash before they even realize there was ice on the road.
Black ice can form when the air temperature is at or below 32 degrees at the road surface. Keep in mind that bridges and overpasses can ice before roadways. Simply because the temperature is above 32 degrees does not mean that you should not be cautious and alert for black ice patches.
Tips that can help you avoid a black ice accident include:
- Slow down and watch the road. You may not see black ice, but slower speeds can reduce your chance of spinning out of control.
- Always remain alert and avoid distractions. Even at slower speeds, you can still spin out. Slowing down and paying close attention to the road are crucial in cold weather conditions.
- Use your headlights, even during daylight hours. Your headlights can reflect in the ice letting you know the road surface is icy.
- Avoid driving at night when temperatures are lower and it is more difficult to see.
- If you do not need to be out, do not drive when the roads are icy.
- Wear your seat belt at all times and make sure children are secured in child safety seats appropriate for their age, height, and weight.
For more tips about driving during the winter and on icy roads, you can visit the AAA Exchange website and the website for Governor of Pennsylvania.
Can I Recover Compensation for a Black Ice Accident?
In many cases, winter weather accidents and black ice accidents involve some type of driver error in addition to the road conditions. For example, a driver is speeding, following too closely, or fails to yield the right of way. In combination with the icy road, the driver error leads to a traffic accident.
If you can prove that the other driver was at fault in the crash, you may recover compensation for your injuries. Our Erie car accident attorneys offer free consultation and case evaluations. Contact our office to tell us what happened. You might be able to file an accident claim to recover money for your lost wages, property damage, medical bills, and other damages.
Contact The Travis Law Firm toll free at (800) 401-2066 to schedule a free legal consultation with one of our Erie accident attorneys.