Winter Motor Vehicle Accidents

Winter in Ottawa, most of Ontario, can bring about all kinds of weather: snow, black ice, snowstorms, blizzards and let's not forget everyone's favourite, freezing rain.

Whether you are driving your car, snowmobile or simply a pedestrian, the winter season warrants extra attention to keep yourself safe due to the reduced visibility and the increased distance needed for a vehicle to come to a full stop.

Should you find yourself being the victim of a winter time MVA (Motor Vehicle Accident) there are a couple things you can do immediately. First, after a crash use our free car accident step-by-step guide on what to do next.

Once safe and wanting how to proceed next, let's arrange a free assessment for you with one of our MVA lawyers about how to proceed.

How To Avoid A Winter Motor Vehicle Accident

sample of winter mva (car accident)

While there are no guarantees of prevention to a winter time MVA, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of a car accident. Some of these steps you may be able to do yourself and for those less mechanically savvy, they can be easily by done by your trusted mechanic.

  1. Winter tires - it cannot be said enough about the effectiveness, remember, it is the tires that make contact with the ground, proper tires make a big difference.
  2. Brakes - getting a brake service will ensure they are working when you need them. A brake service is a tune up service to ensure your current brakes work well instead of an outright brake change.
  3. Windshield wipers - don't let snow and ice affect your ability to see. Having properly working wipers will ensure you have an unobstructed view.

Maintaining the proper working condition of your motor vehicle will help you avoid winter time accidents by improving your visibility and control of your vehicle.

If you are involved in a winter time MVA then one of our car accident lawyers have the expertise to help.

Here are some more winter driving safety recommendations from the CCA https://www.caa.ca/driving-safely/winter-driving/

How To Prevent Being Struck By A Vehicle As A Pedestrian In Winter

For a pedestrian winter brings additional elements of which to be aware. Snow, blizzards and freezing rain increase the chance of you not only suffering a personal injury but also of being involved in a MVA.

We have compiled a list of actions you can take to reduce your chance of being struck.

If, unfortunately, you have been struck contact one of our MVA lawyers right away as there may be accident benefits which can help you recover from a motor vehicle accident.

Our list of actions you can undertake to reduce your chance of being involved in a wintertime MVA as a pedestrian:

  • If visibility is limited due to snow, avoid wearing white a white jacket. Colour during limited visibility is your friend.
  • Stick to the sidewalks, even if roads look fine they may in fact be slippery.
  • Increase your awareness and ensure you you allow for extra time when crossing and extra distance for vehicles to slow down.
  • Avoid distractions such as checking social media or taking a call on your phone.
  • If you go out at night a reflective garment will increase the chance motorists will see you from a further distance.

Need to chat to one of our MVA lawyers who specialize in winter time accidents and take advantage of our free legal consultation?

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