Winters in Illinois can be pretty harsh, as anyone who lives here can tell you. The simple act of driving to and from work each day can be dangerous due to the harsh road conditions we often experience. Being involved in a car accident can lead to physical injuries, as well as personal injury claims. It’s important to take precautions and be proactive about avoiding accidents on the road during the winter months. In this article, we will offer some tips to avoid a car accident in Illinois this winter.

Take Things Slow

When in doubt, slow down. This may seem obvious, but speeding is one of the primary causes of auto accidents in the winter. Icy road conditions make it more difficult for your car to stop and turn effectively. Be sure to take that into account when on the road and take things slower than you would in the summer months.

Focus on Car Safety

Making sure your vehicle is prepared for winter driving conditions is also essential to protect yourself from auto accidents. Check your fluid levels regularly so you don’t run, get an oil change if you’re due for one, and swap out your normal tires for winter tires. It’s also a good idea to keep some winter essentials with you at all times – including a blanket, boots, jumper cables, flashlight, and ice scraper.

New research out of the University of Buffalo suggests that the price of your vehicle may help predict your likelihood of getting injured in a car crash. It may sound odd, but when you start to think about it, it makes sense. After all, if a Cadillac Escalade gets in a collision with a Fiat, odds are the driver of the SUV is going to walk away with fewer injuries than the person in the small car. Researchers also noted that vehicle type and total weight also play a significant role in predicting injuries.

“We found that vehicle type, curb weight and price are all significant predictors of personal injury cost,” said Dietrich Jehle, a professor of medicine and biomedical research at the University of Buffalo.

According to researchers:

• For every additional $10,000 you spend on your purchase price, injury likelihood drops by nearly 12 percent.
• For every 1,000-pound weight increase, vehicles were 19 percent safer.

“More expensive cars are typically safer in a crash due to the greater weight of the higher value vehicles, the presence of more sophisticated safety features and the fact that SUVs, which tend to be the safest vehicles on the road, are priced higher than the average passenger vehicle,” Jehle said. “In our study, we found that nearly one-third of this increased safety is due to the greater weight of the vehicle and 11 percent is a result of the type of vehicle driven such as an SUV versus a sub-compact. Sophisticated safety features can explain much of the remaining benefits.”

Ejection from a vehicle during a car crash is typically associated with the most severe types of injuries. That’s why it’s so important to always wear your seat belt when you’re in a moving vehicle. The problem is, not everyone buckles up all the time, and that can leave you susceptible to major injury. Today, we take a closer look at injuries caused by an ejection.

Car Ejection Causes

Most people believe an ejection occurs when an unbelted rider if thrown forward through the windshield, but that’s not always the case. A person can be ejected from the vehicle through the windshield, through a side window, or out the car door. Some factors that can contribute to an ejection include:

• Vehicle rollover
• Speed at the time of crash
• Seat belt malfunction
• Faulty door latches
• Weak side windows

There are two types of ejections a person can suffer during a car crash:

A car accident is a physically and emotionally traumatic experience that can leave you asking the question, “Where do I go from here?” That’s why we’re here; to help you get on the road to recovery. Today, we share some tips for handling physical and legal issues after a car accident.

Steps To Take After a Car Accident

Here are some steps that can help you care for yourself after an auto accident.

1. See a Doctor – If you’ve suffered any type of injury, no matter how minor, it’s important to swing into an injury clinic. This is helpful for numerous reasons. First, they can help diagnose your injury, address your wounds and prescribe medication to assist in the healing process. Also, in the event that you want to file an injury claim, you’ll want to have had your immediate injuries documented by a physician.
2. Rest and Watch for Symptoms – The next thing you’ll want to do is take it easy for a few days and let your body recover. This is also a crucial time to listen to your body, as sometimes injuries and symptoms take a few days to arise after an accident. This is particularly true with concussions, so if you are feeling groggy, confused or have regular headaches, it’s probably worth another visit to a physician.
3. Support – In the event that your accident was severe and you suffer an injury that forces you to miss work or leaves you incapable of completing household tasks, reach out to your support system for help. Friends and family will often be more than happy to bring over a meal, cover your shift or do the laundry if you can’t do it easily after an accident. Your support system is also a crucial part of supporting your mental health after a crash.
4. Mental Health – A car crash can leave you with some mental scars, but don’t let them overwhelm your life. Don’t just curl up on the couch and watch Netflix. Stay social, talk to friends and family or do a puzzle or crossword. Keep your mind sharp and focus on your future, don’t wallow on the crash.
5. Legal Help – If you were involved in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact an injury attorney to discuss your options.

Criminal & Civil Defense Attorneys

If you are dealing with a complicated legal issue, consult with an attorney early in the process to find out what your options are. At Appelman Law we represent clients dealing with criminal and civil matters. Whether you’re facing a DUI charge, filing for divorce, or dealing with an issue in small claims court – we can help. With decades of combined experience, our criminal and civil defense attorneys have the skills needed to help you through your legal matter. Contact us today at our Naperville office to set up a free consultation with one of our lawyers.