Residents of Wisconsin are used to dealing with poor driving conditions, especially given the heavy and frequent snow fall during 2013 and 2014. Even so, it can be easy to forget how fast snow and ice can change conditions on a road, and they are often factors in car accidents. On the morning of Wednesday, March 19, two drivers collided in snowy conditions; the accident resulted in severe damage to both vehicles, say authorities.
According to reports, the incident occurred when a 23-year-old driver was traveling eastbound on U.S. Highway 14. Due to slushy road conditions, she lost control of her vehicle. The vehicle crossed over the line into the other lane and hit a pickup truck that was traveling west.
The pickup truck was being operated by a 48-year-old driver. His truck ran off the side of the road and into a snowbank. The woman’s car spun in the road. It stopped in the eastbound lane, where it caught fire briefly before authorities were able to put it out.
According to the police, investigations are still pending regarding the incident. Both drivers sustained injuries but were able to leave the scene and seek medical attention on their own. Both vehicles had deployed airbags and a lot of damage.
In a case where weather appears to have played a role in an accident, there may still be liability present on the part of one or more drivers. Following up with police regarding accident reports is an important step in both the insurance claims and personal injury process. When someone walks away from an accident and seeks medical attention later, they may find that injuries are more severe than was first apparent. Keeping legal options for compensation open is always a good idea.
Source: WEAU, “Two people injured in HWY 14 crash” Press Release, Mar. 20, 2014
