New York City is no stranger to snowstorms. The beauty of a snow-covered Central Park or a glistening Brooklyn Bridge can charm anyone, but the same snow that paints our city in serene white brings significant dangers, particularly on the road. Whether you're navigating the twists and turns of the Bronx River Parkway, inching along the Long Island Expressway (LIE), or crossing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, driving in snowy conditions presents serious challenges.
If you’ve been in a car accident after a winter storm, you may feel overwhelmed, scared, or unsure of what to do next. You’re not alone. Accidents happen to even the most cautious drivers when snow and ice take over New York’s roadways. We’re here to help guide you through the aftermath step by step.
The Impact of Snow and Ice on Road Safety
Snow and ice are major hazards for drivers, especially in snowy regions where over 70% of U.S. roads are located, including New York City, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. Reduced pavement friction, poor vehicle maneuverability, and obstructed roadways lead to slower speeds, longer travel times, and higher crash risks. Snowy or slushy pavement causes arterial speeds to drop by 30-40%, and freeway speeds can decline up to 40% during heavy snow. Reduced visibility further complicates driving conditions.
Every year, 24% of weather-related crashes occur on snowy, slushy, or icy roads, resulting in over 1,300 deaths and 116,800 injuries. Around 15% of crashes happen during active snowfall or sleet, causing nearly 900 fatalities and 76,000 injuries annually.
Winter weather also impacts infrastructure, with snow and ice increasing road maintenance costs. State and local agencies spend over $2.3 billion annually on snow and ice control efforts, along with millions more to repair snow-related damage to roads and bridges. These figures highlight the significant safety challenges and financial burdens associated with winter driving, underscoring the importance of caution behind the wheel during snowy conditions.
Steps to Take After a Snowstorm Accident
Snow and ice on the roads can increase the risk of car accidents. Even if you have not been in a snowstorm accident, it’s important to review the actions to take if you are involved in one, as your actions immediately after and in the days and weeks after a car accident in a snowstorm can protect your safety and strengthen your case for compensation.
Stay Calm and Ensure Your Safety
An accident can leave you feeling shaken, but it’s important to take a moment to collect yourself. Breathe deeply and focus on your next steps. Your safety—and the safety of those around you—is the top priority.
- Check for injuries - Assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately and report the severity of the situation. Even minor discomfort should be looked at by a medical professional, as some injuries don't show symptoms right away.
- Move to a safe location - If possible and safe to do so, move your vehicle out of oncoming traffic. Staying in the middle of the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, for example, can increase the risk of another collision. If the car cannot be moved, turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
- Watch for icy conditions - Snow and ice can make an accident scene even more dangerous. Be cautious as you move around your car and avoid slipping on black ice.
Call the Police
No matter how minor the accident seems, it’s crucial to notify the police when you’re involved in a collision. A police report can serve as an important piece of evidence for insurance claims or other settlement processes.
- Provide a detailed and honest account of what happened. Stick to the facts, and avoid speculating or admitting fault. For instance, if your car slid on the slick pavement of the FDR Drive, simply explain the conditions without adding commentary.
- Take note of the badge number and name of the responding officer, ensuring you have all relevant information for your records.
Document the Scene
Evidence is vital following an accident, particularly in New York City's busy and diverse driving conditions. While you're waiting for help to arrive, take steps to document the accident scene. Use your phone to capture as much detail as possible.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Photos of the damage - Take pictures of your car, the other vehicle, and the surrounding area. Don’t forget to capture skid marks, damaged road signs, or snow-covered stoplights that may have factored into the crash.
- Weather conditions - If the accident occurred during heavy snowfall or icy conditions near a spot like Times Square, include photos of the weather that day.
- Landmarks and street signs - Be specific when recording the accident’s location. For example, noting that the crash took place near the intersection of Flatbush Avenue and Atlantic Avenue can help paint a clear picture.
- Driver information - Exchange names, phone numbers, insurance details, and license plate numbers with the other driver. Document the make, model, and color of their car as well.
- Witnesses - If anyone saw the accident, ask for their name and contact details. Their account could play a critical role later.
Seek Medical Attention
After an accident, your physical well-being should remain your top priority. Even if you feel fine initially, injuries such as whiplash, concussions, and internal trauma could emerge hours or even days later. Winter driving accidents are especially prone to causing serious impacts due to slick surfaces and reduced control.
- Visit a hospital or urgent care center if necessary. New York has some excellent medical facilities, such as NewYork-Presbyterian in Manhattan or NYU Langone.
- Follow up with your primary care provider for a thorough examination.
- Keep records of all medical treatments, prescriptions, and any recommendations from your doctor.
Remember, prioritizing your health is not only essential for your recovery—it’s also important for any legal or insurance-related issues that might arise.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve handled the immediate aftermath of the accident, contact your car insurance provider. Reporting the incident quickly can streamline the claims process and help cover the cost of damages. Here’s what to include in your report:
- The location of the accident (for example, "It happened on the George Washington Bridge during heavy snowfall").
- Details of the other vehicle and driver involved.
- A summary of damages and injuries reported at the scene.
- A copy of the police report, if available.
When speaking with an insurance adjuster, stick to the facts and avoid making statements that imply blame.
Be Aware of Common Winter Hazards
Winter accidents in NYC often result from the same predictable hazards. Knowing what to look out for can help you identify whether factors beyond your control may have led to your crash.
These include:
- Black ice - Nearly invisible, this thin layer of ice on roadways is a major cause of winter accidents, especially on highways like the Belt Parkway.
- Poor visibility - Falling snow can obscure your view of other cars, pedestrians, and traffic signals. Areas like the Williamsburg Bridge, prone to heavy winds, can exacerbate visibility issues.
- Unsafe drivers - Some drivers take excessive risks during snowstorms, tailgating or failing to adjust their speed in hazardous conditions.
- Uncleared roadways - Despite NYC’s efforts, plows and sand trucks can’t reach every street or intersection as quickly as the snow falls. Smaller roads in neighborhoods like Astoria or Bay Ridge might be particularly treacherous.
If any of these factors contributed to your accident, make sure to document them for your own records.
Manage Your Emotional Recovery
A car accident is not just a physical experience—it’s an emotional one, too. It’s perfectly natural to feel anxious or overwhelmed in the days or weeks after the crash. You might replay the event in your mind, wondering if there’s something you could have done differently. That’s a normal response, but it’s essential to take steps to protect your mental health.
Here are some tips:
- Talk to someone - Share your experience with a trusted friend or family member. If feelings of anxiety or fear persist, consider speaking with a therapist.
- Be patient with yourself - Recovery takes time, and it’s okay to lean on others for support.
- Focus on self-care - Make sleep, nutrition, and exercise a priority whenever possible.
Being in an accident during a snowstorm is especially stressful, as so many elements—weather, other drivers, road conditions—are out of your control. Give yourself the grace to heal, emotionally and physically.
Know When to Seek Legal Support
While many winter accidents are minor and easily resolved, some incidents require professional legal assistance. If the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, poor road maintenance, or a defect in your vehicle, you may need help pursuing compensation to cover medical bills, lost income, and repair costs.
How a Lawyer Can Help with Your Snowstorm Accident Claim
After a snowstorm accident, dealing with the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Between recovering from injuries, managing car repairs, and navigating insurance claims, it’s easy to feel buried under stress. This is where a personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference. A skilled and compassionate attorney can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.
Navigating Insurance Claims
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, even when you’re clearly entitled to more. Handling these negotiations alone can be daunting, especially if you’re recovering from injuries. An experienced lawyer steps in to handle communications with insurance adjusters, ensuring your claim is taken seriously. They know how to counter lowball settlement offers and push for compensation that reflects the true cost of your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Gathering and Preserving Crucial Evidence
Strong evidence is key to building a successful accident claim, and a lawyer knows exactly what to look for. Whether it’s photos of the accident scene, surveillance footage from a nearby intersection, or maintenance records for an icy roadway, they’ll ensure no detail is overlooked. They can also interview witnesses, obtain police reports, and consult with accident reconstruction experts if needed—all to strengthen your case.
Establishing Liability
Winter accidents are often a complex web of contributing factors, from negligent drivers to poorly maintained roadways. Identifying who’s at fault can be challenging, but a personal injury lawyer’s expertise is invaluable here. They’ll investigate every angle, determining whether the other driver’s recklessness, a municipality’s failure to clear the roads, or even a vehicle defect played a role in your collision.
Handling Complex Legal Processes
Navigating New York’s legal system can be intimidating, especially when you’re trying to focus on your recovery. A lawyer takes on the heavy lifting for you—filing paperwork, meeting deadlines, and ensuring your case complies with state regulations. They’ll also be prepared to take your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached, advocating on your behalf every step of the way.
Maximizing Your Compensation
A skilled attorney advocates for more than just minimum coverage. They work to secure compensation that truly reflects your needs, whether it’s medical expenses, lost income during recovery, repair costs for your vehicle, or damages for emotional distress. They leave no stone unturned, ensuring nothing is left on the table.
Offering Support and Peace of Mind
Beyond legal knowledge, a lawyer is also a source of comfort during a difficult time. Having someone who understands the process inside and out gives you the space to focus on what matters most—your health and recovery. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. With the right lawyer by your side, you gain both an advocate and a protector.
Contact The Perecman Firm and Get the Help You Deserve
At The Perecman Firm, we understand the unique challenges that winter driving in New York City brings. Our experienced personal injury lawyer is deeply committed to supporting accident victims through every step of the recovery process. With decades of experience advocating for the injured, we take on insurance companies, negligent drivers, and other parties so that you can focus on what matters most—your healing.
Are you ready to claim the compensation you deserve? Contact The Perecman Firm today at (212) 977-7033 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. Together, we’ll work to make things right and ensure your family is cared for.