There’s nothing quite like a summer roadtrip. Music, the open road, and maybe a couple of your family members or friends along for the ride. While it may be the last thing you want to think about, there is always a possibility for an accident to occur during your trip. Here are some tips to help you be prepared in case your trip hits a snag.

Tip 1: Roadside Assistance Kit

Check to see if your car has a roadside assistance kit. If not you can make your own by getting reflective triangles, jumper cables, flashlight, bandages, a rain poncho, quick tire inflation kit, and nonperishable food and water to keep on hand in case something happens.

Tip 2: Getting Help

Many auto insurance plans offer roadside assistance as part of their coverage. If you don’t have roadside assistance coverage with your plan, you can still call to get help, however you may be required to cover the entire cost. 

Tip 3: Check Before Hitting the Road

Do an inspection of your car before heading out on your trip to make sure it’s in good working order and up to handling the task of a long drive. Check your tire pressure and make sure fluids such as oil and washer fluid are at safe levels and get them topped off or changed if necessary beforehand. 

Injured in a Car Accident?

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident contact our team at (303)-999-9999 or (303)-835-9342 to schedule a free consultation. Click here to view our practice area page on motor vehicle accidents here for more information.

A report from NOAA claims there is currently a 95% chance that a powerful El Nino storm will impact us throughout the winter 2015-2016 and will gradually diminish through spring 2016.

We’d like to share some Winter Driving Tips and Tricks for what Meteorologists across Colorado are predicting to be a heavier-than-normal snow season.

1. Make sure you have a solid insurance policy. You may want to consider purchasing UM/UIM insurance. If you aren’t sure what UM/UIM insurance is, click here for more information.

2. Be prepared in case of an emergency. This includes having a winter safety kit in your car. You should also have something to write with. At Boesen Law, we recommend carrying our “Auto Accident Kit” in your glove box. Click Here for your free printable copy.

3. Winterize your automobile. Edmunds.com recommends some of the following tips:

1. Get snow tires for more cautious driving
2. Check your tire pressure
3. Maintain/Replace windshield wipers
4. Upgrade windshield wiper fluid to one with de-icing components
5. Check your car battery. The cold can deplete the power up to 50%
6. Make sure Antifreeze is 50% water and 50% coolant
7. Ensure heating and defrost systems are working correctly

4. Practice cautious driving. You should keep a safe distance between cars in winter conditions. Keeping a safe distance between yourself and other cars may prevent sudden braking which can cause an accident. Another safety tip is to drive at a steady pace and avoid sudden speed increases. Winter weather can cause black ice which is nearly impossible to detect but by going at a cautious speed, you may avoid causing an accident.

Should you be involved in an accident during winter weather, you may experience difficulty receiving help through emergency services due to an “Accident Alert”. During an Accident Alert, weather conditions can cause a large volume of accidents. According to Colorado.gov, Troopers or Police Officers will only respond if the following conditions exist:

1. Vehicles are disabled due to damage
2. Accident involves a fatality or an injury requiring medical attention
3. Alcohol and or drugs are involved
4. Accident is an alleged hit and run
5. There is damage to property, other than wildlife (example – highway sign, traffic sign)
6. Any property damage accident in which the reporting party is not or has not had contact with the other driver(s)

If the accident doesn’t meet the above guidelines you must exchange information with the other driver such as their full name, driver’s license number, insurance policy information, and their phone number. Document photos of the scene, your car, and the other driver’s car.

It’s also highly recommended you file an accident report online or at a local police station where the accident occurred. You may also need to call your own Auto Insurance Company to notify them of the accident.

Lastly, you should also seek a physician’s medical evaluation after any crash. There are many times when someone has been injured in a crash and doesn’t feel pain until down the road. An evaluation from a physician can provide you with critical documentation in the unfortunate circumstance that you are injured and need legal assistance.

For any questions about these Winter Driving Tips or to speak to a Colorado Snow Accident Lawyer at Boesen Law, call us at 303-999-9999 or email us at [email protected]. Remember, the consultation is always free.