Cold, icy and snowy weather will be upon us quicker than I’d like to think, but it’s important to prepare and inspect your car before hitting the roadways. Follow these safety tips before heading out. Check your tires. Inspect their tread and if you need to, install snow tires.Tire pressure plays a big part in road safety. Clear your view. Cracked windshields and worn wipers can impair visibility. Check fluids. Keep an eye on your vehicle’s fluid levels during the colder months to avoid engine malfunction. Clear the snow. Keep a long brush or ice scraper in your car to clear snow. It is unlawful in Connecticut to operate a vehicle with snow on the roof of your car or truck. If you or a loved one were injured in a New Haven auto accident, contact our firm to schedule your free consultation. We have been protecting the rights of the injured in New Haven and the Connecticut shoreline for over 60 years.

While most of us are aware that driving on Connecticut roadways in snow could be dangerous, we often fail to acknowledge the other hazards on the road. In addition to snow and ice being the most obvious contributors to some winter New Haven auto accidents, some of these winter related risk factors include: Wind speed affects the distance up to which the drivers can see. During winter, snow and dust can hamper visibility and make it difficult for the drivers to identify obstacles and hazards in their path. High wind speed can create lane obstructions by causing the debris to blow onto roadways. These hazards when combined can significantly increase the risk of accidents, because when visibility is impaired, the driver may not be able to see the debris that has been blown into the roadway and may not be able to get out of the way in time. Poor visibility due to fog. Fog increases the risk of New Haven auto accidents, because the drivers cannot see obstacles on the roadway. Tire pressure is impacted by pavement temperature. Drivers should ensure that their tires are properly inflated to correct pressure levels. This will reduce the chances of a blowout that can cause the car to lose control. Excess water. Rain or melting snow can cause roadways to become submerged and pose serious risks when motorists lose traction and control of…continue reading

Driving during icy conditions can be downright scary, especially if you were injured in an New Haven auto accident due to a skidding vehicle. The Connecticut Department of Transportation advises motorists to think and act quickly by taking their foot off the brake if they start skidding. Keep your foot off the brake while turning your steering wheel firmly in the direction you want to take your vehicle. If you were injured in an auto accident involving a skidding vehicle, contact the New Haven auto accident attorneys at The LoRicco Law Firm. Whether your injuries were caused by another motorist on the road, or could have been prevented if the municipality or state de-iced, an experienced and knowledgeable attorney can help you with your claim.

New Haven auto accident attorneys at The LoRicco Law Firm remind citizens to properly secure Christmas trees to their vehicle when transporting them home.  According to research by AAA, in the last 4 years improperly secured trees have flown off vehicles and caused more than 200,000 auto accidents. Fortunately for Connecticut residents, we are protected by the law. Two-thirds of all crashes that involve objects in the road were the result of debris falling off a vehicle and more than one-third of deaths in debris-related crashes were due to driver’s swerving to avoid debris. Most often losing control of their vehicles. AAA offers these tips for transporting your Christmas tree home: Use a vehicle equipped with a roof rack. If you do not have a roof rack, some pick-up trucks, SUVs, or vans can fit a tree with all doors closed. Use the proper tie-downs. Secure branches with rope/twine or netting. The trunk of the tree should be toward the front of the car. Tie it down from every direction. And make you test the tie-downs before leaving the lot. Drive slowly and take back roads if possible. Contact the LoRicco Law Firm if you or a loved one were injured in an accident. Our New Haven auto accident attorneys will help you fight the insurance companies to get compensation for your injuries.