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.

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.

In November, families want to spend time together and often travel great distances. If you and your family are traveling you will experience increased traffic congestion as well as an increased risk for a New Haven auto accident. Stay safe by following these tips: Drive safely. Before you and your family hit the road make sure you perform proper maintenance including oil changes, battery check, tire rotation, and top off all fluids. Also make sure you check your vehicle’s lights. Keep your emergency and first aid kit in the car and make sure you are taking breaks as needed. Follow the rules of the road. Obey all speed limit and road safety signs. Keep off your mobile devices while operating your vehicle. Car seat safety. If your children still require a car seat, make sure you are using it properly. Remember, thick, heavy jackets are not to be worn by your child while they are in the car seat. Stay safe. If you are staying in a hotel this holiday season, keep your valuables locked up. Make sure you are walking in well-lit areas. Finally, keep your door locked when you are there and away. The New Haven auto accident attorneys at The LoRicco Law Firm wish you and your family safe and happy Thanksgiving travel!