Snow and ice are the culprit of countless personal injury cases on Long Island. Inclement weather conditions cause a spike in motor vehicle accidents and slip and falls. Many Long Islanders are still required to drive to work in and after snowstorms. Our nurses, doctors, police officers, fire fighters, EMT, highway employees, and those in the food service industries do not stop working when it snows. Other Long Islanders have the option to work from home, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, greatly decreasing the amount of traffic on the road during a storm. However, because snow and ice can last for several days after the initial snowfall, those working from home are still exposed to unsafe walking and driving conditions. Surprisingly, the majority of injuries and deaths occur after a snowstorm has passed.
Although our Long Island highway departments took ample measures to prepare for the storm, no amount of snow and ice removal and salting will eliminate motor vehicle accidents. It is always a safe practice to refrain from driving during a storm unless it is absolutely necessary. If travel is unavoidable, it is important not to rush, and providing yourself with additional time to reach your destination. Weather conditions during a storm restrict visibility, decrease traction making it more likely to slip and potentially crash or slide off of the road, and increase the risk of hitting another vehicle or a pedestrian.
During Winter Storm Kenan, police officers responded to over 300 motor vehicle accidents. For reference, under normal circumstances, there are approximately 95 motor vehicle accidents per day statewide. By 9:00 a.m., on January 29, 2022, Suffolk County police officers responded to 60 motor vehicle crashes as a result of Winter Storm Kenan. In addition to responding to accidents, police officers assisted a sharp increase of drivers with disabled vehicles.
Whether you were involved in a fender bender or a catastrophic collision, motor vehicle accidents have an impact at least the immediate future. Unless you were lucky enough to have zero damage to your vehicle and no injuries, steps you may need to complete shortly after an accident include:
- Dealing with the police department
- Notifying your insurance carrier
- Dealing with repair shops and tow companies
- Fighting to have the correct insurance company cover your vehicle and injuries
- Laying out and recovering your deductible
- Renting a vehicle
- Visiting the hospital
- Treating your injuries
- Notifying your job for time off from work
- Obtaining reimbursement for lost wages
- Completing a No-Fault application
The process can be intimidating, especially if you have never been in a motor vehicle accident. If you do not know your rights and options, you could unknowingly agree to or inadvertently waive benefits to which you could be entitled.
Our firm handles the entire case for you. We advise you of all of your rights and responsibilities and explain the process to you, so you have a full understanding. We layout your options so we can decide on the best way to handle your specific case. If you are dealing with the aftermath of an accident following the recent snowstorm, we invite you to consult with us. We are conveniently located in Commack, New York, but offer virtual appointments and telephone consultations as well.
T: (631) 343-7676
