Winter driving in Ohio and Michigan can be unpredictable and dangerous. Snow, black ice, freezing rain, and reduced visibility contribute to a sharp increase in vehicle accidents during the coldest months of the year. This Winter Auto Accident Guide offers essential information to help drivers protect their health, legal rights, and financial recovery after a crash.
At Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, we’ve seen firsthand how winter accidents can derail lives. Since 1955, our personal injury attorneys have helped accident victims across Northwest Ohio, Southeast Michigan, and surrounding communities secure the compensation they deserve. If you’re involved in a collision during winter weather, knowing the right steps to take can make all the difference.
Why Winter Car Accidents Are So Common in the Midwest
Each winter season, Ohio and Michigan experience thousands of weather-related crashes. In Ohio, there were over 10,000 crashes on snow-, ice-, or slush-covered roads during the 2022–23 winter season, and more than 8,000 similar crashes in the 2023–24 season, resulting in multiple fatalities and hundreds of injuries. Michigan recorded nearly 31,000 winter-weather crashes between October and April of the most recent reporting year, with a significant number of those resulting in serious injury or death. These sobering statistics highlight why winter driving demands extra caution and why legal guidance is crucial after a collision.
The spike in accidents during the winter months is not a coincidence. Snow, sleet, black ice, and freezing fog reduce tire traction and visibility, increasing the likelihood of loss-of-control collisions, rear-end crashes, and intersection accidents. While all drivers are at risk, those with longer commutes, older vehicles, or limited winter driving experience face greater danger. Unfortunately, even the most cautious drivers can be involved in a crash when another motorist fails to adjust for conditions.
What Should You Do if You Get Into a Car Accident in the Winter?
In the moments following a winter car accident, emotions run high. It’s natural to feel shaken, confused, or even unsure whether you’re injured. The first step is to remain calm. Ensuring your safety and the safety of those around you is the top priority. If you’re able, move your vehicle out of harm’s way and activate your hazard lights. In many winter collisions, visibility is low, and leaving vehicles in the path of traffic can lead to secondary crashes.
Call 911 as soon as possible. Emergency services should be dispatched regardless of the severity of the crash. Law enforcement officers will document the accident scene, which is essential for your insurance claim and any future legal proceedings. Paramedics can also evaluate you for injuries, some of which—like concussions, internal bleeding, or whiplash—may not present symptoms immediately.
While waiting for emergency responders, assess the scene. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver, but avoid discussing fault or speculating about what caused the crash. It’s also wise to take photos of the vehicles, the road conditions, and any visible injuries. If witnesses are present, ask for their contact information. These details may become crucial when proving liability later on.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention
One of the most overlooked steps after a winter accident is seeking medical care, particularly when injuries appear minor. Cold weather can mask the symptoms of certain injuries, and the adrenaline that follows a crash can delay pain responses. Even if you believe you’re fine, it’s important to get evaluated by a healthcare provider within 24 to 48 hours.
Common Injuries Associated with Winter Car Accidents
Winter-related collisions can cause a wide range of injuries, depending on the type of crash and the vehicles involved. Whiplash is common in rear-end collisions, particularly when a vehicle slides on icy roads and fails to stop in time. These soft tissue injuries can cause lasting neck and back pain, often requiring physical therapy and long-term care.
More serious crashes may result in broken bones, concussions, or spinal trauma. In high-impact accidents, particularly those involving larger vehicles like trucks or SUVs, victims may suffer head injuries or internal damage. The psychological impact of a winter accident should not be underestimated either. Many survivors experience post-traumatic stress, driving anxiety, or depression in the months that follow.
Because some symptoms are delayed, it’s essential to continue monitoring your health and follow your doctor’s recommendations. This not only supports your physical recovery but also ensures your legal claim accurately reflects the extent of your injuries.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident is never easy—but winter crashes present unique challenges. Insurance companies are quick to downplay claims, especially if they believe weather conditions, rather than driver error, were to blame. Unfortunately, this leaves injured victims struggling to pay for medical treatment, car repairs, and lost wages.
An experienced personal injury attorney understands how to prove fault in winter driving cases. While poor weather may contribute to a crash, drivers still have a legal responsibility to adjust their speed and maintain control. A qualified lawyer will gather evidence, review accident reports, consult experts, and build a case that demonstrates how another party’s negligence caused your injuries.
At Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, we’ve handled hundreds of winter-related auto accident claims. We know how to deal with uncooperative insurance adjusters and how to pursue compensation that reflects the true cost of your injuries—not just today, but in the future. From negotiating settlements to taking cases to trial when necessary, we are prepared to fight for our clients at every stage of the process.
What You Should Avoid After a Winter Crash
After an accident, the choices you make can affect the strength of your case. One of the most common mistakes is admitting fault at the scene. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be misinterpreted as an admission of liability. Let the investigation determine who was responsible. Do not post about the crash on social media, as insurance companies and defense attorneys may use your statements against you.
It’s also important to avoid signing documents or accepting a settlement without speaking to an attorney. Early settlement offers are often far below what a case is worth, particularly before the full scope of your injuries is known. Accepting an early offer may limit your ability to recover additional compensation later.
How Our Team Can Help
When you’re injured in a car accident—especially during the high-risk winter months—you need a legal team that understands both the physical and legal challenges you’re facing. At Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, we’re proud to serve clients throughout Ohio and Michigan with personalized, experienced legal care. Our attorneys have deep knowledge of winter crash litigation, accident reconstruction, and insurance negotiation strategies.
We offer free consultations and take personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our goal is to alleviate the burden so you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal details.
Our firm has nine office locations to serve you, including Toledo, Fremont, Maumee, Findlay, Defiance, Lima, Mansfield, Sandusky, and Monroe, Michigan. No matter where your accident occurred, we’re ready to advocate on your behalf.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Winter car accidents can be life-changing. Whether you’re dealing with a painful injury, vehicle damage, or lost income, you shouldn’t have to manage it alone. Legal support is just a phone call away.
Contact Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault today at 419-843-6663 or complete our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Jeff joined GT&B in 2008 as a law clerk. After graduation, he worked in election law. In 2011, he returned to GT&B as an Associate, focusing on personal injury cases like auto accidents, premises liability, general negligence, wrongful death, and dog bites. Now a Senior Associate in the Personal Injury department, he is passionate about protecting his clients who have suffered injuries through no fault of their own and ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
