Winter weather in Indiana can change driving conditions quickly. For motorists traveling Interstate 70 between Terre Haute and Brownsburg, snow, freezing rain, black ice, reduced visibility, and congested traffic can turn an ordinary commute into a dangerous trip.
Even experienced drivers can lose control of their vehicles when road conditions deteriorate. When drivers fail to adjust their speed, follow too closely, or drive carelessly in hazardous conditions, the consequences can include serious injuries and costly vehicle damage.
At Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin, we understand how a winter car accident can affect an injured person and their family. Knowing how to reduce your risk of a crash and what steps to take if an accident occurs can help protect you and your legal rights. Here are key winter driving safety tips and what to do after a crash on Interstate 70 if you find yourself in one.
Interstate 70 connects communities across west-central Indiana, including Terre Haute, Brazil, Plainfield, and the Brownsburg area. During winter, drivers along this corridor may encounter rapidly changing weather, slick pavement, and traffic moving at highway speeds. Several hazards deserve particular attention, including:
Due to such dangerous conditions, it is important to know how to drive safely in winter weather to avoid crashes on I-70.
Before heading out on I-70 this winter, take a few precautions to help make your trip safer and drive more defensively to avoid accidents.
Check the forecast and current road conditions before leaving. Indiana drivers can use the Indiana Department of Transportation’s travel resources to review roadway conditions and traffic information. If conditions are dangerous, consider postponing your trip. Arriving late is better than risking your safety.
The posted speed limit is not necessarily a safe speed during winter weather. Slow down when roads are snowy, icy, wet, or difficult to see. Adjust your speed to the conditions rather than attempting to keep pace with faster traffic.
Give the vehicle ahead of you additional space. Extra distance provides more time to react and brake if traffic slows suddenly. Avoid tailgating, especially near interchanges, construction zones, and congested areas.
Accelerate gradually, brake smoothly, and steer carefully. Abrupt braking, sharp turns, and sudden lane changes can cause your tires to lose traction. Avoid using cruise control on snow- or ice-covered roads.
Before winter arrives, inspect your tires, brakes, battery, windshield wipers, lights, and heating and defrosting systems. Keep your windows, mirrors, headlights, and taillights free of snow and ice. Consider keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle with a blanket, flashlight, ice scraper, phone charger, first-aid supplies, and other winter essentials.
Snowplows help keep Indiana highways passable, but they have limited visibility and may need to change lanes or move across the shoulder. Stay well behind them, avoid crowding them, and use extreme caution if passing is necessary.
Even careful drivers following all our safety tips can be involved in a crash on I-70 caused by another motorist’s negligence. If you are involved in a winter collision, consider the following steps when it is safe to do so.
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is injured or there is an immediate safety concern. If possible, move to a safer location away from moving traffic. Do not put yourself at risk by remaining in an active traffic lane.
Contact law enforcement when appropriate. An official crash report may help document the circumstances of the collision.
If it is safe, photograph vehicle damage, road conditions, visible ice or snow, traffic signs, and the positions of the vehicles. Obtain contact information from witnesses and exchange information with the other driver.
Some injuries, including whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries, may not become apparent immediately. A medical evaluation can help identify injuries and create a record of your treatment.
Save medical bills, repair estimates, receipts, insurance correspondence, and documentation of missed work. These records may be important if you pursue an injury claim.
Provide necessary factual information, but avoid guessing about the cause of the accident or the extent of your injuries. Consider speaking with an attorney before agreeing to a settlement or signing a release.
Winter weather can complicate a car accident claim after a crash on Interstate 70, but snow and ice do not automatically excuse a driver’s negligence if they were not driving safely under the conditions. Drivers are expected to operate their vehicles with reasonable care under the circumstances. Depending on the facts, negligent conduct may include:
The circumstances of each collision matter. Weather conditions, road maintenance, witness statements, photographs, crash reports, and available vehicle or roadway data may all help establish how an accident occurred.
Indiana’s comparative fault rules may also affect whether an injured person can recover compensation and how much they may receive. The application of those rules depends on the specific facts of the case.
Depending on the circumstances, compensation in a successful personal injury claim may include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
“Winter driving conditions can be unpredictable, but drivers still have a responsibility to use reasonable care and adjust to the conditions around them. When someone is injured because another driver failed to take appropriate precautions, they deserve the opportunity to understand their legal options. Our goal is to help injured individuals and families navigate the process and pursue the compensation they may be entitled to under Indiana law.”
— Caleb Fleschner, Attorney at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin
Winter driving safety tips can help prevent accidents, but you should still be prepared for what to do after a crash on Interstate 70. A winter car accident can leave you dealing with physical pain, medical expenses, lost income, and uncertainty about what comes next. You should not have to navigate those challenges without understanding your options.
Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin represents injured individuals and families in personal injury matters. If you or someone you love has been injured in a winter collision on I-70 between Terre Haute and Brownsburg, our team can help you understand the claims process and evaluate your next steps. Contact Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin to discuss your situation and learn more about your legal options. You can call our Terre Haute office at (812) 232-2000 or our Brownsburg office at (317) 444-8686. You can also reach us through our online contact form.
Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin
N/a The financial burden that often comes with a serious injury can be too much for many people to bear. Unexpected medical debt, damaged personal property, and the sudden loss of income can impact the budgets of most families. The good news is that a successful injury claim could help reduce that financial strain after a serious accident. Get in touch with a Terre Haute personal injury lawyer with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin to learn more.
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