By the time April rolls around, most Minnesotans are tired of the snow and ice and are eagerly anticipating warmer temperatures. However, springtime snowstorms are not unheard of. One recent springtime snowstorm in Minnesota saw traffic fatalities in two separate car accidents.
The Minnesota State Patrol reported that one fatal crash took place in Hawk Creek Township. A transport van was traveling eastbound when it crashed head-on with a pick-up truck that had veered over the center line after the driver lost control of the vehicle and began fishtailing. One person died in this incident and three were injured.
The second fatal crash took place in Mission Creek Township. According to the State Patrol, an automobile traveling westbound was executing a turn when another automobile approached from behind, swerved into the opposite lane of traffic and collided with a third vehicle. The force of the collision caused the rear-end of the third vehicle to slam into the first vehicle that had stopped to turn left. The driver of the third vehicle died in the crash and the driver of the second vehicle suffered life-threatening injuries.
These car crashes show just how important it is to drive with due care, especially when roads are slick with ice and snow. This may mean leaving a greater distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you and driving slowly, even if it means driving below the posted speed limit. Failing to drive reasonably under the circumstances breaches a motorist’s duty of care, and if this breach leads to an auto accident that causes another party to suffer damages, that party may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim. Doing so can provide the injured party with the financial compensation they need to move forward, as well as hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.