Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player
Personal injury, youclaim.co.uk

Personal injury claim solicitor for ice and snow accidents

Winter weather, which gives rise to a variety of ice and snow accidents, can often lead to the door of a personal injury claim solicitor when someone feels justified in seeking compensation for pain, suffering or loss of earnings as a result of the actions or neglect of another.

This can be particularly true of road traffic accidents where drivers who are confident and competent on clear roads in the sunshine do not have sufficient experience or skills to cope with unusually cold conditions.

Many victims of a car crash on an icy road have skidded or slid into another vehicle either parked or moving at slow speed, so resulting damage and injury is usually less severe than a high-speed collision.

Whiplash or similar spinal injury is still a strong possibility in a slow-speed road traffic accident and, of course, even a minor bump can cause a serious medical problem if the victim is unlucky.

At any time, driving is a responsible task and everyone has a duty of care to other road-users as well as themselves but those who are reckless should not be allowed jeopardise the lives and livelihoods of innocent motorists trying to get on with their day-to-day business.

To reduce the possibility of a vehicle accident in ice and snow, the Automobile Association recommends the following driving tips:


  • Stopping distances are 10 times longer in ice and snow.

  • Gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving.

  • Wear comfortable, dry shoes: cumbersome, snow-covered boots will slip on the pedals

  • Select second gear when pulling away, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel-spin.

  • When climbing a hill it's important to avoid having to stop on the hill by waiting until it is clear of other cars or by leaving plenty of room between you and the car in front. Try to maintain a constant speed, choosing the most suitable gear well in advance to avoid having to change down on the hill.

  • When driving downhill, reduce your speed before the hill, use a low gear and try to avoid using the brakes. Leave as much room as possible between you and the car in front.

  • Always apply brakes gently. Release them and de-clutch if the car skids.

  • If you have an automatic, then under normal driving conditions (motorways, etc) it's best to select 'Drive' and let the gearbox do the work throughout the full gear range. In slippery, snowy conditions you can make driving much safer by selecting '2', which limits the gear changes and also makes you less reliant on the brakes. Many modern autos have a 'Winter' mode which locks out first gear to reduce the risk of wheel spin. Check the handbook if you're not sure.

  • If you do get stuck, straighten the steering and clear the snow from the wheels. Put a sack or old rug in front of the driving wheels to give the tyres some grip. Once on the move again, try not to stop until you reach firmer ground.

UK-wide personal injury claim solicitor

Wherever in the UK you have been involved in a road traffic accident which was not your fault and for which you feel justified in seeking compensation, YouClaim can offer the services of a personal injury claim solicitor.

With their wide experience, professional standards monitored by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and a sympathetic manner when dealing with clients, YouClaim's lawyers tick all the boxes when it comes to efficient, cost-effective legal help.

An additional benefit is the no win no fee system which means you keep every penny of compensation won for you.

To find out more about how YouClaim's personal injury claim solicitor service, you can call us free on 0800 10 757 95