Photo courtesy of the Croton Fire Department
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A recent overnight crash on Colabaugh Pond Road serves as a reminder of just how dangerous winter driving conditions can be in our region. According to fire officials, a vehicle left the roadway and crashed late Sunday night. While those involved declined medical attention at the scene, emergency responders used the incident to warn drivers about one of winter’s most dangerous threats: black ice.
In Westchester County and throughout the New York City metro area, black ice is a frequent cause of serious car accidents during cold weather months. It forms when moisture freezes on roadways, bridges, and shaded stretches of pavement, often becoming nearly invisible to drivers—especially at night or in early morning hours.
Westchester County and NYC Roads Prone to Black Ice
Drivers in White Plains, Yonkers, New Rochelle, and surrounding Westchester communities regularly encounter black ice on local roads, parkways, and overpasses. Major routes such as the Hutchinson River Parkway, Taconic State Parkway, Bronx River Parkway, I-287, and the Saw Mill River Parkway are especially vulnerable due to elevation changes, curves, and limited sunlight.
Heading south into the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, winter driving hazards remain just as serious. Bridges, entrance ramps, and service roads often freeze before main roadways, catching even cautious drivers off guard.
Why Black Ice Accidents Lead to Serious Injuries
Unlike snow-covered roads, black ice gives drivers little warning. Vehicles can suddenly lose traction, leading to:
- Spin-outs and single-vehicle crashes
- Rear-end collisions
- Multi-car pileups
- Cross-median and roadside impacts
Even low-speed black ice crashes can result in spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and long-term pain. In more severe cases, victims require surgery, rehabilitation, and extended time away from work.
Who Is Liable After a Black Ice Car Accident?
Insurance companies often try to dismiss these crashes as “weather-related” and deny responsibility. But under New York law, drivers are still required to adjust their speed and behavior for road conditions. Liability may exist if a driver:
- Was traveling too fast for conditions
- Followed too closely
- Failed to brake or steer properly
- Lost control due to reckless or careless driving
In some cases, municipal liability may also apply if roadways were negligently maintained.
Put an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer on Your Side
If you were injured in a winter or black ice car accident in Westchester County or NYC, it is critical to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer who understands how to fight back against insurance company tactics.
Norman Gershon is the attorney other lawyers call to try their toughest cases. With more than 35 years of trial experience, he has secured tens of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for injured clients across Westchester, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and throughout New York.
His track record includes:
- $16.5 million verdict – motor vehicle collision with catastrophic spinal injuries
- $5+ million verdicts for serious car accident and spine injury cases
- $2.5 million verdict in Westchester Supreme Court for a motor vehicle intersection crash
Trusted by Clients Across New York
Clients consistently praise Norman Gershon for his preparation, courtroom skill, and personal dedication:
“Norman is a brilliant attorney — a beast in the courtroom. I got a better outcome than I expected.”
— Anthony Mangino
“He’s thorough, well prepared, and confident in trial. I couldn’t have asked for better.”
— Lance, New York
Injured in a Winter Car Accident? Get the Right Lawyer Early
Black ice crashes can look simple on paper—but they often involve complex liability issues. The sooner you speak with a proven trial lawyer, the stronger your case can be.
If you or a loved one was injured in a winter car accident in Westchester County, White Plains, Yonkers, Manhattan, Queens, or the Bronx, make sure your rights are protected by a lawyer with real courtroom experience.
The Law Offices of Norman Gershon fight for injury victims—and win.
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