Tips for Driving in a Hailstorm

Hailstorms can be one of the more damaging weather events to happen throughout a year’s time. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, there were more than 6,000 hailstorms across the country in 2017. It should go without saying that if you are in an area where a hailstorm is hitting that you should remain under shelter. If you can, you should move any vehicles into a garage, carport or other types of shelter in order to keep them from getting damaged.

Unfortunately, there are situations where you could end up on the road when a hailstorm hits. It is a scary situation but one that is completely manageable. Keep the following tips in mind to remain safe when caught on the road in a hailstorm.

Protecting Your Vehicle and Yourself

If caught in a hailstorm you should remain inside your vehicle. While hail could be the size of a small pebble, some hail can be as large as a football. Leaving your vehicle in a hailstorm would only be putting yourself at a greater risk of injury. You should do your best to find a safe place to pull over. If you are lucky, you might be able to find shelter under an overpass. If not, pull over where you feel safe and make sure to keep your headlights and hazard lights on to make other motorists aware of your presence. Once pulled over you should do your best to situate yourself away from your vehicle’s windows. If the glass begins to break, make sure you and your passengers cover your faces. Again, continue to wait out the hailstorm as they tend to pass quickly even though they may leave a mighty path of destruction.

Once the hailstorm passes, assess any damages to your car. If you the damage is severe enough that you do not think you can operate your vehicle you should seek out roadside assistance. Be sure to begin documenting any damages to your vehicle. Write down the details of the hailstorm and take pictures of your vehicle to use in an insurance claim. And while you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible, you should also reach out to an attorney to help with your claim.

Insurance Claim Attorneys in Erie, PA

It is common knowledge that while insurance claim adjuster will make it sound like they are on your side, their job is to save the insurance company as much money as possible. Utilizing the expertise of an experienced insurance claim attorney can ensure that you get what you deserve from your claim.
In Pennsylvania, the attorneys at Purchase, George & Murphy, P.C. know the ins and outs of insurance claims. They will use their experience to make sure your claim is airtight and that your insurance company does not take advantage of you. For help with your insurance claim, call them today at 814-273-2010.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.

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