The Wagner Law Group, a Fresno-based personal injury law firm with over 30 years of experience representing car accident victims in Fresno County and surrounding areas, has issued a set of winter weather driving tips as the 2025-2026 rainy season begins. The firm emphasizes that preventative measures are crucial, citing data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which indicates that simple actions like reducing speed and increasing following distance can significantly lower the risk of collisions.
According to the firm, which operates a toll-free Accident Hotline at (833) 200-7111, many accidents stem from preventable factors. The NHTSA recommends ensuring windshield wipers are in good condition to maintain visibility during rain, sleet, or snow. The Wagner Law Group's accident and injury attorneys have handled numerous cases where poor visibility led to collisions with pedestrians, motorcycles, bicycles, or other vehicles. Another often-overlooked factor is tire pressure, which decreases with dropping temperatures and adversely affects vehicle traction on the roadway; properly inflating tires is presented as a straightforward safety step.
The advisory extends to procedures if a vehicle becomes disabled. Using emergency flashers and supplemental lighting like LED flares can make a stalled vehicle more visible to other motorists. The firm also suggests keeping emergency supplies in the trunk in case of extended stranding. These precautions are highlighted as the region's major highways, including HWY 99, Interstate 5, HWY 80, and HWY 50, become particularly hazardous during winter months, contributing to hundreds of annual traffic fatalities in the area.
The Wagner Law Group's wrongful death attorneys assist families in seeking compensation after losing loved ones in accidents caused by others' negligence. The firm reports having recovered over $300 million for clients across various personal injury cases. While primarily known for vehicle accident representation, the firm also handles other legal matters, including cases for FCI Dublin prison sex abuse victims. The release of these driving tips underscores the firm's broader community-focused approach to injury prevention, positioning basic vehicle maintenance and defensive driving as key public safety issues during the challenging winter season.
