We’re certainly used to severe winter storms here in Illinois. However, this January, a powerful winter storm has been impacting people from the Midwest to the mid-Atlantic and as far south as North Carolina. Already, numerous people have suffered serious and in some cases fatal injuries on the roads.

In one case, a pickup truck lost control on a slick highway, crashing into another car. An elderly man died and three other people suffered serious injuries. Slick roads can cause even heavy trucks carrying sand to put on those roads to overturn. In fact, tractor-trailers and other large trucks can have particular difficulty maintaining control on icy roads.

Here in Illinois, a 73-year-old Troy man was killed when his vehicle swerved into oncoming traffic and hit a van in Madison County. Four people in the van were injured. The man who had lost control of his vehicle died at the scene.

Closer to home, an Illinois State Police trooper was killed in Glenview. The 34-year-old was on his way home when he came upon a three-car crash on Interstate 294 and stopped to offer assistance. As he did, he was struck by another driver in what appears to have been a tragic accident. That driver stopped after he hit the trooper.

At least five people in Missouri and Kansas have also been killed so far this month in crashes on slippery roads. In Virginia, which generally doesn’t see the amount of snow we have here in the Midwest, multiple motorists have died in storm-related crashes.

Drivers undoubtedly have less control over their vehicles in snowy, icy conditions. However, they still are responsible for adjusting their driving for the road conditions. That includes slowing down, allowing extra space and making sure their lights are on at all times.

If you have suffered injuries in a storm-related accident caused by another driver, you may be able to hold them legally responsible for the compensation you need to cover medical bills, loss of income and other expenses and damages. Find out what your legal options are.