Houston isn’t built for frequent winter weather, and let’s face it: neither are our drivers. That’s exactly why this year’s snow storm has turned Houston’s streets and highways into high-risk zones overnight. Even a thin layer of snow or ice can reduce traction, extend stopping distances, and make normal driving maneuvers unpredictable – especially on bridges, overpasses, and shaded roadways that freeze first.

Below are several serious road-injury scenarios we often see after Houston snow storms, along with the injuries they can cause and what you should do to protect yourself after a crash.

Why Snow and Ice Are So Dangerous in Houston

Winter storms create a unique set of hazards in the Houston area:

  • Black ice forms quickly and is difficult to see
  • Overpasses and bridges freeze first, even when surface streets look fine
  • Drivers are less experienced in snow/ice conditions compared to northern states
  • Reduced visibility from snow, fog, and heavy rain bands
  • Emergency response delays due to road conditions and high call volume

When drivers keep normal speeds or follow too closely, one mistake can trigger a chain reaction.

Severe Road Injury Scenarios During a Houston Snow Storm

1) Multi-Car Pileups on Freeways and Elevated Ramps

In winter conditions, one vehicle losing traction can cause sudden braking across multiple lanes—especially on major corridors like I-10, I-45, 610, and 288.

How it happens:

  • A driver hits black ice and spins
  • Traffic behind cannot stop in time
  • Secondary impacts occur at higher speeds

Possible injuries:

Pileups also create a second layer of danger: people exiting their vehicles can be struck by other drivers who lose control.

2) Sliding Through Intersections and T-Bone Crashes

Snow and ice can turn intersections into “no-stop zones,” especially when drivers brake too late or accelerate too quickly.

How it happens:

  • A vehicle slides through a red light or stop sign
  • Cross-traffic has no time to react
  • Side-impact (T-bone) collision occurs

Possible injuries:

  • Head injuries from side-window impact
  • Spinal injuries, including nerve damage
  • Shoulder, collarbone, and arm fractures
  • Severe bruising and organ trauma from seatbelt compression

Side-impact crashes are especially dangerous because there is less physical space between the occupant and the point of impact.

3) Spin-Outs and Rollovers on Curves and Overpasses

Rollover crashes are more common in winter weather when vehicles slide sideways, catch traction abruptly, or drop off a curb/shoulder.

How it happens:

  • Loss of traction during a curve or lane change
  • Vehicle fishtails and overcorrects
  • SUV or truck rolls due to higher center of gravity

Possible injuries:

  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Crushing injuries to the chest or abdomen
  • Facial fractures and dental trauma
  • Deep lacerations and scarring from broken glass

Even when airbags deploy, rollovers often involve multiple impacts that compound injuries.

4) Rear-End Collisions Caused by Following Too Closely

Rear-end crashes spike during snow storms because drivers underestimate stopping distance and brake too hard on slick roads.

How it happens:

  • Tailgating in low-traction conditions
  • Sudden braking at a traffic slowdown
  • Sliding into the vehicle ahead at low or moderate speed

Possible injuries:

  • Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
  • Concussions (even without direct head impact)
  • Lower back injuries, including disc bulges/herniations
  • Knee injuries from bracing against the floorboard

Even “minor” rear-end crashes can cause injuries that worsen over the next 24–72 hours.

Contact UsContact Us

5) Commercial Truck and 18-Wheeler Crashes in Winter Weather

Large trucks require longer stopping distances in normal conditions. On icy roads, that danger multiplies.

How it happens:

  • A truck cannot stop before traffic slows
  • Jackknife crashes block multiple lanes
  • Unsafe lane changes due to reduced visibility

Possible injuries:

  • Catastrophic injuries from underride impacts
  • Multiple fractures requiring surgery
  • Amputations or severe crush injuries
  • Brain injury, permanent disability, or death

Truck crashes often involve complex liability issues, including driver error, company policies, maintenance problems, and cargo loading.

What to Do After a Snow or Ice Car Accident in Houston

If you’re involved in a crash during winter weather, take steps that protect your health and your claim:

  • Call 911 and report the accident
  • Get medical attention immediately, even if symptoms seem minor
  • Take photos/video of road conditions, ice, skid marks, vehicle positions, and damage
  • Exchange information with all drivers and identify witnesses
  • Avoid giving recorded statements to an insurance company before speaking with an attorney
  • Save all documents (ER records, discharge papers, prescriptions, estimates)

FAQ: Houston Snow Storm Driving Safety + Injury Claims

Is it safe to drive during a Houston snow storm?

If local officials are urging people to stay off the roads, the safest choice is to avoid driving. Houston winter storms can create black ice and unpredictable road conditions, especially on bridges and overpasses.

Safety tip: If you don’t have to travel, don’t. Fewer vehicles on the road reduces crash risk for everyone.

What should I keep in my car for winter driving in Houston?

Even in Houston, winter storms can leave drivers stranded for hours.

Recommended items:

  • Blanket and warm layers
  • Phone charger/power bank
  • Water and snacks
  • Flashlight
  • Basic first aid kit

What should I do if I start sliding on ice?

Sudden steering and hard braking can make a skid worse.

General safety guidance:

  • Stay calm and avoid overcorrecting
  • Ease off the accelerator
  • Steer gently in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go
  • Brake carefully (especially if you don’t have ABS)

Can I still file an injury claim if the crash happened during bad weather?

Yes. Snow and ice don’t excuse negligent driving. Drivers are expected to adjust their speed, following distance, and driving behavior to match conditions.

Common winter-weather negligence includes:

  • Speeding for conditions
  • Following too closely
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Distracted driving
  • Driving with worn tires or poor visibility

What injuries show up a day or two after a winter crash?

Many serious injuries have delayed symptoms, especially when adrenaline is high.

Common delayed injuries include:

  • Concussion and mild traumatic brain injury
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Soft tissue strains/sprains
  • Worsening headaches, numbness, or radiating pain

What if the other driver says they “couldn’t stop because of ice”?

That may still be evidence of fault. If a driver could not stop safely, they may have been driving too fast for conditions or following too closely. Drivers are always responsible for staying safe on the road – this includes when it’s foggy outside, and when there’s other severe weather. Interestingly enough, this same argument is the reason why drivers can be found at fault when they follow too closely and strike the vehicle they are behind – they should have been more cautious.

Winter weather often strengthens the argument that drivers should have used extra caution—not less.

Injured in a Houston Snow Storm Car Accident?

If you were hurt because another driver failed to adjust to dangerous road conditions, you may have the right to pursue compensation for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages and lost earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Long-term treatment and rehabilitation
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement

If you need help after a winter crash, call Attorney Hilda Sibrian today. The Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian can help evaluate fault, preserve evidence, and deal with insurers while you focus on your recovery. To get started, call us or fill out our online contact form.