Greenfield and Greendale sit side by side in southwestern Milwaukee County, and in winter they share the same problems: icy freeway ramps along I-43/I-894, slick intersections on 76th Street and Loomis Road, curved residential streets in Greendale's historic village, and snowbanks that narrow every road after a storm. Most winter crashes here happen at low speed — a car that slid through a stop sign, bumped another at a light, or skidded into a curb or snowbank. They are rarely dramatic, but they still leave plenty of vehicles undrivable. This guide covers what to do and how Lake Front Towing helps.
Why winter crashes are different
In summer, a crash usually happens because someone made a mistake. In winter, it often happens because the road gave no grip at all. Black ice is nearly invisible, especially at night and on bridges, ramps, and shaded corners. When cars lose traction, they tend to slide in a straight line until they hit something — a curb, a snowbank, a signpost, or another car. Several vehicles may slide into the same spot one after another, which makes winter crash scenes especially dangerous.
If you slide and hit something
- Stay calm and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Turn on your hazards immediately.
- If you are on a slippery spot where other cars are also sliding, stay belted in the car — getting out and walking on ice near traffic is risky.
- If the car is drivable and the spot is dangerous, move to a safer place nearby, like a side street or parking lot.
- Call Lake Front Towing at (414) 520-7264 if the vehicle is damaged or stuck.
Icy ramps on I-43/I-894
The ramps around the Layton Avenue, 76th Street, and 27th Street interchanges, as well as the long ramps at the Hale and Mitchell interchanges, ice up before the main lanes and are a frequent site of winter crashes. If you slide off a ramp, stay in the car with your seat belt on unless it is unsafe, because other cars may slide into the same spot. Tell the dispatcher which ramp you are on and your direction. Our operator will set up warning lights and position the truck to protect you before recovering the vehicle.
Greendale's curved village streets
Greendale was designed as a planned community with gently curving streets, which are lovely in summer and tricky in winter. On curves, sliding cars tend to go wide toward the outer curb or into snowbanks. Curb strikes can bend wheels and suspension parts even when the car looks fine. If your steering wheel is now off-center, the car pulls to one side, or you hear clunking or grinding, do not drive it.
Is the car safe to drive?
After a winter crash, check for:
- Coolant leaking under the front — a common result of front-end impacts.
- A temperature gauge that rises quickly once you drive.
- Bent wheels or tires pushed out of alignment.
- Broken headlights or taillights, which are critical in short winter days.
- A crushed exhaust pipe or tailpipe blocked by packed snow.
If any of these are present, a flatbed tow is the safe choice.
Snowbank recoveries
Sometimes the car is not badly damaged but is wedged into a packed snowbank. Do not keep spinning the tires — it digs the car deeper and can overheat the transmission. Make sure the tailpipe is clear before running the engine for heat. A winch-out usually solves the problem in minutes, and the operator will check the car before you drive away. If the car went in hard, have a mechanic look at the alignment and the underbody soon after.
How our winter recovery works
Our operators deal with icy conditions all winter. They set up warning lights and cones, spread traction material where needed, and use winches to bring vehicles back onto solid pavement. Damaged vehicles go on a flatbed, secured with straps that do not stress damaged parts. We clear debris from your vehicle before leaving, which matters even more in winter, when broken plastic can hide under snow.
Busy storm days
When a storm hits, crash calls spike. Our dispatchers prioritize vehicles in dangerous positions — blocking lanes, on ramps, or with people stuck inside — and give everyone an honest arrival estimate. If you are safe and out of traffic, you may wait longer during a major storm, so stay warm, keep your phone charged, and check that the exhaust is clear before running the engine.
Insurance after a winter crash
Winter collisions are handled like any other crash for insurance purposes. Photograph the scene, including road conditions, and exchange information with any other drivers. Report the crash to your insurer. Lake Front Towing works with most insurance providers and will give you a detailed receipt.
Frequently asked questions
Is a slide into a snowbank considered an accident?
If there is no damage, it is simply a recovery. If the car is damaged, it may be part of an insurance claim. Ask your insurer.
Can you tow a car that is frozen to the ground?
Yes. Our operators can free tires that are frozen in place before loading.
Do you cover Hales Corners and Franklin too?
Yes. Our service area includes Greenfield, Greendale, Hales Corners, Franklin, and the rest of southern Milwaukee County.
Winter crash in Greenfield or Greendale? Call (414) 520-7264 24/7. More on our accident recovery.