According to the U.S. Department of transportation, 24% of weather-related accidents occur during snowfalls or icy winter weather. While this is alarming, snowfalls or icy winter weather is no excuse for reckless driving as drivers are required to exercise caution in all types of weather. So how is liability determined for accidents caused by ice or snow?
How Do Snow and Ice Contribute to Car Crashes?
Here are ways in which snowfall and ice can contribute to a car accident.
• Icy roads reduce friction between a vehicle’s tires and the road, thus affecting the maneuverability of a car. In turn, this affects a driver’s ability to maintain safe lane space in case they drift off.
• Snowfall can accumulate on a car windshield, reducing the road’s visibility.
How Is Fault Determined in an Ice-Related Accident?
It is important to note that Missouri uses an at-fault system, meaning you must prove that the other driver was negligent and their actions contributed to the accident. Therefore, an ice-related accident will likely be treated the same way as other car accident cases.
The the evidence will be reviewed and the conditions that led to the accident. Just like any other accident, the party that violated safety guidelines such as safe distance and speed will be held liable for the accident.
But icy winter weather is natural, so wouldn’t it be considered an act of nature? To use the “act of nature” defense to deny liability for an auto crash, the crash needs to be caused by an extraordinary natural event that no one saw coming ahead of time — something like a tornado, earthquake or flood.
Icy winter weather, on the other hand, is a predictable natural event, and every time a driver chooses to drive in such conditions, they are expected to drive cautiously. If they don’t and an accident happens, they can be held responsible for the resulting damages and injuries.
What if the At-Fault Driver Was Maneuvering Out of Danger?
Again, just like the “act of nature” defense, a “maneuvering out of danger” defense will likely not work. Unless, of course, there’s strong evidence to support the claim.
What if There Were Multiple Cars Involved?
Icy roads often lead to car crashes that involve multiple vehicles, and it can be challenging to pinpoint the at-fault party. So, even if you suspect that you may be liable for causing the accident, do not admit fault until you discuss the situation with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney, as more than one driver can be held responsible in a Missouri auto accident.
Speak With a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer 24/7
A car accident attorney from The Hoffmann Law Firm can assist you if you find yourself in a car accident related to icy roads. We will thoroughly investigate the situation to determine how the accident happened and who should be held responsible. We believe in protecting the rights of car accident victims and helping them seek the compensation they deserve. Call us 24/7 at (314) 361-4242 for a free case evaluation.
How Do Snow and Ice Contribute to Car Crashes?
Here are ways in which snowfall and ice can contribute to a car accident.
• Icy roads reduce friction between a vehicle’s tires and the road, thus affecting the maneuverability of a car. In turn, this affects a driver’s ability to maintain safe lane space in case they drift off.
• Snowfall can accumulate on a car windshield, reducing the road’s visibility.
How Is Fault Determined in an Ice-Related Accident?
It is important to note that Missouri uses an at-fault system, meaning you must prove that the other driver was negligent and their actions contributed to the accident. Therefore, an ice-related accident will likely be treated the same way as other car accident cases.
The the evidence will be reviewed and the conditions that led to the accident. Just like any other accident, the party that violated safety guidelines such as safe distance and speed will be held liable for the accident.
But icy winter weather is natural, so wouldn’t it be considered an act of nature? To use the “act of nature” defense to deny liability for an auto crash, the crash needs to be caused by an extraordinary natural event that no one saw coming ahead of time — something like a tornado, earthquake or flood.
Icy winter weather, on the other hand, is a predictable natural event, and every time a driver chooses to drive in such conditions, they are expected to drive cautiously. If they don’t and an accident happens, they can be held responsible for the resulting damages and injuries.
What if the At-Fault Driver Was Maneuvering Out of Danger?
Again, just like the “act of nature” defense, a “maneuvering out of danger” defense will likely not work. Unless, of course, there’s strong evidence to support the claim.
What if There Were Multiple Cars Involved?
Icy roads often lead to car crashes that involve multiple vehicles, and it can be challenging to pinpoint the at-fault party. So, even if you suspect that you may be liable for causing the accident, do not admit fault until you discuss the situation with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney, as more than one driver can be held responsible in a Missouri auto accident.
Speak With a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer 24/7
A car accident attorney from The Hoffmann Law Firm can assist you if you find yourself in a car accident related to icy roads. We will thoroughly investigate the situation to determine how the accident happened and who should be held responsible. We believe in protecting the rights of car accident victims and helping them seek the compensation they deserve. Call us 24/7 at (314) 361-4242 for a free case evaluation.