By Adam W. Pittman on January 23, 2016
If you have a wreck while driving in icy or snowy weather, you need to hire an attorney to represent your interests.
When temperatures drop below freezing, driving conditions become increasingly dangerous. Icy roads, slush, and snow can increase the chances of motor vehicle accidents, but even if snow or ice are factors in an accident, the at-fault driver may still be liable for damages caused by the accident. Driving conditions do not change the rules of the road.
Winter weather should put all drivers on high alert. If you choose to drive in ice or snow, you could be liable for all damages you cause. Driving on bald tires, speeding on icy roads, and relying on cruise control or overdrive settings in winter weather can be considered negligence or reckless driving.
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In 2014, there was a multi-vehicle pile-up on a Birmingham area Interstate highway. Tractor-trailers, cars, pick-up trucks, and other vehicles were involved. Sure, the roads were slick, but those road conditions didn’t change the law. The rules of the road still apply. The driver who caused the accident was still at fault. Risky road conditions should prompt drivers to be on guard, and drive cautiously, but that does not tamper with the principle of liability. The person who caused the wreck should be held responsible, and if you are the victim, you need a lawyer to watch out for your interests, and your interests only.
Snow day or party day? If businesses, schools or government offices close due to weather, they are doing so to keep all drivers off the roads. These closings should not be viewed as opportunities to throw parties, but lots of people do, and that’s where the trouble often starts. Drinking and driving is a crime at all times but is especially dangerous when driving conditions become dangerous. Bad weather is not an excuse for anything that happens when you are behind the wheel. Turning weather closures into a party can be dangerous and the weather will not decrease your liability as a driver.
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Driving is not the only activity affected by winter weather. Ice increases the danger in all activities, even those as simple as walking on a sidewalk or climbing stairs. Public entities are required to keep their premises safe for pedestrians. If you slip and fall in a public place, the owner of the business could be held liable for the dangerous conditions in which your accident occurred. That business owner may owe you compensation for the damages caused in your accident and contacting an attorney is the best way to ensure you are taking care of yourself and your loved ones and getting all of the money you deserve.
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Don’t think of the weather as an excuse. If you’ve been involved in an accident during winter weather, you need a lawyer. You may be eligible to receive money to cover medical expenses, vehicular damage, and pain and suffering. Though an accident may seem minimal at first, there could be long-term complications, and you need a lawyer on your side to make things right. Assessing your situation with an attorney is the best way to safeguard your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
Still on the fence about whether you need a lawyer? Just take a look at the numbers.
The Consumer Panel Survey of Auto Accident Victims “Paying for Auto Injuries” study found that settlements for injury victims were up to 40 percent higher with attorney representation than without it. Other studies by the Insurance Research Council and others find that accident victims who hire attorneys to represent them collect roughly one third more in compensation for their injuries.
Cory Watson fights for people injured or killed by the negligent or wrongful conduct of others. The attorneys at Cory Watson have recovered more than 3 Billion for personal injury victims, and they are nationally recognized leaders in personal injury litigation.
Don’t wait to reach out – Contact us today by calling (877) 562-0000, or fill out an online consultation form here.
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