When winter arrives, it brings with it some disastrous weather conditions that can make even walking dangerous. Unfortunately, heavy rain, fog, and snow all put drivers at risk of severe crashes resulting in lifelong injuries.
Many people are often confused about liability after a car accident in inclement weather. However, you should know how circumstances impact compensation and holding someone accountable.
Weather Conditions Don’t Excuse Negligence
While weather conditions can make it more challenging for drivers to control their vehicles, it doesn’t excuse drivers who are still negligent. Here’s how drivers can still be held accountable when inclement weather is involved in a crash:
- When drivers don’t maintain their vehicles: Drivers must ensure their vehicles are suitable for weather conditions. For instance, maintaining windshield wipers to improve vision in the rain.
- When drivers don’t drive safe for conditions: Even posted speed limits may be too fast when rain or snow falls. Drivers must take weather into account whenever they get behind the wheel.
- When drivers do something reckless: You may expect that inclement weather would make a driver safer. However, some still drive aggressively or with reckless abandon when it rains or snows, and they may be significantly dangerous.
No matter the weather, drivers must consider what is “safe for conditions.” Drivers may be negligent in bad weather if they’re distracted, speeding, driving too close to another person, or intoxicated. Regardless of the conditions, you can hold someone accountable if they do anything to aid in causing the accident.
At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP, we work on your behalf. Our Cleveland car accident attorneys are prepared to safeguard your rights to pursue maximum compensation. Trust that our firm will be by your side every step of the way to hold negligence accountable. We know how to utilize evidence on your behalf and protect you from insurance adjusters’ tactics that diminish your claim’s value.
