If Another Driver Hits Me In Bad Weather, Is He Still At Fault?

A winter wonderland may look beautiful; however, winter weather makes for terrible driving conditions. Sleet, snow, ice, and fog create the perfect conditions for a car accident. Even for the most experienced driver, winter weather can be very difficult to navigate. When a car accident occurs during bad weather, the insurance company may try to deny the claim.

Don’t let the insurance company for the other driver deny your right to recover compensation for your injuries. Contact our Warren car accident attorneys to discuss your legal options. Call (800) 401-2066 to schedule a free consultation today.

How Can An Insurance Company Deny A Claim Because Of Winter Weather?

Under Pennsylvania personal injury laws, you must prove the other driver was negligent in causing the collision that resulted in your injury. If you cannot prove the other driver caused the crash, you cannot recover compensation for your damages. Because insurance companies are always searching for ways to avoid paying a claim, the insurance adjuster for the other driver may argue that the bad weather was the cause of the crash and neither driver was at fault.

Proving fault in a car accident that occurred during poor weather condition can be difficult and complicated, we urge you to contact our Warren car accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident.  It is better to have an attorney involved in your case from the beginning. Our attorney can perform an independent accident investigation to determine fault and identify evidence to prove the other driver caused the collision.

How Can We Hold The Other Driver Liable In Bad Weather?

Regardless of the weather conditions, all drivers have a duty to maintain control of their vehicle. Drivers have a duty to all others on the road to take steps to avoid collisions. This duty is not excused because of poor weather conditions. If anything, a driver has a higher standard of care in winter weather. Drivers must use extra caution when driving in snowy or icy conditions to avoid crashes.

For example, speed limits are set for ideal weather conditions.  If the weather is poor, drivers should slow down. In addition, drivers should allow more distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them to allow for additional stopping distance on slick roads. In addition to speeding and following too closely, other ways a driver can be held liable for accidents in winter weather conditions include:

  • Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs
  • Distracted driving
  • Failing to obey road signs or traffic signals
  • Driving on worn tires
  • Failing to use windshield wipers or headlights
  • Drowsy or fatigued driving
  • Reckless and aggressive driving

There are many factors our Warren car accident attorneys examine when determining fault in a collision. We use our experience, skills, and resources to fight insurance companies for fair and full settlements for our clients.

Call A Warren Car Accident Attorney

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, our attorneys can help. Don’t allow the insurance adjuster to convince you that you do not need an attorney or that you don’t have a valid claim. The adjuster is working for the insurance company, not for you. You need someone in your corner who has your best interest as his top and only priority.

Contact The Travis Law Firm by telephone at (800) 401-2066 to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation. It does not cost you anything to get sound legal advice so that you can make an informed decision about the best way to handle your car accident claim.