When Can Negligence Lead to Winter Car Accidents?

 Posted on January 25, 2024 in Car Accidents

Winter driving can be treacherous, with icy roads, reduced visibility, and unpredictable weather conditions. While it may seem like accidents during the winter can sometimes be unavoidable due to these factors, the truth is that many winter car accidents are the result of negligence. When drivers fail to take proper precautions or drive recklessly in winter conditions, they put themselves and others at risk. By understanding the ways people can cause car accidents in the winter and working with an attorney who has experience in these types of cases, drivers, passengers, or others who are injured in car crashes can take steps to recover financial compensation. Some common forms of negligence that affect people during the winter months include:

Failing to Adapt Driving Behavior

One of the most common forms of driver negligence during the winter is failing to make adjustments to the ways they drive based on the conditions of the roads. Some drivers may continue to speed even when there is ice or snow on the road. They may follow other vehicles too closely without allowing enough stopping distance, or they may fail to adjust their speed correctly when approaching curves or intersections. Failing to adapt to road conditions during snowstorms, cold weather, or other times when winter weather makes driving dangerous can significantly increase the risks of losing control and causing an accident.

Neglecting Vehicle Maintenance

Maintaining a vehicle properly is crucial year-round, but it becomes even more important during wintertime. Neglecting routine maintenance such as replacing worn tires for ones with better traction in snowy and icy conditions or ensuring all lights are functioning correctly can lead to preventable accidents. Additionally, failure to regularly check tire pressure, replace windshield wipers, and ensure that defrosting systems are working correctly can affect a person’s ability to drive safely. Drivers who cannot fully control their vehicles or who struggle to see the road around them will be more likely to cause dangerous accidents.

Distracted Driving

Dividing one’s attention between driving and other activities is always dangerous, but these behaviors become particularly hazardous during winter months. Slippery road conditions and limited visibility require heightened attention and focus behind the wheel. Activities like texting while driving, talking on a cell phone without a hands-free device, or eating and drinking while operating a vehicle can increase a driver’s reaction times and impair their judgment, greatly increasing the chances of an accident.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving after drinking alcohol or using drugs is never acceptable, but these types of violations can become even more dangerous in the winter. Intoxication slows a driver’s reflexes and reduces a person’s ability to judge distances accurately. It can also impair judgment and affect a driver’s vision and bodily coordination. When these factors are combined with poor road conditions, impaired drivers are more likely to cause accidents that result in serious injuries or fatalities during the winter months.

Poor Road Maintenance

The responsibility for safe road conditions does not solely rest on individual drivers. Local municipalities and transportation departments also play a role in keeping the roads safe. Failing to promptly remove snow and ice, neglecting to repair potholes, or failing to place warning signs about hazardous road conditions can all contribute to winter car accidents. If improper maintenance led to an accident involving snowy or icy conditions, the government organization responsible for addressing these issues may be held liable for a victim’s injuries and damages.

Contact an Experienced Will County Car Accident Attorney

If you have been injured in a winter car accident caused by negligence, it is crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible. An experienced car accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your case and gather the evidence necessary to build a strong claim on your behalf. They will help ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the accident.

At Flaherty Law, LLC, we have extensive experience representing clients involved in all types of car accidents throughout Plainfield and Will County. Our dedicated Plainfield car crash attorney focuses on providing personalized attention while aggressively advocating for his clients' rights. To discuss your case in a free consultation, call us at 815-577-7500 today.