Winter Wrecks: Bad Weather or Bad Driving?

 Posted on December 08, 2023 in Car Accidents

If you have been involved in a not-at-fault car accident this winter, there is a very high chance you heard the other driver blame hitting you on the weather. “There was ice on the ground and I could not stop.” “I could not see you because of the snow.” “The wet road made me lose control.” These are commonly offered excuses for causing a car accident that left someone injured during the wintertime. While it is undoubtedly true that driving in the ice and snow can be more challenging and riskier, driving carefully and responsibly according to government guidelines can greatly reduce that risk. If you were hit by another driver who is claiming they could not have avoided the accident, there is a strong chance their defense will not work. An experienced Greenwich, CT, car accident attorney can conduct a skilled investigation that may reveal negligence on the other driver’s behalf. 

Telling the Difference Between Acts of Nature and Careless Driving

There are rare instances where a driver is doing everything right - driving slowly, increasing following distance, paying attention - and still loses control of their vehicle due to an act of nature. For example, if a sudden high wind blows a driver into the next lane, or a driver going in a straight line at a reasonable speed hits a patch of black ice and slides uncontrollably, these accidents might not be preventable. However, most are. 

Winter car accidents are often the result of drivers failing to respect the weather. Drivers who take the right steps, like slowing down and following at an increased distance, are far less likely to hit another vehicle. If a driver is following at an appropriate distance, they should have sufficient time to stop gradually even if there is ice on the ground. A driver who has reduced their speed appropriately is less likely to lose control of their vehicle when turning or if they drive over a patch of snow. 

Experienced attorneys know how to investigate winter car accidents in order to determine whether the driver who appears to be at fault was negligent in causing the accident. Lawyers may reconstruct the accident using a sophisticated model to prove whether it could have been prevented. Physical evidence at the scene is also likely to be important. Things like skid marks can quickly disappear in a snowstorm or cold rain, so it is important to contact an attorney promptly. 

Contact a Metro New York Area, CT, Car Accident Lawyer

Ivey, Barnum & O'Mara, LLC is highly experienced in car accident investigation. Our skilled Greenwich, CT, car accident attorneys can use our advanced knowledge of vehicle accident physics to help prove your case. Contact us at 203-661-6000 for a free consultation.