Can Someone Be Held Liable for a Car Accident Caused by Icy Roads?
Car accidents frequently result in devastating physical, emotional, and financial damages. Individuals involved in automobile collisions may wonder who is responsible for the losses caused by a crash. Determining accident liability can be complex, especially when multiple factors, such as poor road conditions, may have contributed to the crash.
Car accident attorney Hardin Ramey works with injury victims in the Dallas, TX, area to establish liability and pursue responsible parties for appropriate financial compensation. Here, we discuss who can be held liable for a car accident caused by icy roads and what types of damages may be due to accident victims.
Determining Car Accident Liability
Accident investigators determine car accident liability by examining the details leading up to a crash. They use evidence, such as photographs, videos, police reports, and witness statements to recreate the accident and establish its cause or the primary factor(s) that contributed to the crash. The causation factor tells investigators what caused the crash and who is liable for collision damages.
There are usually two potentially liable parties for car accidents caused by icy or snowy roads: drivers, or the government entity or municipality responsible for road maintenance.
Driver Liability
Poor weather affects road conditions, making it more difficult to control a vehicle and lengthening the time to stop it. Knowing this, drivers have a responsibility to show greater-than-usual caution and do their part to avoid a collision when roads are icy or snowy. All drivers have a duty of care to others on the road. When roads are icy, drivers must uphold that duty by taking precautions such as:
- Reducing vehicle speed
- Increasing the distance between your vehicle and others on the road
- Avoiding sudden direction changes
- Slowing down into turns
- Keeping windshields and mirrors clear
If a driver fails to adjust their driving accordingly when road conditions are bad or if they drive recklessly and cause an accident, they can be found liable for the crash and resulting damages.
Government Liability
Depending on the details of the accident, Dallas drivers may be able to pursue compensation from the government agency or municipality in charge of road maintenance where the crash occurs. The city or municipality is responsible for keeping roads safe. When roads are icy or snowy, they should plow the roads or put down other materials to loosen ice and snow from the asphalt. If a city or municipality fails to maintain safe road conditions and an accident occurs as a result, they can be held fully or partially liable for crash damages.
Potential Damages
Victims of car accidents caused by icy roads can file a claim against liable parties to pursue compensation for resulting losses. Potential damages for those of our Dallas clients injured in a collision include:
- Medical expenses, including anticipated future medical costs
- Cost of therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Diminished wage-earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
Contact Us
Individuals injured in a car accident caused by icy roads can work with attorney Hardin Ramey to establish liability and determine the amount of compensation that may be due. Send us a message at your earliest convenience to schedule a case review at our law firm.
