Car accidents occur every day, but harsh winter conditions make it especially difficult for drivers to navigate the roads safely. Rain, snow, ice, wind, fog, and hail can all contribute to a collision. Inclement weather can make it unclear who should be held responsible in a wreck. Should you suffer injuries in an incident caused by bad weather, a car accident lawyer will advise you of the legal options. Here’s what you need to know about liability for crashes that happen in dangerous weather conditions.

How Fault Is Determined for Accidents When Bad Weather Is Involved

Driver Negligence 

Under the law, drivers have to act responsibly to avoid accidents while driving. This includes taking extra precautions when the weather is bad. After a collision, the first thing insurance companies look at to determine fault is whether or not a motorist was engaging in negligent behavior. This can include driving while distracted or impaired, not using windshield wipers or lights to improve visibility, driving too fast for the conditions, and following too closely. If there is evidence a driver was negligent, they will likely be found liable for causing the accident rather than inclement weather. 

Road & Vehicle Conditions 

Car and driving conditions also play a part in determining fault. Insurance companies and car accident lawyers will examine the state of the vehicles involved, as well as driving conditions. Motorists have a responsibility to keep their vehicle well-maintained. Therefore, liability can be assigned for poor vehicle maintenance if it’s found that anything like worn tires, faulty brakes, or broken headlights contributed to an accident. There may also be shared fault in situations where road conditions caused both drivers to lose control of their vehicles.

Dealing with the aftermath of a weather-related traffic collision can be challenging. Fortunately, a car accident lawyer from Skinner & Associates, L.L.C. of Galesburg, IL, will help you receive the compensation that’s rightfully yours following a personal injury claim. Having represented injury victims throughout Western Illinois for more than a decade, this legal team knows which strategies are most effective in establishing liability and negotiating a fair settlement. Call (309) 343-9964 to discuss your case with a skilled car accident lawyer, or visit the firm online for more information about their law expertise.