Northern Illinois winters create hazardous driving conditions that lead to numerous car accidents each year. From unexpected black ice to heavy snowfall, winter weather challenges even the most skilled and careful drivers.
Many Illinois residents may wonder, who’s liable when snow and car accidents combine? This question can have different answers depending on the situation.
To learn about winter car accident liability, continue reading. If you’ve been injured in a recent collision, reach out to our law firm to set up a free initial consultation to discuss your case.
Understanding Liability in Winter Crashes
When winter car crashes happen, many drivers assume no one is at fault because of the bad weather conditions. Sleet, snow, icy roads, and high winds can easily cause accidents to occur.
However, Illinois law expects drivers to take proper precautions when navigating winter weather hazards. This means every person behind the wheel of a car has a responsibility to drive as carefully as possible. Therefore, accidents caused by black ice or blizzard winds usually still involve an at-fault party. For example, a driver can be considered at fault if they did not adjust their speed below the posted speed limit during a snowstorm.
The Myth of “No-Fault” Car Accidents On Black Ice
A common misconception is that sliding when you hit a patch of ice on the road automatically makes an accident no one’s fault. The truth is more complicated than that. Insurance companies and courts always look at whether drivers took reasonable precautions for the driving conditions. This includes maintaining safe speeds, increasing following distance, and making sure your vehicle is prepped for winter.
Does Insurance Cover Snow Accidents?
Many drivers worry about whether their insurance will cover accidents caused by winter weather. In most cases, car insurance does cover snow-related crashes, but coverage depends on your specific policy type.
- Collision Coverage
Collision coverage is for damage to your vehicle caused by another object, which is common in winter weather accidents. Coverage applies regardless of fault. This type of insurance can protect you whether you slide into another car or hit a guardrail because of black ice.
- Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive insurance coverage typically covers weather-related damage. This can include damage from falling ice, heavy snow, hail, and other winter weather conditions.
- Liability Coverage
Liability coverage pays for damage you cause to others in accidents where you’re the at-fault party.
Accident Liability Factors
Several factors help decide liability in winter accidents:
- Speed and Road Conditions
Drivers must adjust their speed based on weather. Even if you’re driving at or below the posted speed limit, you can be held liable for a collision if your speed is considered to be too fast for the weather conditions.
- Vehicle Maintenance
Accidents often involve vehicles that weren’t properly maintained for winter driving. Bald tires, faulty brakes, or non-working windshield wipers can make you liable if they contribute to an accident.
- Following Distance
Maintaining a safe following distance becomes even more critical during the winter months in Illinois. Rear-end collisions caused by sliding on snow and ice often result in the rear driver being at fault for following too closely.
How To Protect Yourself After an Accident in Winter
Taking proactive steps can help protect you legally if a crash occurs.
- Document Everything
If you’re involved in a car accident during winter, document the road conditions thoroughly. Take photos of the road, black ice, and the accident scene from multiple angles. This documentation helps establish the circumstances that led to the crash.
- Report the Accident
Always report winter weather accidents to both the police and your insurance company. A police report provides official documentation of the weather conditions and other factors that contributed to the crash.
- Seek Medical Attention
Even minor crashes can cause injuries that aren’t immediately apparent. Getting prompt medical care protects both you and your legal rights.
When To Contact an Attorney
If you’ve been in an accident, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can help protect your rights. This becomes especially important when:
- Bad weather conditions contributed to the accident
- Insurance companies dispute liability
- Multiple vehicles are involved
- Injuries require ongoing medical treatment
- Property damage is significant
- The other driver claims you’re at fault
Legal Support for Winter Weather Accidents
Northern Illinois drivers need experienced legal representation after weather-related auto accidents. At Crosby Law Firm, we understand the complexity of winter crashes and how to establish liability in these cases.
Our experienced car accident attorneys help you navigate insurance claims and gather evidence to support your case. We fight to get you fair compensation for medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and other damages resulting from your accident.
Contact us for a free initial consultation to discuss your case. We’ll help you understand your rights and options under Illinois law. Whether your accident was caused by icy conditions or poor visibility during a winter storm, you can depend on our attorneys.
Winter weather may be unavoidable, but proper legal representation can help you handle whatever the season brings. Drive safely, and call Crosby Law Firm for reliable legal support today.
