Bad Weather Car Accidents

Item: Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.
Rating: 5
Author: Heather Boston

Anyone driving in Chicago knows encountering bad weather is inevitable. they will sometimes have to contend with bad weather. Whether it is icy roads and lake-effect snowstorms in the winter months, a sudden tornado or other natural disasters, or rain showers in the warmer seasons, Mother Nature presents many challenges for motorists in Northeast Illinois. In addition to mild frustrations like longer commute times, inclement weather creates an increased risk of dangerous traffic accidents.

However, all drivers have a duty to drive safely and take extra safety precautions when the weather takes a turn for the worse. If a careless driver has injured you in a car accident in the snow or rain, you still have a right to hold them accountable for their negligence. The Chicago car accident attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have the experience and resources to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our team today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you.

How Our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Can Help

After suffering injuries in a weather-related car accident, you may feel overwhelmed with pain. Medical expenses and missed time at work might be wreaking havoc on your financial situation. You might be confused about what steps you can take to regain control of your life. A Chicago car accident lawyer can give you the support and advocacy you need as you recover.

A lawyer can investigate the circumstances surrounding the car crash to identify all at-fault parties. Your attorney can also calculate the full value of your losses and fight for the compensation you deserve, whether through an insurance settlement or a trial verdict.

The seasoned attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have been fighting successfully on behalf of injured clients for over 40 years. We have recovered over $2 billion in settlements and verdicts, including the largest individual personal injury award in the history of Illinois. Let our aggressive and diverse determined team of litigators put our experience and skills to work for you so that you can focus on your recovery.

Dangers Involved in Driving in Bad Weather

Inclement weather comes in many forms, and each one presents unique risks. Some of the most dangerous weather conditions for drivers in Chicago include:

Ice – Icy roads significantly reduce tire traction, greatly increasing the risk of losing control of the vehicle. Even slow speeds can result in skidding accidents on ice. As ice melts, slushy pavement can cause many of the issues associated with wet pavement while still posing a skid risk.
Snow – Like ice, snow reduces pavement traction. Snow squalls can impair a driver’s visibility. Furthermore, large amounts of snow can make roads impassable.
Heavy rain – Standing water on the road can cause hydroplaning, where tires lose contact with the road surface. Heavy rain can also reduce visibility. After a long dry spell, even light rain can cause a slick film on the road, reducing tire traction.
Fog – Limited visibility increases the risk of collisions, as it is harder for drivers to see potential hazards and react in time.
High winds – Strong winds can blow vehicles off course or tip vehicles with a higher center of gravity, like trucks and SUVs. Debris blown into the road also poses risks.

How to Prevent Weather-Related Car Accidents

While poor weather conditions can increase the likelihood of car accidents, there are ways to prevent weather-related accidents, including:

Avoid driving – If it is possible to not get on the road in adverse weather conditions, take this option rather than risk being injured by other drivers.
Reduce speed – In inclement weather conditions, it is essential for all drivers to drive at a speed reasonable for the conditions. Speeding on icy pavement can be particularly dangerous because a driver could lose control of their vehicle and crash into oncoming traffic.
Increase distance – It’s critical that drivers take necessary precautions if they travel in dangerous weather, such as traveling maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles. This usually requires adding a few seconds of time between your vehicle and other vehicles.
Get your vehicle checked – Make sure your vehicle is properly serviced, as worn brakes or tires can increase the odds of car accidents.
Clean off your vehicle – If you are traveling in adverse weather, such as snow or ice, it is crucial that you clean off your headlights, brake lights, and mirrors to increase visibility as much as possible. Also, wipe any accumulated snow off your vehicle so it doesn’t fall into the path of other cars.

Unique Legal Issues Involved in Weather-Related Car Accidents

According to the Federal Highway Administration, bad weather conditions were a contributing factor in 6,500 fatal crashes and 450,000 injury crashes every year. While bad weather does not relieve drivers of their duty to drive safely, insurance companies often try to shift blame away from their clients by citing slippery roads or low visibility.

However, these conditions do not cause accidents on their own. Rather, they produce harm in conjunction with negligent driving behavior. For example, drivers must adjust their speed for the conditions on snowy roads, according to Illinois state law. Violating traffic laws like speed limits or following too closely is still negligent, even if the roads are wet or icy. Adverse weather may increase the likelihood of weather-related crashes, but it does not excuse the unsafe choices that led to it.

Proving Liability in Weather-Related Car Accidents

Illinois uses an at-fault system regarding automobile insurance, so an injured party must prove the other driver was negligent and at least partially at fault for their accident-related losses to prevail in an insurance claim or lawsuit.

Evidence like police reports, witness statements, video footage, and data from the vehicles themselves can help demonstrate factors such as excessive speed for the conditions. Expert testimony on accident reconstruction and safe driving standards can also help show a driver failed

to exercise reasonable caution despite poor visibility or slippery roads, leading to a weather-related accident.

While bad weather contributes to many accidents, it does not have to be an insurmountable barrier to establishing liability as long as your car accident attorney in Chicago can prove that the other driver acted negligently. Our law firm will work tirelessly to ensure the other driver is held liable for their negligence. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

What to Do After a Weather-Related Car Accident

Being in a car crash is stressful no matter what, but dealing with one in poor weather can present additional challenges. Take these steps if you are involved in an accident during hazardous weather conditions:

Report the accident – Contact local law enforcement to report the accident. Car accidents occur all the time, and law enforcement officers may be able to accurately determine fault and whether additional factors contributed to such car crashes.
Exchange information – Ask for the names of all other drivers involved in the collision, exchange contact information with the other driver, and ask for their insurance information, too.
Obey your doctor’s orders – Once you’ve seen a doctor, follow their instructions and treatment plan. Documented medical care can link your injuries to the accident.
Document the scene – Take photos of property damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any other evidence that could be relevant to determine fault.
Seek legal help – Consult an experienced accident attorney in Chicago for legal guidance about pursuing compensation through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit if you were involved in a car crash caused by bad weather. They can handle negotiations with the insurance company and complex legal procedures if your case should go to trial.

Contact Our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers for Help

If you have suffered injuries in a weather-related car accident and are looking for an experienced personal injury lawyer in Chicago, contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. Our compassionate attorneys will listen to your story and stand up for your rights. We will only receive payment if we secure compensation for you, so you can have access to excellent legal services regardless of your current financial circumstances.