Poor weather can create significant hazards for drivers. Snow, ice, and even rain can have a negative impact on a vehicle’s maneuverability and stopping distance, and may cause situations in which a driver loses control of his or her vehicle. Additionally, these and other weather conditions such as fog can seriously affect a driver’s visibility. While these conditions may make driving more difficult, it is not the case that they excuse any accidents that occur while they exist. A person driving a motor vehicle still owes others on the road a duty to operate their vehicle safely, and failure to do so may give victims the right to sue. To determine whether you can bring a lawsuit after a motor vehicle accident that occurred in poor weather, you should discuss you case with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as you can.
Examples of Driver Negligence in Poor Weather
Driver negligence in poor weather looks a lot like driver negligence otherwise. The only difference is that poor weather may require that drivers take additional precautions. The legal question that determines negligence is whether a driver’s actions were reasonable under the circumstances. Some examples of the kind of conduct that could be considered negligent include:
Going too fast in light of the road conditions
Going too fast in light of visibility conditions
Failing to use headlights in conditions in which visibility is diminished
Failing to use headlights when required by law
Failing to use windshield wipers
Following too closely
Failing to observe traffic signals
These are just a few examples of how a driver could be negligent in poor weather conditions, and an attorney will be able to review the facts of your case and advise you as to whether you have a right to sue.
Contact a Fayetteville personal injury attorney for a free consultation
People who have been hurt in auto accidents in which poor weather played a role may be entitled to compensation. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Fayetteville auto accident lawyers, call Shane Smith Law today at (980) 246-2656.