FAQs

Icy Roads Caused Accident, Am I At Fault?

Winter weather can get very bad at times in Ohio, leading to icy roadways, reduced visibility, and an all-around dangerous roadway.

We posted a blog reminding area drivers of winter weather driving tips, found here. At times it can be difficult for motorists to remember the simplest driving tips to avoid accidents in winter weather. We advise everyone to brush up on these tips that have been provided by the Ohio Department of Transportation in their ‘working for winter’ initiative.

But what happens when preparing for winter weather and being cautious isn’t enough and you find yourself in an accident during winter weather? Can you claim that the ice on the roadway was the reason it happened? If you collide with another vehicle for going left of center in a storm, are you at-fault, or is the snow falling?

The answer to the above questions is that you, the driver is considered responsible and considered at-fault if you have caused an accident with another vehicle. We understand that the ice on the roadway could have caused your vehicle to slip, or the reduced visibility could have kept you from seeing the vehicle in front of you, but these are all things that you must prepare for in such weather.

When driving in snowy and icy conditions, remember the following:

Take it slow – reduce your speed to a level that you can have time to react if necessary. Do not drive at the posted speed limit.

Keep your distance – give yourself extra space between the cars in front of you. If you need to come to a sudden stop, you’ll be thankful for the extra wiggle room on an icy road.

Clean your car off – give yourself extra time in the morning or before you leave your house to fully clean your car off. It is important to clear the windows, lights, and signals.

Drive defensive – you must anticipate what other drivers are going to do to allow yourself to prevent from being involved in an accident. Defensive driving include keeping your distance, being fully aware of all vehicles around you, and anticipating other vehicles slipping through intersections or on turns.

If you have been injured in an accident in winter weather that was caused by another driver’s failure to adjust their driving for the weather, call our office at 800.637.8170. Our lawyers can protect your legal rights and help you seek damages for the injuries sustained in the accident.

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