Can I Get Compensation for a Weather-Related Auto Accident?
With winter well on its way, Ohio and Michigan drivers know that the roads can easily become unsafe to travel on due to inclement weather. When driving in bad weather, motorists have a duty to drive with reasonable care. If you are unfortunately injured in a weather-related auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation, depending on the circumstances.
Proving Negligence
To determine if there is compensation available after a bad weather car accident, there needs to be negligence by another driver on the road. To find negligence of another driver, the following elements need to be met: duty, breach, causation, and injuries. You will need to prove that the other driver had a duty to operate their vehicle safely and reasonably according to the road conditions. The other driver would need to have breached that duty by driving unsafely. You will need to prove that this dangerous driving caused injuries to you or your property. If you can prove all these elements, you may be entitled to compensation for the damage to your automobile or yourself.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Ohio is a comparative negligence state. This means that if you are also found to be negligent, but the other party is still more at fault, the damages you are to receive can be reduced. This is another reason to continue being safe while driving and making sure to follow all traffic laws.
Tips for Avoiding Weather Related Car Wrecks
To help avoid weather-related auto accidents, here are some tips to follow:
- Make sure to clean off your windshield and mirrors fully before driving on the roads.
- Try to stay off the roads as much as possible if there is poor weather.
- Make sure to drive slowly and carefully, especially after assessing how bad the roads are.
- Keep a safe distance away from other cars. Try to keep a far enough distance from the car in front of you that you have enough time to brake if necessary.
Reach Out to a Bad Weather Car Accident Attorney From Our Firm
If you are in an auto accident or witness one while driving, pull over and safely call 911 to report it. For help pursuing a claim or determining whether you can get compensation for your weather-related auto accident, reach out to our firm today.
