In some cases, the negligent driver will be found liable for causing an accident when the roads are icy. In others, the local government or municipality responsible for maintaining the roads might be liable. Snow and ice can create conditions that make driving risky. Bad weather requires drivers to pay extra attention and drive with added caution.
If you or someone you love was injured in a weather-related collision, our car accident lawyer can help you determine who is liable when icy roads cause accidents. They can also help you gather evidence, prove negligence, and seek financial recovery.
How Negligence and Liability Are Determined in Icy Road Car Accident Cases
To identify the at-fault party in your car accident case, your legal team will prove the following components of negligence:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Damages
Your lawyer will collect evidence that establishes negligence including your car accident report, witness statements, accident scene photos, and accident reconstruction. They will also collect evidence that proves the accident’s resulting costs. This can include medical records and bills, your salary records, and estimates or receipts for the repair or replacement of your damaged car.
Potentially Liable Parties in Icy Road Car Accident Cases
Knowing who to pursue for damages after a car accident can be complicated and confusing. Financial liability after an accident could potentially fall to:
- An at-fault driver based on their actions. Driving in bad weather conditions requires greater-than-usual driver caution. When one driver disregards road conditions and causes a collision, they could be held responsible for the resulting costs.
- A government or municipality based on their responsibility to clear the roads. If your local municipality failed to keep the roads safe, they could bear full or partial liability for the accident.
You do not have to assess or prove the accident’s causes on your own. The lawyer who handles your case will handle it for you and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
How Snow and Ice Have Affected Roads in Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
According to National Weather Service data, the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area experienced freezing drizzle that led to vehicles sliding off the road, a pile-up that involved more than 100 cars, and multiple fatalities in 2021. National Weather Service data cited similar weather conditions in Houston.
The combination of severe weather and icy roads can lead to treacherous road conditions and catastrophic accidents. On your own, it can be difficult to know where to turn, how to define negligence, and from whom you should seek financial recovery after a weather-related accident.
A lawyer from our firm can help you understand your right to recovery.
Financial Recovery After a Car Accident Caused by Icy Roads
After your lawyer assigns financial liability in your case, they will help you pursue damages from the at-fault party. Recoverable damages can include:
- Past, current, and future medical bills
- Past, current, and future income loss
- Treatment-related travel expenses
- Property damage or destruction
- Lasting disability and disfigurement
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional trauma
Some family members can also recover wrongful death damages including funeral and burial expenses and the loss of a loved one’s financial and domestic contributions. Your lawyer will clarify which family members can file a wrongful death action.
It Is Never Too Soon to Get a Car Accident Lawyer on Your Side
If you decide to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party, Texas law limits the amount of time you have to file it. In general, you have two years from the date of the accident to file your personal injury lawsuit.
If a loved one was fatally injured, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed within two years. Additional notification and filing deadlines could apply if you pursue a government or municipality for financial recovery.
Failure to comply with the statute of limitations can be costly. The court can prevent you from filing your lawsuit at all or refuse to hear it and dismiss it out of hand. The sooner you get a lawyer involved in your case, the more time they have to comply with the appropriate filing deadline.
Get a Free Evaluation of Your Icy Road Car Accident Case Accident Case
Were you or someone you love injured in a car accident caused by icy roads? If you were, our car accident attorney will help you determine who is liable. We will also help you prove the value of your recoverable damages.
When you are ready to pursue financial recovery, our client-focused law firm is ready to help. Learn more about how hard we will go to bat for you by contacting our case evaluation team at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC® today.
