Does Insurance Cover Car Accidents Caused By Icy Roads?

Were you or someone you love injured in a car accident in bad weather? Insurance will usually cover car accidents caused by icy roads if the at-fault driver was negligent. In unsafe weather conditions, drivers are required to exercise caution. This can include, but not limited to, maintaining safer-than-usual driving distances between cars and driving at lower speeds.

If you or someone you love was injured in an accident on a slick road, you could be entitled to recover damages from the at-fault driver and their insurance provider. A personal injury lawyer in your area can help you build a strong case. They will evaluate your case at no cost and explain your rights and the insurance company’s responsibility.

The Risks and Dangers of Driving on Icy Roads

Inclement winter weather can lead to dangerous road conditions. According to Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) data, approximately 117,000 people are injured, and more than 1,300 are fatally injured in winter weather accidents each year. These include driving on icy roads, snow, and slush. Nearly a quarter of all car accidents are weather-related.

To increase safety on the road during inclement weather, American Automobile Association (AAA) guidelines recommend taking the following precautions:

  • Prepare your car for icy weather
  • Ensure your tires are safe
  • Adjust your speed, accordingly
  • Allow longer braking distances

If the driver who caused your car accident did not take these precautions or drove in an unsafe manner, you could be entitled to financial recovery.

How to Prove the Other Involved Driver Caused Your Accident

When you are represented by a personal injury lawyer, they will investigate the details of your accident. Their goal is to uncover the at-fault driver’s negligence and prove it caused your collision.

Your lawyer will prove the following elements of negligence:

  • Duty: The at-fault driver’s responsibility to operate their vehicle in a safe manner
  • Breach of duty: The at-fault driver’s failure to meet their obligation to drive safely
  • Causation: The connection between the at-fault driver’s actions and your accident
  • Damages: The financial consequences of the accident and your resulting injuries

While you concentrate on your physical recovery, your lawyer will get to work building your case. They will document negligence which will allow you to file a personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit.

The Importance of Evidence in Your Car Accident Case

Evidence in car accident cases is used to prove the negligence, carelessness, or recklessness that led to the accident. Your car accident report is a key piece of information in your case. It will contain valuable information, including road and weather conditions at the time of the accident.

The evidence your lawyer collects may also include:

  • Accident scene photos
  • Accident reconstruction
  • Expert testimonials
  • Witness statements
  • Surveillance videos

To prove the monetary value of your case, your lawyer may also obtain medical records and bills, your written prognosis, and proof of income.

Damages You Can Recover After an Accident Caused By Icy Roads

After a car accident caused by icy roads or any act of negligence, you can request multiple forms of financial recovery. Economic damages are those with documented, out-of-pocket costs. These can include:

  • Past and future medical bills
  • Past and future loss of income
  • Treatment-related travel expenses
  • Property damage or total loss
  • Diminished property value

You may also be entitled to recover non-economic damages. On your own, they can be more difficult to substantiate since they do not come with bills, estimates, or receipts. Non-economic damages can include:

  • Physical disability
  • Lasting disfigurement
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental trauma
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

If an accident on icy roads leads to a fatality, surviving family members can also recover various wrongful death damages. These can include funeral and burial expenses and the loss of your loved one’s financial and domestic contributions to your family. Your lawyer will make sure your recoverable damages are accurately assessed.

A Lawyer Can Help You Pursue Financial Recovery

When you trust a personal injury law firm to handle your case, they will do all of the following on your behalf:

  • Investigate the accident
  • Gather supporting evidence
  • Assess the value of your case
  • Handle all communication
  • Concert expert witnesses

Your lawyer will also clarify legal and insurance jargon and make sure you receive regular updates on the progress of your case. They will negotiate with the insurance company and represent you in court if necessary.

Contact Our Case Evaluation Team After a Car Accident Caused by Icy Roads

If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident caused by icy roads, you need to understand what to expect from the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage. If the driver’s negligence caused the accident, we can help. Our car accident attorney will help you pursue financial recovery.

Learn more about how hard we go to bat for you by contacting our case evaluation team at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC® today.