According to the Department of Transportation, 5.8 million vehicle crashes happen every year and 21% are weather-related accidents as well as 19% of all crash injuries and 16% of crash fatalities. Getting in a car accident in the winter can be particularly stressful, so it’s best to know what to do in that situation.
Weather-Related Accidents in Illinois
Illinois, in true Midwest fashion, has been known to experience extreme winter weather. Winter months bring snow, ice, and freezing rain, reducing traction and stopping distance. With that comes dangerous driving conditions that increase the risk of car accidents. Winter months bring snow, ice, and freezing rain, reducing traction and stopping distance.
These conditions require extra caution from drivers and every driver on the road has a duty of car to drive safely. Unfortunately, even the most experienced drivers can find themselves in an accident that is outside of their control. Later, we’ll discuss how liability is handled in weather-related car accidents.
Winter Weather Conditions in Ilinois
Several weather-related hazards are common causes of car accidents in Illinois. In fact, Illinois
Icy and Snow Covered Roads: Ice forms quickly without warning and you can skid and lose control. A slight miscalculation on icy roads can mean a severe crash.
Heavy Rain and Flooding: Intense rainstorms reduce visibility making the roads slick and increase the risk of hydroplaning. Flooded roads can catch you off guard and cause multi-vehicle pileups.
High Winds and Debris: Wind can blow objects onto the road or destabilize vehicles, especially high-profile trucks and SUVs.
Fog and Low Visibility: Fog can reduce visibility to zero causing rear-end collisions and other accidents when you can’t see hazards until its too late
Understanding these hazards is key to preventing accidents and establishing negligence when an accident occurs. If a driver doesn’t adjust their speed or maintain a safe distance during adverse conditions they can be liable in any subsequent legal claim.
Common Causes of Weather-Related Accidents
Rollover Accidents: Winter weather can cause drivers to suddenly lose control of their vehicle, increasing the risk of a rollover. High winds can also cause a car to flip as the driver us unable to push against the winds.
Sideswipe Collisions: Sideswipe collisions are when a driver changes lanes and swipes the side of another car in the process. These accidents are often caused by low visibility such as snow, rain, or fog.
Rear-End Collisions: These are the more common weather-related accidents and often happen due to slippery roads. Snow, rain, and ice can drastically decrease the time a driver has to stop.
Hydroplaning: Rain storms create the greatest risk of hydroplaning. A car can hydroplane when a lawyer of water builds up on the roads. Vehicles lose all traction and the driver loses control of their vehicle.
Who is Liable in a Weather-Related Car Accident?
When a weather-related accident occurs determining fault can be tricky. Weather can be a defense for one or both parties making liability harder to prove. But if a driver didn’t adjust to known weather hazards they may still be negligent.
Additionally, Illinois is a comparative fault state, which means that drivers can still receive compensation for damages even if they are partially at fault for an accident. You must be less than 50% at fault to exercise this right.
At Disparti Law Group we help our clients navigate these complexities. Our team reviews police reports, accident reconstructions, and weather data to build a case.
What to Do Immediately After a Weather-Related Accident
Prompt action after an accident is key. Here’s what to do if you’re involved in a weather-related collision:
- Safety First: Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, road conditions, vehicle damage, and any weather-related factors.
- Gather Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers and get witness statements if available.
- Report the Accident: File a report with the local police and notify your insurance company.
- Contact an Attorney: Call Disparti Law Group right away. Early legal intervention can preserve evidence and help your claim.
Following these steps can make a big difference in your legal claim. We’ll be with you every step of the way to protect your rights after a weather-related accident.
Contact Weather-Related Car Accident Lawyer
Weather-related car accidents in Illinois are complicated and require specialized legal expertise. Disparti Law Group is here to help you navigate these challenges and hold insurance companies accountable.
If you or a loved one has been in an accident due to adverse weather conditions contact us today for a FREE consultation. Call (312) 600-6000 and find out why thousands say…Larry wins!
