How Weather Conditions Can Influence Car and Truck Accident Liability in Connecticut
Connecticut residents are no strangers to harsh weather conditions, particularly in the winter. Learning to navigate heavy fog, rain, or snow is part of learning how to drive in this state, but even the most careful motorists remain at risk when the weather gets ugly.
However, many car accidents involving severe weather are made worse by the careless acts of a driver. In many situations, a motorist could face legal liability for a crash even when rain or snow was falling. See our guide on how weather conditions might influence car and truck accident liability in Connecticut.
Hazardous Weather in Connecticut
There are countless ways severe weather might lead to a car or truck accident in Connecticut. One of the most common hazards is the reduction in visibility that comes with rain, snow, or fog. If you cannot see what’s in front of you, the risk of colliding with another vehicle or a fixed object goes up dramatically.
The loss of traction is another major hazard to consider. When roads are wet or covered in ice, it makes it difficult for your tires to grip the surface of the road. This can in turn reduce the chances of you coming to a stop in time for an accident. The faster a car is driving, the more difficult it becomes to avoid a collision.
Determining Fault
Whether or not another driver is liable for your injuries in a weather-involved accident depends on whether you can establish evidence of negligence. Proving negligence requires four elements. They include:
- Duty of Care: All drivers owe each other a duty to drive safely, particularly when the weather is bad.
- Breach: A duty of care is breached when a motorist fails to take reasonable steps to prevent an accident. This might include driving at unsafe speeds on icy roads.
- Causation: Causation is the link between your injuries and the breached duty of care. You are only entitled to a monetary award for losses resulting from the other driver’s negligence.
- Damages: Finally, you must show that you suffered damages like lost wages or medical costs due to the accident.
There is often a dispute over the amount of liability a driver shares compared to the severity of the weather. The other party is likely to blame the road conditions, but that does not mean they are off the hook when it comes to your damages. A Connecticut car accident injury lawyer can evaluate your case and help you maximize your compensation.
Speak With Slager Madry LLC Following a Collision
Car or truck accidents are serious matters under the best of circumstances. The injuries involving a collision in severe weather often lead to life-altering injuries. If you were hurt in a crash, Slager Madry LLC is here to help. Call today for a free consultation.