When it is raining, snowing or icy outside, it is expected for drivers to adjust their driving habits to the weather that is being experienced. Ultimately, drivers should begin to drive more cautiously. Unfortunately, this doesn't always occur and it can lead to a serious car accident. For victims, if it can be proven that the other driver did not adjust his or her driving habits accordingly to the inclement weather, it may be possible to recover damages for their recklessness. At the same time, your own damages could be diminished if there is proof that you also drove unsafely. Therefore, it helps to know a few bad winter driving habits so that you can avoid them and increase your chances of a successful car accident or personal injury lawsuit if you are injured by a potentially negligent driver:
1. Driving Too Fast.
While there is a speed limit posted on the side of the road, it is important to take note that this same speed limit may not be appropriate for the road conditions. There is something called the "Basic Speed Law," which says that drivers will not drive their vehicles on the road at a speed that is faster than what is deemed reasonable for the weather conditions. This is regardless of the posted speed limit. Otherwise, you may be found liable for damages due to driving at an unsafe speed.
2. Following Too Closely.
It isn't uncommon for drivers to drive far too close to the rear of the car in front of them. While this should not occur at any time of the year and under any circumstances it is definitely not recommended when the roads are icy or wet. This is because your dropping distance is increased substantially. It will take you longer to stop, which means that you may not be allowing yourself enough distance or time to bring your vehicle to stop and could cause a rear-end accident.
3. Failing to Use Snow Chains.
In some states, it is required that non-four-wheel-drive vehicles have chains on their tires when the state has issued a notice or a snow emergency. For example, in California, there is a three-tier system that either requires chains or snow tires, chains on non-four-wheel- or non-all-wheel-drive vehicles, or chains on all vehicles. If you live in a state where this is required and fail to have those chains on your vehicle when the law permits them and an accident occurs, you may be deemed at-fault for the collision and responsible for paying damages to the victim.
If you've been involved in an accident, it is crucial that you reach out to a personal injury or car accident lawyer at your earliest convenience. If the other driver was cited for any of the above-mentioned poor driving habits, it may be able to be used to prove the driver's negligence.
Share23 February 2016
After you have endured a traumatic, life-changing car accident, it can be hard to transition back into your everyday routine. As friends and family members chat about upcoming outlet mall sales or holiday plans, you might be secretly worried about how to pay your medical bills or forget about that wreck. Fortunately, dealing with your car accident case proactively by working with an attorney can really help. After I was involved in a car accident a few years back, my attorney stood by my side and helped me to argue for what was rightfully mine. I made this website to teach others what to do if they are involved in an accident.