Washington DC Injury Lawyer Blog
Winter storms can create hazardous conditions for drivers in Maryland and Washington, D.C., with icy roads, poor visibility, and heavy snowfall contributing to dangerous situations. During a recent storm, Maryland State Police responded to over 100 crashes, underscoring how quickly road conditions can become unsafe. Snow and ice make it difficult for drivers to maintain control, while freezing temperatures increase the likelihood of accidents. Determining liability often becomes a key issue when collisions occur during severe weather, mainly if another driver’s negligence contributed to the crash.
Understanding your rights is critical if you are involved in a winter storm accident. While weather conditions play a role, other drivers must still operate their vehicles responsibly. Speeding, following too closely, or failing to adjust for icy roads can worsen an already dangerous situation. When negligence contributes to a crash, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. Personal injury attorneys help victims hold negligent drivers accountable and secure recovery resources.
How Do Winter Storms Impact Driver Safety?
Snow and ice significantly reduce traction, making stopping or controlling a vehicle harder. Sudden changes in road conditions, such as black ice or untreated patches, catch drivers off guard, often leading to accidents. Limited visibility during snowstorms can also make it difficult to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles on the road. These challenges require extra caution, including reducing speed, increasing following distances, and using headlights.
Emergency responders reported over 123 crashes across Maryland during the recent winter storm. Statewide snow emergency plans were activated, emphasizing the severity of the conditions. Despite these precautions, some drivers failed to adjust their behavior, leading to preventable collisions. Even in poor weather, drivers are expected to operate their vehicles safely. Failing to do so can result in liability if their actions cause harm to others.
Common Causes of Winter Weather Accidents
Although winter weather creates inherent risks, many crashes occur due to avoidable behaviors. Speeding on icy roads is one of the leading causes of accidents during snowstorms. Drivers who fail to reduce their speed for conditions often lose control, increasing the likelihood of collisions. Tailgating is another frequent issue, as reduced traction means vehicles require longer stopping distances. Following too closely leaves little room to avoid a crash if the car ahead stops suddenly.
Failure to clear snow and ice from vehicles also contributes to dangerous conditions. Snow blowing off a moving car can obstruct the view of drivers behind it, while ice falling from roofs poses a significant hazard. Maryland law requires drivers to remove snow and ice from their vehicles before driving, yet not all comply. These preventable factors can exacerbate winter weather risks, leading to injuries that could have been avoided.
Liability in Winter Storm Accidents
Even during severe weather, drivers have a duty to exercise caution and adapt their behavior to current road conditions. When someone fails to meet this standard, they may be held responsible for damages caused by their actions. In personal injury cases, establishing negligence involves showing that a driver breached their duty of care by behaving recklessly or carelessly. Evidence such as police reports, eyewitness statements, and accident scene photographs can help prove fault.
For example, if a driver speeds on an icy road and causes a rear-end collision, their failure to adjust for weather conditions would likely be considered negligent. Similarly, a driver who fails to clear ice from their vehicle, causing it to damage another car or injure someone, could also be held liable. While winter weather is an external factor, it does not absolve drivers of their responsibility to operate safely.
Steps to Take After a Winter Weather Crash
Taking immediate action can help protect your rights and strengthen your case if you are involved in an accident during a snowstorm. First, check for injuries and call emergency responders to report the crash. Document the scene by taking photographs of the vehicles, road conditions, and any contributing factors, such as snow or ice buildup. Gather contact information from witnesses and exchange insurance details with other drivers involved.
When speaking to law enforcement or insurance adjusters, provide factual information but avoid speculating about fault. Winter weather accidents often involve multiple factors, and liability may not be immediately apparent. Seeking medical attention, even for minor injuries, ensures that potential harm is documented and treated promptly. These steps help establish a record of the incident and support your claim if you pursue compensation.
Contact the Dedicated Maryland Injury Lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen to Learn More
If you or a loved one was recently injured due to another’s negligence, it’s important you take a few minutes to learn about your rights and what you can do to hold the at-fault party accountable. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we have decades of combined experience handling all types of personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice lawsuits on behalf of clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation today, give us a call at 800-654-1949. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.