Anyone who has driven in a winter storm is aware of how difficult it can be. Snow and ice can wreak havoc on a driver’s ability to control his or her vehicle, and winter storms can reduce visibility to a significant extent.
It is unsurprising, then, that accidents often tend to occur in poor weather conditions. If you have been hurt in an accident that occurred during a winter storm, you may be wondering whether you will be able to recover compensation.
Negligence Can Occur in Any Weather Conditions
Fortunately for victims, the answer to this question is often “yes.” Under Connecticut Law, drivers are required to use a reasonable degree of care whenever they are on the road, and what is “reasonable” depends on the circumstances. For example, while it may be perfectly reasonable to drive at the posted speed limit in fair weather conditions, the same is not true during a blizzard. There are many ways that a driver may negligently cause an accident during winter weather, including the following:
Driving too fast for the conditions
Following too closely
Not using turn signals
Not using headlights
Distracted driving
How to Protect Your Rights
As an accident victim, it is important to understand that the things that you say and do immediately after an accident can have a direct impact on your ability to recover compensation. Here are some of the things you should do (or not do) after an accident that takes place in winter weather.
Make sure to exchange information with the other driver, and notify local law enforcement about the accident
Try and get contact information from anyone that may have witnessed the accident
Do not apologize for the crash, as doing so could be interpreted as an admission of fault
Seek medical attention
Retain an attorney as soon as you can
Call Us Today to Speak with a Hartford Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident that occurred during winter weather, do not simply assume that no one was at fault. In many cases, accidents that occur because of snow, ice, or other adverse weather conditions entitle victims to significant compensation. To discuss your case with an experienced attorney, call Leighton, Katz & Drapeau today at 860-875-7000 or contact us online.
1 https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/titles.htm
2 https://www.distraction.gov/