Virginia’s winters can get very cold, and when temperatures drop below freezing, ice becomes a major threat. Even vehicles equipped with snow tires and four-wheel drive are prone to losing traction and skidding on icy roads. But what happens if a driver loses control on ice and hits your vehicle? Can you sue them for damages?
As with all auto accident cases, the answer is: it depends. In many cases, drivers lose control on ice through no fault of their own. Sometimes, they drive over a patch of black ice that causes them to lose all control over their vehicle and they hit another car. That can happen even if they were following at a safe distance, weren’t distracted, were driving at a safe speed, and had both hands on the wheel.
But sometimes, ice-related crashes ARE due to negligence. For example, speeding makes crashes much more likely to happen, especially when ice is on the road. Distraction can also make it more difficult for drivers to react in time to avoid a crash, which is amplified by the presence of ice. And driving under the influence can significantly impair drivers’ ability to steer out of a patch of ice that causes reduced or lost control.
If you’re involved in a crash this winter, the Virginia auto accident attorneys at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers are here to help. We’ll investigate what happened and work hard to prove the other driver was at fault. Then, we’ll push the insurance company to give you the compensation you’re owed. Contact us today for a free consultation.
