As the winter season approaches, black ice on the roads becomes a real threat for drivers. The reason is that black ice is often hard to spot, thus, leading to damage to vehicles and bodily injury or deadly accidents. In fact, every winter, snowy, slushy, or icy pavement is responsible for more than 116,000 injuries and more than 1,300 fatalities in the United States. But when a black ice car accident occurs, who is actually liable for the damages? What can you do to protect yourself from black-ice car accidents?
First off, let's define black ice. Black ice forms when water on the roadway freezes, creating a thin, transparent sheet and patch of ice. This makes it difficult to spot and can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle, resulting in accidents.
Who is the Faulty Party in a Black Ice Accident?
When it comes to determining whose fault a black ice accident is, it often depends on the specific circumstances of the crash. So, it would be necessary to assess who was negligent in their actions:
The Driver's Responsibility
The determination of fault for black ice accidents can be complicated. Generally, the driver is ordinarily expected to exercise caution while driving, particularly in inclement weather conditions. However, black ice can often be difficult to spot, leading some to argue that the driver cannot always be held fully responsible for an accident involving a black patch of ice.
For instance, the driver who lost control on the black ice may not be held entirely responsible if they did not exhibit reckless behavior or negligence. Such negligence is determined by the court based on factors such as the driver's speed, if they were distracted or under the influence, and whether they were properly maintaining their vehicle.
In essence, to establish negligence, it would be assessed whether a duty of care exists to determine a negligent driver or the degree of fault. Did the driver exercise reasonable care? Was the driver at fault? These answers would determine liability or otherwise.
Government Agencies or Property Owners
There are some situations where black ice accidents can be traced back to negligence on behalf of a government agency or property owner. For example, if a city failed to adequately treat the roads for black ice or a property owner did not properly clear their sidewalks, they may be held responsible for black ice accidents occurring on their property.
This is a case where these poor road conditions pose a significant danger to drivers. Therefore, assessing all parties who may have contributed to the black ice accident is essential before determining fault.
Insurance Companies and Black Ice Accidents
In these cases, insurance companies may determine if a government entity should have taken steps to prevent black ice, such as salting the roads. However, it's important to note that an insurance provider may try to avoid paying for damages in black ice accidents. Where they have to pay will ultimately depend on the specific policy and circumstances of the accident.
The driver's insurance might cover damages if they were not found negligent in causing the black ice accident. However, the driver's insurance may not cover damages if they were found to be negligent or if another party (such as a government agency or property owner) is held responsible for the black ice accident. It's crucial to have proper car insurance, understand your coverage, and consult with a lawyer if necessary.
It is worth mentioning that in some cases, black ice car accidents are considered "acts of God" and are not the fault of any individual. This means that no one can be held responsible for the accident, including the insurance provider. So, you may have to bear the cost of damages out of your pocket.
Common Reasons Why Black Ice Accidents Happen?
Certain factors cause black ice accidents. These include the following:
Speeding or Reckless Driving
More often than not, it has been discovered that black ice accidents occur when drivers are speeding or driving recklessly. Due to this behavior, they lose control on black ice and cause accidents. For example, a driver may swerve to avoid black ice and end up causing a collision with another vehicle or a multi-car crash.
Poorly Maintained Vehicles
If a driver's vehicle is not adequately maintained, it can lead to black ice accidents. This includes having tires that are improperly inflated or worn down ("worn tires"), as well as faulty brakes. It's essential for drivers to regularly maintain their vehicles to ensure safety on the roads, especially during winter weather conditions - the coldest months.
Poor Road Maintenance
Government entities, such as the Department of Transportation or Roads, ensure that roads are safe for drivers. This includes properly treating black ice on the roadway. Failure to do so can result in black ice accidents. In some cases, insurance companies may seek to hold the government entity responsible for black ice accidents.
Inclement Weather
Winter weather conditions, such as freezing rain or snow, can lead to black ice forming on the roads. In these cases, it's even more critical for drivers to exercise caution and for government entities to treat black ice on the roads properly.
Location
Black ice is more likely to form in shaded areas or bridges, as the temperature is often lower in these locations. This is usually the case when black ice forms overnight, as the temperature is cooler. Drivers should exercise an extreme level of care when driving in these areas during cold weather.
What You Should Expect of Drivers in Black Ice Conditions
Usually, black ice forms during cold winter months. As a result, drivers are expected to be cautious and prepared for black ice on the roads. This means driving slower, increasing the distance between cars, and being alert for black ice.
Therefore, drivers' expectations during black ice conditions should include safe driving behavior and be prepared for black ice. Adhering to these expectations can help prevent black ice accidents and keep everyone on the road safe. Also, it's essential to have sufficient car insurance in case of black ice accidents.
Damages in a Car Accident Caused by Black Ice
Accidents caused by black ice can result in various damages depending on the severity of the accident. This can include vehicle damage, driver and passenger injuries, and even fatalities. In these cases, insurance companies may cover the damages, or a lawsuit may be necessary for determining financial compensation for the accident.
Ultimately, black ice accidents can result in significant injuries, and drivers must exercise caution during bad weather conditions. Injuries that mainly occur during car accidents caused by Black Ice include the following:
- Broken bones or fractures
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Neck and back injuries
It is necessary that you seek medical attention as soon as possible following a car accident that may have been caused by black ice, as these kinds of injuries may have long-term consequences for your health.
How an Attorney Can Help
Overall, black ice accidents can be complicated to navigate legally and financially. So, if you've been involved in an accident caused by black ice or other icy weather conditions, consulting with a personal injury attorney can help determine your legal options, such as who may be responsible and how to seek compensation for damages. Insurance companies may try to deny coverage or not fully cover the extent of damages.
An experienced car accident attorney can negotiate on your behalf and ensure that you receive fair compensation for the accident. In addition, a lawyer can also help navigate any legal proceedings that may arise from the accident. At Chicago Car Accident Lawyers, we work diligently to protect your rights and ensure that you receive compensation for any damages or injuries.