Winter Weather Car Accidents
It is undisputed that winter weather in the Richmond, Virginia area can have a significant adverse impact on roadway conditions. Snow, ice, and freezing rain can impair roadway visibility, reduce traction, affect stability, and impact overall traffic conditions. All of these significantly increase the chances of a car accident while driving. Drivers must exercise extreme caution when operating their motor vehicles in snow and ice. When they fail to take inclement weather conditions into account, they may be liable for any resulting car accidents and injuries which occur.
The Richmond attorneys at Emroch & Kilduff are specialists in personal injury law. If you have sustained serious injuries and damages in a winter weather car accident that was caused by a negligent driver, our experienced team of attorneys can review your case for free and may be able to help you pursue money damages for your injuries.
Driving Responsibly in Winter Weather
Drivers must exercise extreme caution while operating their vehicles in winter weather. By following these precautions, the number of weather-related car accidents can be lessened significantly.
- Drive well below the posted speed limit.
- Do not follow the vehicle in front too closely and allow plenty of stopping distance—especially at traffic intersections.
- Be familiar with the vehicle’s braking system and how to properly use it when driving in inclement weather conditions.
- Leave vehicle headlights on at all times.
- Completely clear ice and snow from all windshields, windows, and mirrors prior to operating the vehicle.
When drivers disregard these precautions and operate their vehicles in a careless or reckless manner, they can be held accountable for their negligent actions or inactions when they cause an accident.
Holding Careless and Reckless Drivers Accountable
In order to prove that another driver was at fault for a winter weather car accident, the accident victim must be able to show that the other driver was not driving reasonably, given the inclement weather conditions, and that this negligence was a direct result of the accident—as well as the injuries and damages sustained. Injured accident victims may be able to recover monetary compensation for all related medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, and lost quality of life. The amount of damages an injured accident victim is entitled to depend on the amount of property damage to the vehicles involved, as well as the nature and extent of the injuries sustained.
Call a Richmond Car Accident Lawyer Today for a Free Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
When the weather is bad and it becomes necessary to drive, motor vehicle operators must exercise extreme caution. When they fail to do so, they put the lives of every other driver on the road at risk. If you sustained injuries and damages in a winter weather car accident, the experienced attorneys at Emroch & Kilduff can advocate for your right to monetary recovery. To schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with a Richmond, Virginia personal injury car accident lawyer, please call us today at (804) 358-1568 or contact us online.
