Is sliding on ice an at-fault accident in New York? Most insurance companies would consider a driver at fault for losing control of their vehicle and sliding, even if poor winter weather contributed to the loss of control.
If you sustained injuries because another driver lost control on icy roads and struck your vehicle, a lawyer from the Morelli Law Firm could step in to help you seek compensation. Find out more about the laws surrounding these collisions with our team.
Call us or complete our online contact form to learn more.
How Do Insurance Companies Treat Sliding on Ice Accidents?
Insurance companies in New York generally classify sliding-on-ice accidents as at-fault collisions. However, many drivers question the logic behind this decision, as they may feel that the icy road caused the accident, not their actions.
However, insurance agents believe that sliding on ice is a preventable accident. While icy conditions make car travel more dangerous, drivers can take action to reduce the risks of an accident.
For example, drivers on an icy road may need to:
- Lower their speed to avoid sliding
- Take turns slowly
- Approach stop signs and red lights with extra care
- Scrape all the ice off their vehicle before driving
- Only drive with properly inflated tires
These actions reduce the odds of sliding-on-ice accidents by allowing drivers to better control their vehicles, even in winter weather conditions. Drivers operating their vehicles at unsafe speeds or recklessly, leading to sliding on-ice accidents, may be liable for the collision.
Can Any Other Parties Be At-Fault for Sliding on Ice Accidents?
Drivers are responsible for accidents caused after they slide on ice in New York. However, liability for these accidents can vary in some cases. For example, government agencies sometimes hold fault for these collisions.
Local governments are responsible for keeping the roads in good condition to the best of their ability. Therefore, a lawyer may take steps to show that local authorities failed to properly mark dangerous areas or improperly handled snow and ice removal.
You can speak with a lawyer to see if these possibilities apply to your claim.
Do Sliding on Ice Accidents Cause Injuries?
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), over 116,000 people sustain injuries in accidents on icy, slushy, or snowy roads every year. These accidents can result in broken bones, internal injuries, head injuries, and other ailments.
Additionally, thousands of accidents on icy roads result in fatalities every year. Icy roads can impact truckers and people in cars. Due to the severe nature of these collisions, it’s essential New York drivers adjust their habits to stay safe during the winter.
Can You Seek Damages if Someone Else Slides on Ice and Hits You?
Sliding on ice is often an at-fault accident in New York. Therefore, you may have a chance to claim compensation for the losses caused by another driver. For example, a car accident lawyer could help you secure funds to cover your:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages during your recovery
- Costs to repair or replace your vehicle
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
You may file a claim for compensation from your insurance company following an accident. If someone else slid into you due to icy conditions, your insurance company should not raise your premium, as the other driver holds liability for the wreck.
How Do You Report a Sliding on Ice Accident?
Because sliding on ice accidents qualify as at-fault accidents, it’s crucial that you report them to law enforcement in New York, especially if the accident leads to injuries, a fatality, or property damage.
You can contact the police immediately after the accident to report what happened. The police will complete an accident report that you can use when seeking damages to cover your losses.
Additionally, you can report the accident directly to your insurance. Sharing news of the collision immediately helps to establish when and how the wreck occurred. Finally, reach out to a car accident lawyer for assistance with your claim.
How Do You Get Damages for a Sliding on Ice Accident?
Depending on your situation, you may receive compensation for the losses associated with a sliding-on-ice accident in two primary ways. First, many drivers settle with the insurance company to receive funds for their losses.
However, in some cases, you may qualify to file a lawsuit against the driver – or another party – who caused the collision. In this situation, you could take your claim to court to seek financial compensation.
A lawyer can help you move forward with either option after an accident caused by sliding on ice.
How Long Does it Take to Resolve Sliding on Ice Accident Claims?
Sliding on ice may be an at-fault accident in New York. In these cases, insurance companies may resolve the claim fairly quickly, allowing you to receive funds to cover your losses and pay for repairs to your vehicle.
However, filing a lawsuit against the driver who slid on the ice may take longer.
Remember that New York has a statute of limitations for car accident claims. If you wait too long to move forward with a claim after a collision in icy weather, you may lose your chance to secure compensation.
Speak to Us After a Sliding on Ice Accident in New York
Icy roads are a fact of life for many drivers in New York through the winter months. While the weather can contribute to winter collisions, sliding on ice is usually an at-fault accident in our state.
If a driver who slipped on an icy patch struck your vehicle, our team at Morelli Law Firm can step in to help you secure compensation. Find out more about how car accident lawyers assist you by calling us or completing our online contact form.