Car Accident Lawyer
Bad weather makes driving that much more hazardous. Poor conditions, snow and ice create high-risk roads that put most drivers to the test. Unfortunately, not everyone takes the weather into consideration when they drive, and the results can vary from small fender benders to major crashes. Just because black ice was involved in your crash doesn’t mean no one is at fault for the accident. Here are some factors to understand about icy accidents.
Fault
Every driver takes on an unwritten responsibility when they get behind the wheel and hit the road. They are agreeing to drive safely, obey traffic rules and be vigilant so they don’t put others at risk. Failing to do so in any way can make you guilty of causing an accident. Bad weather isn’t an excuse to get you out of fault. You still chose to drive in bad conditions, knowing there could be ice on the road, and it is your job to alter your driving so that you do not cause an accident despite weather.
Proving Another Driver’s Negligence
If you were not responsible for the accident, you can prove the other driver’s negligence by taking pictures of the accident, giving a statement to the responding police officer and recording what witnesses say happened that led to the accident. Weather is not an excuse for negligent driving, and you can file your claim with the negligent driver’s insurance.
Filing a Claim
When you file a claim with another driver’s insurance, you can expect an independent investigation of the accident. If a claim adjuster comes around, don’t give them a statement or tell them anything but the facts of what happened. It’s possible the other driver’s insurance will try to use weather as a reason not to pay your bills, but that is not valid.
Personal Injury Protection
If you were responsible for causing the accident, you can still get coverage through your own insurance. You simply can’t get your injuries and damages covered by someone else. If you were hit by a negligent driver and are waiting for a claim to come through, you can use personal injury protection coverage by your own insurance to pay bills before your compensation arrives.
Bad weather and ice add an extra layer to unravel in car accident cases. Talking to a lawyer for advice can be beneficial in understanding your situation and progressing toward a rightful claim. Contact a car accident attorney, like David & Philpot, P.L., to learn more.
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