Weather Related Accidents
Attorney for Victims of Massachusetts Car Collisions
As a Northeastern state, Massachusetts experiences severe winter weather including snow, ice, heavy rain, and rapid freeze-ups. Most drivers are aware that it is necessary to modify their driving habits and practices during the winter months, but some drivers approach winter driving in a careless and a dangerous manner that puts other motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians at risk of suffering severe injuries. A skilled Massachusetts car accident lawyer at our firm is available to serve injury victims who have been injured in weather related accidents. Even though severe weather cannot be avoided or prevented, this does not excuse drivers who choose to operate their vehicles in a negligent manner, posing a serious threat to other individuals.
Negligent Driving in Winter Weather
Some areas of Massachusetts average over 60 inches of snowfall a year, with average January temperatures well below freezing. Although this makes for a beautiful and idyllic winter landscape, it can turn roadways into a nightmare. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation provides winter driving safety tips, such as being prepared for a winter-related emergency. This includes clearing frost from windows and lights while also keeping your headlights on at all times.
Traffic laws are intended to keep motorists safe, and include things like speed limits, yielding the right-of-way, and stop signs. But when winter weather makes driving conditions dangerous, drivers must use reasonable caution and common sense. This involves reducing your speed to below the speed limit if the conditions such as limited visibility or icy pavement call for it. In some cases, drivers may not be able to see ice on the roadway; this is referred to as black ice. Drivers should also refrain from following one another too closely in harsh winter weather to provide enough stopping distance in the event that the vehicle in front must stop quickly. Slick roadways can result in prolonged stopping times. Some accidents may also happen due to road clearing activities. If a driver is not paying attention to the road, they may fail to see a snow plow or embankment of accumulated snow, resulting in a sudden injury accident.
Seeking Damages After a Weather Related Accident
Severe weather does not excuse a motorist from his or her duty to operate his or her vehicle with reasonable care and skill. In evaluating whether you are entitled to compensation, you will be asked to prove that the other driver failed to act with the same care and skill that a prudent driver would have used when faced with the same severe winter weather situation. This may require testimony from a specialist who can testify about winter weather conditions, how roadways are affected, and the appropriate response for safe driving. If the other driver can point to another factor as the primary cause of your injuries, he or she may not be held liable. This can include evidence of any negligent conduct that you exhibited at the time of the accident, such as failing to drive with your lights on or swerving into oncoming traffic. A dedicated car accident lawyer can help you address these kinds of arguments if they arise in your case.
After proving that the other party drove negligently and caused your injuries, you will be asked to provide evidence supporting the amount of compensation that you are claiming in the accident, like past and future estimated medical bills, lost wages, reduced future earning capacity, diminished quality of life, disfigurement, and more.
Compassionate Car Accident Lawyer Serving Massachusetts
Winter weather is one of the things that some residents love most about Massachusetts, but when another driver fails to act safely on the roadway, you may find yourself in a stressful and painful situation following a weather related accident. An experienced car accident attorney at our firm is available to serve clients in areas around Boston, Cambridge, Lowell, Newton, Waltham, Quincy, Dedham, Norwood, Brookline, Somerville, and Peabody. We understand how important it is for you and your family to resolve this situation as quickly and efficiently as possible, while asserting your rights to the fullest extent. To schedule a free consultation call us at (800) 262-9200 or contact us online.
