Is Sliding on Ice an At-Fault Accident?

Drivers who slide on ice and cause an accident can hold responsibility for the crash, meaning they’ll have to cover the losses of any other parties involved in the crash. Sliding on ice is an at-fault accident in New York because the state expects drivers to adjust for dangerous weather conditions like icy roads. 

You can learn more about the laws surrounding weather-related crashes from a Long Island car accident lawyer. An attorney can also help you file a claim for compensation if a driver hits your vehicle after sliding on ice.

Is Sliding on the Ice an At-Fault Collision?

Sliding on ice and hitting another vehicle does qualify as an at–fault accident in New York. While many drivers see the weather as to blame for these collisions, insurance companies and the state see things differently. 

Basically, drivers have a legal responsibility to operate their vehicles properly under the conditions. Therefore, if a driver finds themselves on icy roads, they need to adjust how they’re driving to avoid causing an accident. 

Typically, avoiding accidents on icy roads means slowing down, leaving a lot of following distance, and avoiding slamming on the brakes if the car starts to slide. If the weather is dangerous enough, drivers should make the choice not to drive at all, protecting themselves and others. 

Sliding on Black Ice Is Also an At-Fault Accident

What is black ice? Black ice is a layer of translucent ice that often forms over the road. Drivers usually can’t see this ice before they hit it, and it may cause them to lose control of their vehicles. Sliding on black ice can still be considered an at-fault accident, even though the ice is often invisible. 

You can learn more about sliding on ice and other common causes of crashes in winter from an attorney who handles personal injury claims. 

Why Does Fault Matter After a Driver Slides on the Ice?

Fault matters in all car accidents because it determines who has to cover the damages caused by a crash. The at-fault party generally has to cover the expenses faced by injury victims, often through an insurance settlement. 

An attorney will need to establish the fault of the driver responsible for the crash. In collisions involving icy roads, a lawyer may need to show that:

• A driver knew (or should have known) that the roads were dangerously icy
• The driver failed to properly adjust for conditions 
• The driver’s actions (or inaction) led to a collision
• The collision resulted in another driver’s injuries and financial losses

For example, drivers may hold liability for accidents that involve sliding on ice if they drove too fast for conditions, swerved around between lanes on icy roads, or tailgated another driver in poor weather. 

You can learn more about why sliding on ice is an at-fault accident in New York from an attorney. 

Compensation Available After an Icy Road Accident

Individuals hurt in accidents involving icy roads can seek compensation for their economic and non-economic losses. Depending on the circumstances, they may receive funds to pay for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property repairs
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Emotional distress

An attorney can track all losses associated with an accident to help a client get maximum compensation. 

How Much Compensation Can a Driver Get?

The funds available after an accident involving icy roads will depend on several factors. The extent of the injured party’s losses plays a large role in determining the amount of compensation awarded after a crash. 

The funds available will also depend on the liability of other parties involved in the crash. New York’s comparative negligence laws mean that more than one person can hold responsibility for a collision.

These laws also mean that the court can reduce the funds available to an injury victim if they contributed to a crash. 

What to Do After an Accident on Icy Roads

Drivers hurt in accidents on icy roads should take immediate steps to get fair compensation for their losses. In many cases, lawyers recommend that drivers:

• Get to a safe location after a crash
• Notify the police and report the collision
• Take pictures of their injuries and the damage to their vehicles 
• Write down exactly what happened
• Get contact information from all eyewitnesses 
• Seek treatment for any injuries
• Contact a personal injury lawyer for assistance 

Taking these steps can improve the chances of an injury victim getting the money they need to make a full financial recovery. 

Talk to Us After a Crash Caused by Sliding on Ice

So, is sliding on ice an at-fault accident? Generally, yes, New York considers drivers responsible for accidents that occur on icy roads. If a driver hits your vehicle due to reckless behavior in poor weather, you can reach out to our team at Levine And Wiss for professional help and legal support. 

We have over 100 years of combined legal experience, and we’re ready to provide the assistance you need, so reach out now.