Who’s At Fault in a Car Accident? A Guide to Liability in Ohio
Posted in: Car Accidents
KNR Legal Blog
Now that it’s winter in Ohio, car accidents on icy roads are bound to happen. If you get into an accident and ice played a role, you will likely ask yourself, “who is responsible for a car accident caused by ice?”
Even if ice contributed to your accident, the driver who caused it is liable. Call Kisling, Nestico & Redick at 1-800-HURT-NOW to speak to one of our Ohio car accident attorneys if you suffer from injuries in an ice-related car accident.
Although it is understandable that ice on the road may have caused a driver’s vehicle to slip or reduced their visibility, these are situations that drivers must be prepared for while driving in the winter.
Therefore, the weather cannot be blamed. If your vehicle caused the accident, you will be held liable. However, if the accident was caused by another driver’s vehicle, they will be responsible, and you may be able to recover damages.
If a driver hits you while driving on ice, you may be to collect compensation to pay for your property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. In order to increase your chances of doing so, you should call the police and gather the driver’s name, license plate number, and insurance information.
Next, take photos of the accident scene, vehicles involved, and any injuries you sustained. Lastly, inform your insurance company of the accident and call a car accident attorney right away.
Fortunately, there are a number of tips that can help you prevent accidents while driving on icy roads. Some of these tips include:
Refrain from driving when there is snow and ice on your car. Your dashboard, windows, and doors should be completely clear of debris.
You should always reduce your speed while driving on ice. By driving slowly, you can give yourself enough time to react in an emergency situation.
Always ensure that there is extra space between you and the vehicles ahead of you. If you need to come to a stop, you’ll be able to do so safely.
Although defensive driving is always important, it is a must during the winter season. It involves planning ahead for the unexpected, being prepared to react to other drivers, staying alert and avoiding all distractions, being able to control speed, and not expecting other drivers to act in the way you think they should.
While you can reduce your risk of being involved in an accident caused by ice, you may suffer from an injury in an ice-related accident that was the result of another driver’s negligence. If you get hurt in an accident on an icy road this winter, you should reach out to the experienced Ohio car accident attorneys of Kisling, Nestico & Redick today.
Contact us at 1-800-HURT-NOWfor a free and confidential case consultation.