Chicago experiences a lot of cold weather and weather-related road hazards. Snow and ice can make roads slippery and more challenging to maneuver, leading to an increase in accidents.
Even though weather conditions can make driving more challenging, drivers are still responsible for operating their vehicles safely to avoid harming others. When an accident results in damage, the police and insurance companies must determine who is responsible for the damage.
Even though an icy road may have contributed to a driver losing control and crashing into someone else, the driver who lost control and struck the other vehicle is still likely at fault.
If you have been injured in a weather-related accident caused by another party, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. However, proving the other party’s negligence can be challenging because their insurer will attempt to deny and devalue your claim.
At Meyers & Flowers Trial Attorneys, an experienced Chicago car accident attorney will investigate your accident, take steps to preserve vital evidence before it can be lost or destroyed, and work to build your strongest case. We have a proven record of helping our clients recover maximum compensation. Let us help you.
Call (630) 912-7323 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation to discuss your weather-related accident claim.
Proving Fault in a Weather-Related Accident
We will prove fault with evidence. Our attorneys will carefully investigate your accident to identify all possible causes and liable parties. We will interview witnesses, review the accident report, and scrutinize photographs and video footage from the accident scene.
We will take fast action to help preserve vital evidence before it can be destroyed or lost and to uncover strong evidence to build your case. We may use the event data recorder (EDR) from vehicles to determine factors such as the driver’s speed, brake usage, and maneuvers taken to avoid the accident. In some cases, we may consult an accident reconstructionist and other industry experts to help establish how the accident happened.
Factors That Contribute to Weather-Related Accidents in Chicago
When a client is involved in a weather-related accident, our attorneys carefully investigate the facts to identify causes and potentially liable parties. Some of the factors that would help prove driver negligence include:
- Evidence of excessive speed considering the weather conditions.
- Failure to obey traffic laws.
- Driving distracted.
- Driving impaired.
- Driving drowsy or fatigued.
- Driving too close behind another vehicle.
- Negligent maintenance of tires or brakes.
Even in bad weather, drivers are responsible for operating their vehicles in a safe manner. They must also maintain their vehicles to keep them safe to drive. A negligent driver can be held liable for damages caused, even when the accident occurred during bad weather.
Statute of Limitations For Filing a Claim
A statute of limitations is a law that establishes a deadline for filing a claim to recover damages in a car accident case. If you miss your filing deadline, you cannot recover damages.
The Illinois statute of limitations for filing a weather-related accident claim in Chicago is two years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions to the two-year deadline. You must promptly consult a Chicago injury lawyer with experience handling these cases to determine your filing deadline.
Speak to a Chicago Weather-Related Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a weather-related accident in Chicago, we want to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Call (630) 912-7323 or visit our contact page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim.