Who Is Liable in a Black Ice Accident?

 Posted on April 13, 2018 in Personal Injury

Also known as clear ice, black ice is a thin coating of glaze ice on roads. It’s virtually transparent and often seen in the colder months. It usually forms on bridges, overpasses, the bottoms of hills, and anywhere where there is no sunlight. If you get into a car accident that was caused by black ice, you may be wondering who is at fault. Read on to find out.

Drivers are Responsible for Black Ice

As a driver, you are responsible for being aware of your surroundings and driving appropriately for all weather conditions. If you lost control of your vehicle and caused an accident because of black ice, you may believe that you should not be held liable.

When an insurance company finds out about your accident, they will likely determine you are liable. This is because they believe that drivers should slow down, pull over, or avoid driving on particularly icy and snowy days. They also feel that it’s the driver’s responsibility to make sure their vehicle is properly maintained for winter driving.

In the event another driver hits you while driving on black ice, they may be held liable and you may be able to collect compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Be sure to take photos of the accident scene, collect the other driver’s contact information and insurance details, and consult an attorney to increase your chances of recovering fair and full compensation.

How to Prevent Black Ice Accidents

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent black ice accidents and protect yourself from being held liable for an insurance claim. Here are several tips on how to drive safely on icy road conditions:

• Slow down: Tires lose grip on icy conditions. By driving slower than the posted speed limit, you’ll give yourself more time to react to slippage or a potential accident.
• Take proper skidding precautions: If you begin to skid, turn your wheel in the direction of the slide and avoid hitting the brakes.
• Maintain your vehicle: Vehicles with worn tires are far more difficult to control when driving on ice. Damaged headlights, windshield wipers, and defrosters can also make driving on ice challenging. Therefore, ensure your vehicle is properly maintained at all times.
• Keep your windows clear: Do not get behind the wheel until your windows are completely clean or defrosted.

Contact Our Hinsdale Car Accident Attorneys

If you are involved in a black ice accident, contact our highly skilled DuPage County car accident lawyers to determine who is at fault in your particular case. Call us today at 630-920-8855 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://lifehacker.com/how-to-survive-deadly-black-ice-on-winter-roads-1821258841