Is Sliding on Ice an At-Fault Accident?

Sliding on ice can be a scary and dangerous experience. If you get hurt in an accident in wintry conditions, you may wonder, “Is sliding on ice an at-fault accident?”

In short, the answer is not always straightforward and can depend on the circumstances of the crash.

Generally, drivers must exercise reasonable care when operating their vehicles, particularly on ice or snow. If you get injured because someone else did not take proper precautions, such as failing to reduce speed, you could have a compensation claim against them.

Understanding your legal rights and obligations is critical, whether you are an injured victim or caused an accident while sliding on ice. Morgan & Morgan is here to help. We can analyze your accident, determine your legal rights, and move forward with a claim on your behalf. Contact us now for a free consultation to find out more.

What Is an At-Fault Accident?

In most car accidents, someone is at fault. The at-fault party is the person, business, or government agency that is responsible for the accident and any resulting damages. Sometimes, two or more parties may share responsibility for the crash. In legal terms, this is known as “comparative negligence.”

Identifying who is at fault for a sliding-on-ice accident can be challenging. For example, if you crash into another car while sliding on ice, you may be considered at fault for the accident. Drivers are responsible for maintaining control of their vehicles at all times, including in inclement weather.

However, there are some circumstances where sliding on ice may not be considered an at-fault accident. For example, someone else may be responsible for the crash if you were driving at low speed and could not control your vehicle due to a poorly designed road or a car defect. Proving that another is liable for the collision and your damages can be tricky. Consider speaking to an experienced car accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan to understand your options.

Preventing Sliding-on-Ice Crashes

Sometimes, ice is invisible, and you cannot prevent a crash. However, in many cases, drivers can avoid accidents in wintry weather by taking the following steps:

• Slow down: When driving in winter weather and icy conditions, always slow down, even if it means driving below the posted speed limit.
• Leave plenty of space: Leave a good amount of space between you and the car in front of you, as this will give you more reaction time if the other vehicle suddenly stops or slides.
• Stay alert: Avoid distractions such as loud music or using your cell phone. Stay alert and focused on the road at all times.
• “Winterproof” your vehicle: Ensure your car is adequately maintained, and your tires have sufficient tread. Good tires will help you maintain better traction on icy roads.
• Avoid sudden movements: Hard braking or a sharp turn is never a good idea on icy surfaces. Such movements can cause your vehicle to slide on ice and increase your risk of an accident.

Determining Fault in a Sliding-on-Ice Accident

Identifying who is at fault in a sliding-on-ice accident can be challenging and involve various factors, including:

• The weather at the time of the crash
• The behavior of other drivers, such as speeding or driving distracted
• The road conditions

Here are some examples of how these factors can impact fault:

1. If another driver failed to slow down during icy conditions or was driving intoxicated, they may be partially or wholly responsible for the collision.
2. If road conditions were hazardous due to poor maintenance, such as lack of salting or plowing, the responsible parties (such as local government bodies) could be liable for the accident.

Moreover, multiple parties may share responsibility for a crash. Sometimes, both drivers could be at fault for failing to adjust their driving behaviors to icy and snowy roads.

Types of Losses in At-Fault Accidents

Driving on icy roads can be daunting. You may worry about losing control of your vehicle and the potential damages in the event of an accident. Here’s what you need to know about insurance coverage for damages caused by a sliding-on-ice at-fault accident.

Injuries to Other Involved Parties

Most drivers have liability insurance. If you are responsible for an accident, your bodily injury liability coverage typically covers other parties’ expenses, such as medical bills and lost wages, up to policy limits.

Injuries to You or Your Passengers

You may have personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments (MedPay) coverage, depending on your state. These policies can pay for your healthcare costs, lost income, rehabilitation costs, and other expenses related to the collision.

Damage to Your Car

If your vehicle is damaged in an accident caused by sliding on ice, and you have collision coverage, your insurer should pay for the cost of repairs up to the limits of your policy. However, you are generally responsible for any deductibles. If someone else caused the crash, their insurance company should reimburse you for your losses.

Damage to Someone Else’s Vehicle and Property

In most states, liability coverage pays for damages to another’s vehicle or property if you cause an accident. However, if your policy does not cover the other party’s losses, you may be responsible for paying for the difference.

Insurance claims in crashes involving ice are often complex and can depend on your state laws. A car accident attorney at Morgan & Morgan can review your policy and determine your next best steps after a sliding-on-ice at-fault accident.

Compensation for Sliding-on-Ice At-Fault Accident Victims

In a sliding-on-ice at-fault accident, liability for the accident typically falls on the driver who couldn’t maintain control of their vehicle due to the icy conditions. If you or a loved one got hurt in such a crash, you may be able to recover compensation from the at-fault driver or their insurance company. While compensation will vary from one accident to another, here are some examples of damages you could receive:

Healthcare Costs

If you are hurt in an accident caused by another, you may qualify for all necessary medical costs related to your accident injuries. Healthcare expenses could include the following:

• Hospitalization
• Surgeries
• Rehabilitation
• Appointments with specialists
• Medical devices
• Medications
• Medical transport costs

Property Damage

If your car is considerably damaged and needs repairs, or your vehicle is totaled, you should be reimbursed appropriately. Moreover, if your items, such as a laptop, phone, jewelry, or clothing, were damaged and destroyed in the crash, you could receive reimbursement for repairing or replacing your belongings.  

Lost Income

If you couldn’t work due to getting hurt in a sliding-on-ice at-fault accident, you could receive lost wages and other losses, such as benefits, overtime, bonuses, and future loss of income.

Non-Economic Damages

Depending on the severities of your injuries, you may also be entitled to pain and suffering and other non-economic damages, such as:

• Physical pain
• Emotional anguish
• Disability
• Reduced life enjoyment

An experienced car accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can help you assess your damages and negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to secure a fair settlement.