Winter in Nashville might not always bring heavy snowfall, but when ice forms on roads it can make even a short drive dangerous. When accidents occur in slick conditions, figuring out who’s responsible isn’t always straightforward.
Keep reading to explore how liability is determined in these accidents, what factors insurance looks at, and when to consult with a car accident lawyer in Nashville.
Ice on roads is a real hazard that reduces tire traction and drastically increases stopping distances. Bridges, overpasses, shaded roadways, and even patches near curbs can freeze earlier and remain icy longer than other parts of the roadway.
During these conditions, you might notice cars sliding at stop lights, struggling to climb small hills, or spinning out on seemingly clear pavement.
Many people assume that if the weather is bad, no one can be held responsible when an accident happens. But that’s not always true. Liability, or fault, is still grounded in how a person behaved behind the wheel.
Even on icy roads, drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely given the conditions. A driver who is speeding, following too closely, or otherwise driving without regard for weather conditions can still be found negligent. For example, if a driver is going well above a safe speed for icy roads and rear-ends another car, they may be held responsible for the crash.
Insurance companies and courts typically look at whether a driver acted reasonably under the specific conditions at the time of the accident.
Sometimes, the weather simply made the conditions unmanageable for even cautious drivers. If an unexpected ice storm caused widespread road icing that couldn’t have been reasonably anticipated, establishing individual driver negligence becomes trickier.
In these situations, other sources of liability, like road maintenance agencies, might come into play.
In some cases, the party responsible for road maintenance can share liability for an accident. In Tennessee, government agencies are responsible for keeping public roads reasonably safe. If an accident was mainly caused by a failure to warn drivers of hazardous conditions or to maintain the road properly, the city could be held accountable.
For instance:
Proving liability against a government entity can be difficult and often requires demonstrating that the agency knew or should have known about hazardous conditions but failed to act. This is best done by working with a car accident lawyer in Nashville.
After an icy road accident, both your insurance company and the other driver’s carrier will likely conduct their own investigation. Some key elements they examine include:
Remember that insurance companies have their own interests in mind, and they want to minimize payouts. That’s why having someone knowledgeable on your side can make a big difference.
Experiencing a crash in icy conditions can be frightening, but taking the right steps immediately afterward can protect your health and your legal rights.
These steps not only help you stay safe but also set the foundation for any insurance claim or legal action you might pursue.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an icy road accident, getting experienced legal help can make all the difference. Bart Durham Injury Law has decades of experience representing injured motorists in Nashville and throughout Kentucky and Tennessee.
Our team of seasoned personal injury attorneys has handled thousands of motor vehicle injury claims, helping clients secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.