Every car accident involves poor choices on the part of at least one driver. However, even if it appears that a driver is taking every possible precaution by following the rules of the road, collisions can and do still occur, especially during bad weather.
Bad weather requires motorists to turn on headlights, reduce their speed, and drive in a more cautious manner. A driver who fails to take appropriate steps to limit risk during poor weather is legally responsible for any damage that they cause to others. An experienced motor vehicle crash attorney at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. could help to investigate car accidents involving bad weather in Elgin.
Drivers Must Take Extra Precautions in Bad Weather
Elgin laws govern maximum speed limits, the distance that cars should maintain from each other, and require headlights while driving at night. However, many drivers do not realize that these rules apply under ideal driving conditions. Weather patterns that result in heavy rain, dense snow, or powerful winds require drivers to driver more carefully and keep their full attention on the road in front of them.
Failing to do so is not only dangerous, but it may also violate the law. For example, 625 Illinois Complied Statutes 5/11-601 says that no driver can operate a vehicle at speeds that are inappropriate given the conditions of the road, regardless of the stated speed limit. For example, a sign may indicate a speed limit of 60 miles per hour on a highway. However, dense snow may leave the road slippery and limit visibility. Under these circumstances, a police officer may make the decision that a driver going the normal limit is endangering other travelers. In fact, evidence that a driver received a ticket for a moving violation related to a crash may help to prove a claim for compensation. A well-versed Elgin lawyer at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. could review the facts, including the specific weather conditions and the behavior of the other driver to work with you to recover the compensation you deserve for the auto accident.
Compensation May be Available for Auto Collisions Caused by Negligent Driving
A driver who is to blame for a car accident is liable, regardless of the exact reasons for a crash. Negligent drivers who are involved in collisions because of poor weather are no less responsible than those who cause crashes by failing to yield, running stop signs, or even driving while drunk. Even so, proving fault for a crash is only one part of a comprehensive case. It is just as important to be able to demonstrate how the collision changed one’s life.
Bad weather car accidents tend to inflict harsher injuries than other incidents. This is because people tend to lose control of their vehicles and are unable to prepare themselves for impact. It is not unusual for people to require ER care, surgery, and extensive rehabilitation. Drivers who cause collisions are liable to provide compensation necessary to cover the complete cost of all necessary care. Negligent drivers must also provide compensation to account for emotional traumas connected to the incident, as well as reimbursement for all lost wages. A motivated attorney at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. could help to connect an individual’s damages to car accidents connected to bad weather in Elgin.
Call an Attorney about How Bad Weather Causes Car Accidents in Elgin
Poor weather conditions require motorists to take appropriate caution while behind the wheel. Failing to do so is not only reckless, but it may also violate state traffic laws. Whenever a driver causes an accident by not adjusting to poor weather conditions, they are liable for the totality of a victim’s losses.
A lawyer could help you recover the compensation you need to set things right. This may include medical bills, payment for lost quality of life, and reimbursement for lost wages. Reach out to an attorney at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. now to learn more about car accidents involving bad weather in Elgin.