Rain and snow can turn any drive into a potentially dangerous one. Far too often, when terrible weather meets the daily hustle for most drivers, there are significant hazards that can cause accidents and subsequent injuries. Because Colorado is an at-fault state, you should know how liability works in a crash involving treacherous weather conditions.
Under Colorado law, if you suffer an injury in an accident, you can hold the responsible party financially accountable for your damages. While some insurance companies may try to argue that the weather is the underlying cause of the crash, it’s still the driver’s responsibility to operate their vehicle safely.
Here are some ways a driver may be negligent in bad weather:
- Failing to drive safe for conditions
- Failing to perform proper maintenance
- Failing to give other drivers a safe distance
If another driver causes you harm, know you have rights. Call our firm today at (970) 292-7171.
Failing to Drive Safe for Conditions
Whenever there’s rain or snow, drivers must consider the weather and road conditions when driving. Even the posted speed limits may be too fast for dangerous weather, and drivers should slow down as much as necessary to avoid an accident.
Unfortunately, even in the worst conditions, drivers feel confident that they can operate safely. This misconception leads to some of the worst crashes as drivers speed on wet and slippery roads, lose control of their vehicles, and cause some of the most catastrophic crashes.
Failing to Perform Proper Maintenance
All drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles to ensure they are safe for operation. The moment a driver gets on the road, he or she is responsible for his or her vehicle, except for issues involving product and manufacturing defects which require a recall. As such, a driver must do the following:
- Check the vehicle’s engine
- Ensure adequate tire pressure and tread
- Change brakes when necessary
- Remove and change worn windshield wipers
- Perform any repairs needed because of recalls
When a driver doesn’t maintain his or her vehicle and causes an accident because of it, he or she may be liable for your damages. You may go through that driver’s insurance provider for the compensation you deserve after a crash.
Failing to Give Other Drivers a Safe Distance
Tailgating is one of the biggest problems on the road on even the best days. However, when rain or snow hits the floor, tailgating can lead to significant crashes. When a driver follows too close to others, it makes it more difficult to stop in time.
The snow and rain can make an already difficult situation even more challenging. When a driver is approaching traffic or a stop signal, they must stop. If the driver behind him or her is not giving a safe distance, they may have to brake more urgently. It could lead to the vehicle in the back slamming into the other car, or the vehicle in the back losing control.
At Veritas, we’re committed to helping you understand what rights and options you have. Our Grand Junction car accident attorneys stand by your side throughout the process to pursue the compensation and justice you deserve in such a challenging time.
When someone else doesn’t consider the weather when they’re behind the wheel and causes you harm, you have the right to pursue compensation. Our team knows how to utilize the evidence to show liability and hold the other driver accountable when they cause your harm.
We offer free consultations to provide you with the answers you need. If you feel you have a case, we encourage you to contact our firm at (970) 292-7171 today and learn how we can help you through your life-changing event.