Winter driving can be stressful and dangerous. Even the best drivers can get into accidents when the roads get slick or visibility is poor. So, it’s easy to think that crashes occurring in winter weather conditions are simply bad luck and that you cannot receive compensation for your injuries. But with the heightened risk comes heightened responsibility. Some winter crashes are unavoidable, but many are the result of driver negligence. If you have been hurt in a winter wreck, talk to an experienced Oregon car crash attorney to find out if you have a good case.
Common Driver Negligence Leading to Winter Car Accidents
Driving in inclement weather conditions requires drivers to use extra care. This is not optional, it is a duty to others, anything less is negligence. Too many drivers overestimate their skills or underestimate the treacherousness of the conditions. And some fail to properly maintain their vehicles. What may work fine in perfect conditions can easily fail or cause a crash when the weather turns nasty.
Examples of common driver negligence leading to winter car crashes include:
- Driving too fast for the conditions, even within the posted speed limit
- Following too closely
- Failure to use headlights
- Failure to use turn signals
- Unsafe passing
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Failure to yield
- Distracted driving
- Failure to maintain vehicle
Too Fast, Too Close, Too Distracted
Drivers who get in a hurry or simply underestimate the dangers of winter driving, tend to drive too fast and follow too closely, in combination. Even drivers who aren’t speeding can be driving way too fast for slick roads and for the traffic conditions. Other drivers are naturally driving more slowly than normal. Drivers who are in a rush tend to follow too closely, failing to leave the extra stopping distance required on dicey roads.
When the same drivers who cannot bother to slow down and feel compelled to tailgate when they come upon drivers travelling at safer, slower speeds, refuse to put away their phones, it is a recipe for disaster and it is pure, selfish negligence. Negligent drivers can be held liable for the accidents and injuries they cause, even in bad weather.
If you have been injured in a winter weather car crash, in Oregon, call the Law Office of J. Clay McCaslin 503-239-1910 or contact us online today and schedule your free consultation and learn more about your right to compensation for your injuries.