As winter rapidly approaches, so does lousy weather. These weather conditions—from rain and sleet to snow and ice—make driving much more difficult. The easy solution would be to avoid driving altogether. In reality, people must drive—regardless of the weather—to get to work, pick up their kids, and do other essential tasks. Even if you’re a cautious driver, car accidents can be inevitable. Bad weather makes road conditions dangerous, resulting in more car wrecks.
One day, you’re driving to work, and it’s snowing. The snow isn’t too bad, but the roads are slick with ice. You leave home early so you can drive slowly on the way to work. However, another driver on the streets is running late and in a rush. Driving faster than they should be in the snow, they suddenly hit a patch of black ice, spin out of control, and collide with your car. That split-second incident leaves you unable to work and with a pile of unexpected medical bills from your car accident injury. After you’ve been in a wreck, you need an experienced bad-weather car accident lawyer to help you earn the compensation you deserve. You can rely on Miley Legal to fight for your justice.
Weather-related Accidents
Inclement weather conditions can increase your chances of getting into a car accident. Heavy rain can lead to hydroplaning, while snow and ice can make your car slide out of control. Bad weather can lead to car accidents, such as front-impact, side-impact, and rear-end collisions. All car accidents can be dangerous or even life-threatening.
Here are some common injuries resulting from a bad weather accident:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Neck Injuries
- Internal injuries
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Herniated discs
- Amputations
In the worst-case scenario, a car accident can result in wrongful death.
Understanding Personal Injury Law
Navigating the legal system can be complex. While your attorney will answer any questions you have, it’s helpful to know some common personal injury concepts.
Negligence
Negligence is when someone’s careless actions cause harm to others. Bad weather can result in an accident without negligence. However, if your lawyer proves that the other driver was speeding, for example, then you could be entitled to financial compensation.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is the deadline for seeking legal action after your accident. In West Virginia, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. While two years seems like a lot of time, it’s best practice to file your claim as soon as possible. That way, you can provide your lawyer with details about the accident while it’s still fresh in your mind.
Policy Limits
Insurance companies have policy limits—the maximum amount they will pay for your damages. If your damages exceed the company’s policy limit, compensation will come from the defendant’s finances. Knowing the company’s policy limit, you have more negotiation power when demanding a settlement amount.
Contact a West Virginia Car Accident Lawyer
Each year in West Virginia comes with some severe weather conditions. Snow adds a beautiful touch to West Virginia’s scenery, but it has inevitable consequences—namely, dangerous road conditions. Remember to drive carefully when it’s raining, snowing, or sleeting. Still, even the most cautious driver can experience an accident due to poor weather conditions. If you or someone you know has been in a car accident in West Virginia, contact a personal injury lawyer from Miley Legal. We’ll get started on your case as soon as you call.
