Are You Entitled to Compensation After a Winter Weather Accident?
In Colorado Springs, winter means snow, ice, blustery winds and freezing temperatures. Unfortunately, this also means that there are increased risks for a variety of types of dangerous accidents.
If you were injured in an accident in which winter weather played a factor, can you seek financial compensation for your injuries? The answer is, “Maybe.” As with all types of accidents, in order to recover compensation for an accident involving bad weather, you will need to be able to prove that someone else played a role in causing the accident. Here are some examples of weather-related accidents for which financial compensation may be available:
1. Driving Too Fast for Road or Weather Conditions
In order to drive safely in bad weather, it is necessary to slow down. Even driving at the posted speed limit can be dangerous on slippery roads or in whiteout conditions with limited visibility. If you were injured in a vehicle collision caused by a driver who lost control in the snow or ice, you may be entitled to financial compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
2. Failing to Properly Maintain a Vehicle
The accident risks associated with vehicle maintenance issues can increase substantially in bad weather. Balding tires, failing brakes, burnt-out brake lights, and other common maintenance issues can all play a central role in snow and ice-related accidents. If the driver knew (or should have known) that his or her vehicle was dangerous, the driver could be liable for your injuries. If the driver thought the issue had been remedied, a negligent repair or maintenance shop may be to blame.
3. Failing to Treat Sidewalks or Parking Lots
Private property owners (including grocery stores, ski resorts and other businesses) must take appropriate measures to protect the safety of their customers, employees and guests. If you slipped and fell on a sidewalk or parking lot, if you lost control of your vehicle, or if another driver lost control of his or her vehicle due to inadequate surface treatment or snow removal, you may have a premises liability claim against the property owner.
4. Failing to Clean Up Snow or Ice Melt
In some cases, weather-related accidents can happen indoors as well. This is most common in situations where businesses fail to clean up snow and ice melt or provide adequate anti-skid protection near entrances and exits.
5. Failing to Warn of Hazardous Conditions
If a property owner is aware of a hazardous condition but does not have adequate time to remedy the situation, the owner may be under a legal obligation to warn potential visitors of the dangers that lie ahead. If you fell as a result of a failure to warn, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
Get Help From a Colorado Springs Car Accident Lawyer Today
Our law firm provides experienced legal representation for victims of vehicle collisions and premises-related accidents in Colorado Springs, CO. If you have been injured and would like to speak with an attorney, we encourage you to call or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation.
