How is fault determined when a Memphis car crash is caused by snow, sleet or ice?

When winter weather hits Memphis, car accidents are inevitable. Ice, snow, slush and sleet reduce visibility and make roads slippery. The hazardous road conditions can make it difficult to control your vehicle and increase the possibility of a Memphis car wreck. Who is at fault if your car does crash? Can you blame the weather?

When you file an insurance claim for a Tennessee winter weather accident, the insurance company may make some allowances for weather conditions, but regardless of the weather, it is a driver’s responsibility to take the necessary precautions to avoid a crash. The insurance company will take all the contributing factors into account.

Suppose that freezing rain is coming down. You slide into an intersection and hit another driver. You couldn’t control the fact that the weather made the road slippery, but you were travelling 40 mph. You weren’t breaking the law or exceeding the speed limit, but you were travelling too fast for road conditions. The insurance company will probably find you at fault. You should have considered the fact the roads were slippery and reduced your speed.

If the roads were so bad that both drivers couldn’t bring their vehicles to a stop, fault may be split between the drivers. But, the insurance company will still find fault.

You can avoid causing a Memphis winter weather accident by preparing for bad road conditions ahead of time. Read our article, “Will Memphis Get Snow This Year? Be Prepared for Winter Driving”, for valuable winter driving tips.

If you are injured in a Memphis car accident, our free book, Every Step You Take Matters After a Tennessee Auto Accident: Tips for Injury Victims, can help you protect your injury claim. Request a copy by filling out the form in the sidebar.