The weather is part of our daily lives here in Utah. With winter rolling in full force, snow provides various outdoor activities for people to engage in. Unfortunately, driving on snow-covered roads can be very dangerous. The hazardous weather conditions increase the chances of drivers becoming involved in car accidents.
Snow is notorious for creating slick and dangerous road surfaces across the state, making it a major contributor to automobile accidents. Drivers who fail to take snowy road conditions into consideration are at an increased risk of causing car accidents and injuries to those involved.
If you have been injured in an automobile accident in the snow in Utah, contact Siegfried & Jensen as soon as possible. Our reputable car injury attorneys understand that accidents involving snow can create unique legal challenges. We are willing and able to overcome these challenges so victims can obtain full and fair compensation for their injuries.
Common Problems Caused By Snow On The Road
Winter presents unique challenges for travelers in Utah. Although snow is beautiful to observe, it can make driving extremely difficult. Some of the most common problems associated with snow on Utah roads include:
- Slick Roadways: Snow-covered surfaces often cause vehicles to lose traction between their tires and the roadways. This can cause drivers to have severely limited control of their vehicles and prevent them from stopping.
- Melting And Refrozen Snow: When warmer temperatures roll in for short periods, they cause the snow to melt along the roadways. When it refreezes, it creates black ice that is invisible to the naked eye. Drivers who hit patches of black ice on the roads are at risk of spiraling out of control, sliding across the roadway, and crashing into objects or other vehicles.
- Heavy Snowfall: When snow is falling heavily, it can impair a driver’s vision. Drivers are unable to see the vehicles ahead of them, which can make it difficult for them to keep a safe This is a major contributor to accidents caused by weather and snow.
Regardless of the snow’s impact on causing a car accident, drivers are ultimately responsible for driving safely under any condition. When snow covered roads are part of the driving conditions, drivers should make adequate adjustments to ensure they do whatever they can to prevent accidents from occurring. Drivers who fail to account for weather conditions and, as a result, cause accidents, are responsible for all damages caused.
When Snow Creates Legal Challenges In Car Accident Cases
A key factor in determining the success of a personal injury claim is the victim’s ability to prove the defendant is liable. When taking into consideration that snow is on the roads, it can be extremely difficult to point to the other driver as the actual cause of the crash. In order to adequately prove fault, it is crucial to conduct a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the accident. Claimants need to present a clear set of fact patterns that establish the defendant’s wrongdoing in their case.
In order to create a clear and convincing legal argument, it is crucial for accident victims to work with an experienced attorney who will assist in presenting all the evidence necessary to support the claim. Once a victim and their attorney are able to prove liability, they must further prove those hurt in the accident are entitled to compensation based on the damages they sustained in the crash.
Damages Victims Can Obtain For Car Accidents In The Snow
Victims who sustain injuries in car accidents caused by negligent drivers in the snow are able to recover remuneration for various damages sustained in the crash. Some common awards accident victims receive include:
Lost Wages: Quite often, accident victims are forced out of work for weeks, months, or, in cases where more severe injuries occurred, victims are unable to return to work ever again. In any case, victims are able to obtain reimbursement for all of their lost wages. Some situations require a precise calculation that accounts for a victim’s level of education, type of employment, and the possibility for promotions and inflations. In order to accurately calculate the total amount of lost wages, it is crucial to hire an attorney who is able to locate a financial expert who will help out.
Medical Expenses: Accident victims are able to earn compensation for all medical treatment they receive due to their injuries. Victims are able to obtain compensation for surgeries, doctor appointments, exams and tests, and therapy. These awards are based on all past, current, and future treatments for the injuries sustained in the crash.
Property Damage: Accident victims are able to receive repayment for their property damaged during the accident. These awards include compensation to replace or repair vehicles as well as other personal belongings victims have on them at the time of the crash.
Pain And Suffering: Accident victims are able to obtain reparations for pain and suffering related to their accidents. Individuals involved in car accidents often sustain injuries that cause immense pain. These painful experiences can also lead to anxiety, depression, feelings of hopelessness, and other negative mental emotions. Courts often award victims money for pain and suffering based on the severity of the injuries sustained and the enormity of the impact the injuries have on a victim’s life.
Working with an experienced attorney will ensure you obtain a full and fair amount of restitution for your injuries.
A Salt Lake City Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You Obtain Justice
If you are injured in a car accident due to a driver’s negligence in the snow, it is crucial to contact an experienced attorney from Siegfried & Jensen as soon as possible. By contacting our law firm at (801) 845-9000, you can schedule a free, no obligation consultation to discuss the circumstances of your case.
Our team of attorneys is dedicated to working diligently to protect your legal rights to compensation and justice for your injuries and damages.
Content checked by personal injury attorney Todd Bradford. I worked for a small law firm in Utah County, where I handled various types of cases. My main focus was personal injury and I decided that is what I enjoyed doing the most. I rejoined Siegfried and Jensen in 2012 where my focus is solely on helping personal injury clients. I take pride in helping personal injury clients and enjoy serving them. If you need an attorney for auto accidents or injuries of any kind in Salt Lake City, UT, Ogden, UT, Spokane, WA, or Boise, ID, contact us.
