Weather-Related Accidents in Chicago
The weather in Chicago is always intense. From bitterly cold days to the incredible winds of summer storms, the weather can be a critical factor in why accidents happen throughout the city. Chicago’s hazardous weather does not provide parties with an excuse to act in a reckless manner, but it can play a role in your recovery of damages.
Consider some of the most common weather-related accidents in Chicago and what these accidents may mean from a legal standpoint if you are the victim. Speak with a Chicago car accident lawyer about your case today. If you were involved in a commercial vehicle weather-related accident, it may also be wise to speak with a truck accident attorney in Chicago.
Common Causes of Weather-Related Accidents in Chicago
Weather-related accidents happen throughout the year in Chicago. Some examples include:
- Icy roads: When roads are slick, it takes vehicles longer to stop, and tires in poor condition may not have enough grip, leading to drivers losing control
- Snowy roads: When snowstorms come off the lake and impact driving conditions, it is common for vehicles to get stuck, unable to move, and in some cases, difficult to control
- High winds: Some of the most intense spring and summer storms involve fast-moving winds, those that cause larger vehicles, including trucks and SUVs, to become impossible to manage
- Heavy rain: Heavy and intense rainstorms, especially common in the spring and fall, make visibility challenging while also creating slick road conditions, often leading to victims suffering loss of control
These poor road conditions can create dangerous situations. Everyone on the road owes others a duty of care to slow down and manage conditions safely. If it is unsafe to do so or if they cannot drive safely, then drivers must refrain from getting behind the wheel. Victims of these crashes should consider speaking with a car accident attorney to understand their legal options.
Factors That Worsen Weather-Related Accidents
While slick roads and high winds can be problematic even in the most intense situations, it is what other drivers do that puts people at higher risk of serious accidents. This might include:
- Distractions behind the wheel, such as sending a text, making a phone call, updating GPS, or even eating while driving
- Impairment, from alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications that alter a sense of perception, intensifies the situation
- Failure to obey traffic laws, such as stopping at red lights, using turn signals, and maintaining the speed limit, or in some cases, under the speed limit
- Following too closely to drivers in front of them can help avoid many accidents by putting more distance between the vehicles
- Not maintaining their vehicle, with poor maintenance of brakes and tires, often makes it far more challenging to control a vehicle
In every one of these situations, the risks to others are very clear. Yet, victims often hear from those at fault that the weather was responsible. This is not typically the case, and it does not excuse fault in serious accidents. Your car accident attorney in Chicago will aim to prove that the driver was still at fault even when weather-related accidents happen.
The Illinois statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against those who hurt you. Our car accident lawyers will be there to do that.
Schedule a Consultation with Our Chicago Car Accident Attorneys
Let us review the details of your accident and build a claim that holds those who hurt you accountable. Contact a car accident lawyer in Chicago from Taxman, Pollock & Bekkerman at (312) 586-1700 for a free consultation.