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HomeBlogAuto AccidentsHow Weather Conditions Can Impact Car Accident Liability
21 January, 2025

How Weather Conditions Can Impact Car Accident Liability

Understanding liability in car accidents is crucial, especially when adverse weather conditions come into play. Rain, snow, fog or ice can turn a routine commute into a dangerous situation in seconds. But when accidents happen under these circumstances, who’s really at fault? Is it the driver, the weather or both? The outcome of your case may hinge on understanding how weather impacts liability—and having the right legal team can make all the difference.

At The Horwitz Law Group, we see the devastating effects of these accidents firsthand. What we also see is how insurers exploit confusion surrounding weather-related liability to minimize payouts. Knowing your rights can help you fight back and get the compensation you deserve.

Determining Liability in Bad Weather Accidents

Liability in car accidents often depends on determining negligence, or who failed to take reasonable precautions. When roads are slippery or visibility is low, drivers must adjust their behavior to reflect the conditions. This means slowing down, maintaining a safe distance and being extra vigilant.

Unfortunately, not every driver acts responsibly. If someone loses control of their vehicle in the rain or slides on an icy road, the weather itself doesn’t absolve them of responsibility. Drivers are expected to anticipate risks and adjust accordingly. For example, slipping on an icy road may indicate that the driver was speeding or failed to equip their vehicle with proper tires. Both instances may suggest negligence.

Illinois, where we practice, uses a comparative negligence system. This means that if you’re less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. If weather complicates your case, proving the other driver’s negligence becomes even more crucial.

How Weather Affects Causation in Accidents

Weather often serves as a contributing factor rather than the sole cause of accidents. For example, heavy rain can create slick roads, but it’s usually human error—speeding, tailgating or taking sharp turns too recklessly—that leads to a collision. Snow and ice, while unpredictable, call for extra precautions like driving slower or avoiding unnecessary trips.

Then there’s visibility. Dense fog or a blizzard could obscure hazards on the road. However, drivers are still obligated to use their headlights properly and drive at a speed that allows them to stop safely if a hazard comes into view. If another driver’s negligence in these aspects caused your accident, it strengthens your case for compensation.

Proving Negligence in Weather-Related Cases

Proving fault in bad weather accidents can be complex, but it’s possible. This is where an experienced legal team like The Horwitz Law Group steps in. We gather evidence like police reports, witness statements, dashcam footage and more to build the strongest possible case. We strive to show how a more cautious driver could have prevented the accident, demonstrating fault where it truly belongs.

Contact The Horwitz Law Group Today

Weather conditions may complicate car accident claims, but they don’t have to derail them. At The Horwitz Law Group, we’ve fought for countless clients in similar situations. We are skilled at cutting through the noise and holding negligent parties accountable.

If you’ve been injured in a bad-weather car accident, don’t delay. Contact our law firm for a consultation. We’re here to help you seek the compensation you deserve after a car accident.

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