Hardly anyone enjoys driving in the pouring rain, let alone in dangerous conditions like snow, sleet, or hail. But often, people find themselves out on the road under less-than-ideal conditions. Under Indiana Law, every driver still has the same “duty of care” to drive safely and lawfully, no matter the weather. Anyone who causes a crash by failing to do that may be legally liable for all ensuing damages.
As an experienced car accident attorney could tell you, successfully filing suit over car accidents involving bad weather in Merrillville can be far from simple—even when it seems obvious that another person is to blame for the wreck. If you were recently injured in this sort of incident, you should strongly consider reaching out to The Law Offices of David W. Holub for help with any legal action you wish to pursue.
Proving Someone Else at Fault for a Bad Weather Car Crash
While most auto accident lawsuits are built around establishing that someone else caused the accident in question by violating a specific traffic law, overtly illegal actions are not the only thing that can qualify as a “breach of duty.” In addition to obeying the rules of the road, drivers are also expected to act responsibly and reasonably behind the wheel at all times, which includes adjusting to poor road conditions.
This means that if someone in Merrillville causes a car crash by failing to slow down and turn their headlights on during heavy rain, they are just as negligent as if they had caused the crash by speeding or driving drunk. All those actions are equally valid grounds for a lawsuit if they directly lead to someone else suffering an otherwise avoidable injury.
What About Single-Car Crashes in Bad Weather?
Of course, it is only possible to sue another driver over a bad weather car accident in Merrillville if there was, in fact, another driver directly involved in the wreck. With that said, it is sometimes possible to hold someone else accountable for a bad-weather crash, even if the injured person filing suit was the only person directly involved in it.
For example, if a mechanic fails to address a serious problem with a vehicle during routine service, making it more likely to lose traction or otherwise not work properly during bad weather, that mechanic might hold partial or primary liability. Likewise, local government authorities may fail to maintain roads in good condition or fail to prepare properly for inclement weather. In such cases, a capable attorney may be able to help hold them accountable for a bad weather wreck caused in part by those bad road conditions.
Contact a Merrillville Attorney for Legal Help After a Car Accident Involving Bad Weather
Drivers have a duty to be even more careful behind the wheel during rain, fog, snow, and everything else that could impact their visibility and traction. If you were in a car accident involving bad weather in Merrillville because someone else failed to be as careful as they should have been, you have legal options.
A seasoned lawyer from our firm could help get the compensation you deserve. Call The Law Offices of David W. Holub today to discuss your case.