Winter weather can be dangerous to drivers, especially when black ice is involved. Unlike snow, black ice is a thin layer of nearly invisible ice, even in sunny conditions. When vehicles hit a patch of black ice, they can lose control of their vehicle and get into an accident. Who’s liable when black ice is to blame?

Negligence and black ice accidents

Drivers have an obligation to follow all traffic laws and avoid causing harm to others. When they fail in that duty and cause harm to others, they may be considered negligent.

Many people assume that because driving over black ice is often out of their control, they won’t be liable for any resulting accidents. Unfortunately, that’s often not the case. Even though you may not see the hazard, you’re still obligated to drive carefully in icy and snowy conditions. Here’s why a driver might be held liable for black ice accidents:

• Driving too fast: Even when a driver is going the speed limit, that’s often too fast for icy and snowy weather. Inclement weather demands slower speeds. Reducing your speed ensures that you have enough time to react if you encounter a hazard, and lessens the likelihood that you’ll lose control of your vehicle if you hit a patch of black ice.
• Not leaving enough space between vehicles: No matter what the weather conditions, drivers should always maintain an appropriate distance between their car and the vehicles in front of them. Try to leave extra room in bad weather. Not only will you be better able to avoid hazards, but rain, snow and ice can interfere with braking time.
• Not handling vehicle appropriately when skidding: Generally, Ohio drivers should expect to deal with ice and snow during the winter months—and as a result, they’re expected to know what to do if they start skidding on a patch of black ice. You should always turn your vehicle into the direction of the skid, even though it may seem counter intuitive. This will help you regain control of your vehicle.

If multiple vehicles are involved in a black ice accident, liability often rests with the driver who first lost control and hit someone else.

When you’re injured in a black ice accident, it’s important to call the Law Offices of Tim Misny right away. We can review your accident claim and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Call an Ohio car accident attorney today

The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your accident claim. If you or a loved one were injured due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (800) 556-4769 so that I can evaluate your case right away.