Winter weather can result in a range of unsafe road conditions, making driving risky and increasing the likelihood of an accident. Black ice, significant snowfall, unplowed roads, and other hazardous driving conditions can all make it more challenging to operate your vehicle and prevent an accident. Insurance companies might take the state of the roads into account when evaluating a claim for a weather-related accident, but ultimately it is the driver’s obligation to drive safely throughout the winter. This article will explain how insurance for winter car accidents works.
At-Fault Collisions
If you are in an at-fault auto collision due to winter road conditions, your state-mandated liability insurance will pay for the damages you caused. Your property damage liability will cover any damage you cause to another person’s car or property (like a fence or guardrail).
No-Fault Collisions
In no-fault states, injuries would be covered by each party’s personal injury protection (PIP) policy. If the PIP limits of the person you injured due to your negligence are exceeded, your bodily injury liability coverages may be claimed against.
To submit a claim to your insurance for your own vehicle, you would require collision coverage. As collision insurance is optional, you need to have it as part of your policy before submitting a claim.
Your auto insurance provider should cover the balance of the repair charges once you’ve paid your deductible. Alternatively, your insurer might determine that the car is a total loss and reimburse you for the vehicle’s true cash value, less your deductible.
Comprehensive insurance, which is also optional and carries a deductible, can cover damage your car sustains from falling objects such as an icicle.
Determining Who Is at Fault for Accidents on Black Ice
Insurance companies typically hold you accountable for accidents if you were the one who lost control, even if it was as a result of a weather-related issue like black ice. This means a surcharge could be imposed at your subsequent renewal, causing your rates to increase.
Usually, the cause of such accidents is cited as driving too fast, given the circumstances.
After skidding on ice, many drivers tend to believe they are not at fault. Staying off the road is your best line of defense against slipping on ice. If you do need to go outside, stay a good distance behind the vehicle in front of you at all times.
What to Do if You’ve Been Involved in a Winter-Related Car Accident
You need legal professionals to help you if you want to make a claim against another driver who caused your accident. An experienced car accident lawyer can assist you in gathering evidence against the at-fault driver to support your claim and improve your chances of receiving maximum compensation.
Contact Corradino & Papa Law Firm for dependable legal professionals. We have years of experience helping New Jersey citizens affected by automobile and truck accidents. As seen by the testimonials of our clients, we consistently provide exceptional services!