Virtually any type of crash can occur in bad weather. Fog, icy or snowy roads, and heavy rain often contribute to severe wrecks in Allentown and across Pennsylvania. When traveling in poor conditions, it’s important to drive at a speed that allows you to stop in case of emergency. For instance, if your car hydroplanes, skids, or hits an unexpected pothole, you should be able to reasonably and safely bring your vehicle under control.
However, many accidents involving bad weather in Allentown could have been avoided if not for another person’s negligence. The skilled attorneys at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers can advise you on pursuing compensation from the at-fault party and deal with the insurance companies on your behalf.
Who is At Fault for a Crash in Inclement Weather?
Insurance companies will attempt to blame dangerous weather for a crash, even if a negligent driver was actually at fault for failing to keep their vehicle under control. Blaming the weather gets them out of paying the claim on behalf of their insured.
A lawyer experienced in handling bad weather accidents in Allentown will know how to overcome this defense. When the insurer blames the road conditions rather than the driver, it’s crucial for legal counsel to get to the scene and secure evidence as soon as possible. Even if the other driver lost control due to the weather, it’s usually because they weren’t driving slowly enough, didn’t have the right tires, or didn’t have enough experience to be on the road in inclement conditions.
Liability for Poor Road Conditions
When poor road maintenance or defects contribute to a collision, the state responsible for maintaining them could be liable. Your Allentown attorney can work with experts in highway design, repair, and maintenance to assess the contributing factors in a bad weather accident. Our legal team could work to recover damages from the party responsible for maintaining the roadway.
Other Potentially Liable Parties
Even single-vehicle wrecks can warrant various claims against insurance companies and third parties. For example, a car defect could make the manufacturer liable for a crash in inclement conditions. Our experienced lawyers in Allentown will examine all potentially liable parties after a bad weather collision to ensure you get the compensation you need for your losses.
Recoverable Damages for a Wreck in Bad Weather
When another driver is primarily at fault for a crash occurring in bad weather, your local attorney can work to recover various forms of compensation from them. Recoverable damages may include:
- Medical bills
- Past and future wage losses and loss of earning capacity
- Liens (workers’ compensation, welfare, health insurance, etc.)
- Pain and suffering
Our legal team has significant experience handling bad weather collisions in Allentown and recovering compensation for people in your situation. We have helped over 30,000 injured victims across Pennsylvania secure the payments they need for the harm they didn’t deserve.
Contact an Allentown Lawyer After a Bad Weather Accident
The best way to protect yourself against collisions in inclement weather is to pull over and wait for safer conditions. Even if you’re a good driver in bad weather, other people often aren’t and can cause wrecks with severe consequences.
However, if you or a loved one are injured in an accident involving bad weather in Allentown, you should immediately contact legal counsel. A skilled attorney can work to ensure the negligent parties are held accountable and fight the insurance companies that may try to deny your claim. Reach out to Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation.
