Indiana residents are all too familiar with the freezing temperatures and severe storms that come as fall turns into winter. Winter weather can bring heavy snow and ice, which inevitably makes its way onto the road. Unfortunately, wintry weather conditions may cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, resulting in serious car accidents.
For example, a recent news article reported multiple serious car crashes during a winter storm in southern Indiana. The first crash involved a semi-truck and several other vehicles that collided in Bartholomew County, which closed the northbound lane of I-65. The semi-truck endured significant property damage. The next day, another semi-truck accident occurred in Dearborn County, resulting in road closures along I-74. A few hours later, police found a jackknifed semi on I-65 northbound in Jackson County. The accident occurred when the semi-truck spilled its cargo, causing the vehicle to veer off the roadway.
Finally, Indiana state police reported a serious crash involving multiple vehicles. According to police, the accident occurred due to extremely slippery, ice-covered roads. In fact, the slippery road conditions led to multiple other crashes throughout the state within a three-hour time frame. Across Indiana, winter weather advisories warned of slick road conditions and cautioned drivers to avoid travel when possible.
Can You Recover Damages After an Indiana Winter Weather Accident?
If you have suffered injury from an Indiana winter weather accident, you may wish to sue the driver who caused the accident for negligence. To prevail on a negligence claim, the plaintiff must prove the defendant owed them a duty of care, breached that duty by acting negligently or failing to act, caused the accident through their negligence, and that the plaintiff suffered resulting injuries. However, drivers may defend themselves by arguing they did cause the crash. Instead, they may blame winter weather conditions for the accident. For example, a driver may argue they lost control of their vehicle because it slid on a patch of black ice, not because they acted carelessly. When a crash occurs in dangerous winter weather conditions, determining the cause of the accident can be especially important to proving negligence. An experienced Indiana personal injury attorney can help gather evidence and develop a case theory to argue that the defendant is liable for damages.
Have You Been Hurt in an Indiana Winter Weather Accident?
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an Indiana winter weather accident, you may have a claim for relief. The personal injury law office of Burton A. Padove can assist you with your case. Mr. Padove possesses years of experience handling car and other motor vehicle accidents throughout the state of Indiana. He will work with you at every step of the process to bring a negligence lawsuit and help to secure compensation for everything that you’ve been put through. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, call our office at 219-836-2200. We will not bill you for our time unless we can secure compensation on your behalf.