How Negligent Drivers Cause Accidents in Winter Weather Conditions

Winter in Kentucky brings snow, ice, and freezing rain, all of which make roads treacherous for drivers. Unfortunately, many winter weather accidents are not due to bad luck or Mother Nature. They are the result of negligent driving.

Satterley & Kelley, PLLC lawyers have the knowledge and experience to take on insurance companies and win. We represent severely injured victims throughout Kentucky who are involved in vehicle accidents caused by negligent drivers. Call us toll-free at 855-385-9532 to learn more.

What Is Negligence in Kentucky?

Under Kentucky law, negligence occurs when a person fails to exercise reasonable care given the situation and harms another. To establish a successful Kentucky negligence claim, a plaintiff (the person injured) must prove the following:

• The driver owed a legal duty to act reasonably to prevent harm to others sharing the road (including you)
• The driver breached their legal duty by not doing something or doing something poorly
• The breach caused the accident and your injuries
• You suffered harm, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering

Kentucky follows a comparative fault system. If you share responsibility for the accident, your recovery could be reduced by your share of the blame.

Common Negligent Driving Mistakes During Winter Weather

Winter conditions create hazards that can turn even minor mistakes into serious, life-altering accidents. The following are some of the more common negligent driving behaviors in Kentucky winter accidents:

• Excessive speed is a leading cause of winter accidents. Even when a driver is within the posted speed limit, failing to slow down on icy or snow-covered roads would be negligent. Reduced traction and longer stopping distances (especially with worn tires or brakes that haven’t been maintained) mean that a speed safe for dry, warm roads may be dangerously fast when the pavement is wet or frozen
• Tailgating is especially dangerous on slippery roads. Snow and ice significantly increase the distance needed to stop safely. Drivers who follow too closely may rear-end other vehicles, causing serious injuries and multi-car collisions
• Water, snow, and ice on roads reduce traction. Sudden, sharp turns may be dangerous because oversteering (turning too sharply) may cause the car to spin out, collide with other vehicles, or leave the roadway
• Distractions such as texting, phone calls, or adjusting climate controls are dangerous in all conditions but particularly so in winter, when reaction time is critical. Even a short attention loss can cause collisions on slippery roads
• Alcohol and drug use impair judgment, slow reaction time, and reduce your ability to control your vehicle. Winter has three holidays known for parties that can focus on drinking: Thanksgiving (and the night before, or Drunksgiving), Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. Driving under the influence in hazardous winter conditions is not only illegal but clearly negligent
• Bridges, shaded intersections, and curves often freeze before other areas. Drivers who fail to slow down or take extra precautions in these spots may be held responsible for accidents caused by their inattention
• Sudden lane changes, rapid acceleration, and sharp turns can cause loss of control on snow and ice. Aggressive driving in winter is a recipe for disaster

These negligent acts often don’t occur by themselves. An accident can be the result of multiple negligent acts, like an intoxicated, distracted driver going too fast for conditions. Slippery, icy roads not only contribute to accidents but also to injuries. If a vehicle involved slides into opposing traffic or into a pedestrian, a secondary accident occurs.

Kentucky Negligence Law and Winter Accidents

Consider a scenario where John drives on an icy road. He speeds, tailgates the vehicle ahead of him, and frequently glances at his smartphone. He skids on ice and rear-ends another car driven by Sarah, causing her serious injuries.

Here’s how the elements of negligence apply:

• John owes Sarah a duty to drive safely. He must focus on driving, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and lower his car’s speed if road conditions are unsafe
• By speeding, tailgating, and being distracted, John fails to use reasonable care, breaching his obligation to Sarah to drive safely
• John’s negligence causes Sarah’s injuries. The force of John’s car colliding with hers causes her to lose contol. Her vehicle strikes a tree, and the force of the collision caused her injuries
• Sarah suffers physical injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress

If Sarah is partially at fault for her injuries (perhaps by not wearing her seatbelt), Kentucky’s comparative fault rules could reduce her recovery proportionally.

Protecting Your Rights After a Winter Accident

Victims of winter driving accidents should document the scene, get medical care, and consult an experienced Satterley & Kelley, PLLC personal injury attorney. We can investigate your accident, identify what caused it, and who’s responsible. A successful personal injury claim can provide you with compensation for the following:

• Past, current, and expected future medical care
• Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
• Past, current, and expected future pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Property damage to your vehicle

Each case is unique. Its chances of success depend on the evidence supporting it.

Get the Help You Need from Attorneys You Can Trust

Winter driving presents multiple potential hazards, but many accidents are preventable. Negligent behaviors (speeding, tailgating, distracted driving, or failing to account for icy conditions) can end your routine trip with a violent collision. Kentucky personal injury law allows accident victims to recover compensation for the harm they suffer and hold negligent drivers accountable.

If you or a loved one is injured in a vehicle accident, call us at 855-385-9532 or locally at 502-589-5600, or contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation with a Satterley & Kelley PLLC lawyer. We can discuss what happened, how Kentucky law may apply, and how we can help you and your family.