It can happen in a flash: One minute a person is driving down a Chicago street and the next minute the car hits a patch of ice and is spinning out of control. There is no doubt that slippery roads and heavy snow can create serious problems for area drivers. Bad weather is a contributing factor in many motor vehicle accidents each winter and it often puts area motorists in dangerous driving situations.
A recent accident in suburban Chicago exemplifies this hazardous condition. It appears that a vehicle lost control on ice while driving on U.S. 52 near Manhattan and it spun out when it hit a curve in the road. The vehicle was then hit on its side by a second vehicle that was driving in the opposite direction. As a result of the accident two people were seriously injured and a third person was killed.
Local police often caution drivers to take extra precautions when operating their vehicles in bad weather and encourage people to stay home when their obligations allow for some flexibility. Though not everyone can miss work, school and other commitments, those who can are often protected from the hazards of winter driving.
Individuals who drive during bad weather also run the risk of causing car accidents. Though the weather can make operating a car difficult, drivers are ultimately responsible for what happens with their vehicles regardless of the weather.
In this story, the individual who lost control of his vehicle may be responsible for the injuries and damages sustained by the other parties. Though the weather may have created the dangerous conditions that caused the driver to lose control, his inability to maintain safe operation created pain and suffering for those who were involved in his wreck.
Many accidents happen in winter and some of them are severe. Individuals who have been hurt and have sustained damages in winter car accidents may have legal rights to compensation for their losses. Personal injury attorneys can work with such individuals to pursue legal claims on their behalf.
Source: NBC Chicago, “Winter Weather Makes ‘Perfect Storm’ for Fatal South Suburban Crash,” Jan. 18, 2014
