Liability for Car Accidents Caused by Black Ice or Icy Roads

Black ice and icy roads are problematic and can lead to auto accidents. A driver is 100% responsible for doing their part to navigate the roads with precision and care. If a driver encounters black ice or an icy road and causes an accident, this individual is liable for any damages that other motorists or pedestrians incur. 

If you are involved in a Georgia car accident where a driver cites black ice, or an icy road as the primary cause, John Foy & Associates can help. We offer legal assistance in Georgia rear-end collision accidents and many others caused by black ice or icy roads. In addition, we can connect you with a Georgia car accident lawyer who can answer common questions about the liability for accidents caused by black ice or icy roads. 

Who Is at Fault in a Car Accident Caused by Black Ice or Icy Roads?

Research indicates that 24% of weather-related vehicle crashes in the United States occur on icy, snowy, or slushy pavement every year. In a car accident that takes place in any of these conditions, the driver who caused the incident is responsible. As such, this driver can face personal injury lawsuits for any damages that occur due to the accident. 

Ultimately, a driver must do what is necessary to avoid car accidents, even when traveling on black ice or icy roads. If a driver does not slow down or take other precautions in icy conditions, the risk of an auto accident increases. Meanwhile, if a driver acts negligently behind the wheel, this individual is liable for an accident or any other problems that arise. 

For those who are injured in an auto accident in which a driver claims black ice or icy roads are the root cause, partner with a Georgia car accident attorney. This allows you to work with a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the state’s personal injury laws. The lawyer can review your auto accident and help you request damages from the at-fault driver and any other negligent parties. 

What Should You Do if You Are Involved in a Car Accident Caused by Black Ice or Icy Roads?

In the event of a car accident caused by black ice or icy roads, call the police. At this point, a police officer and medical professionals will arrive on the scene to assist you and anyone else involved in the accident. Medical personnel can bring you there if you need to go to a hospital for any auto accident injuries. 

It is paramount to meet with a doctor after your car accident. A doctor can look at any injuries you suffered and treat them. Plus, the doctor can offer personalized tips and recommendations to help you recover as quickly as possible. 

Contact a car accident lawyer in Georgia, too. Your attorney will review your accident and help you figure out who is responsible for it. From here, your lawyer can help you request compensatory damages.

How do Damages Work in a Lawsuit for a Car Accident Caused by Black Ice or Icy Roads?

In Georgia, there are no limits on the amount of damages you can request in a car accident lawsuit. The best auto accident attorney in Georgia has helped clients recover over $1 billion in damages over the past two-plus decades. This lawyer encourages their clients to seek economic and non-economic damages from any at-fault parties. 

Economic damages refer to compensation awarded for loss of wages, medical bills, or other quantifiable losses an individual incurs. Comparatively, non-economic damages are money given to a plaintiff for pain, suffering, and other non-financial losses. In a car accident lawsuit, it is in the plaintiff’s best interest to seek both economic and non-economic damages. 

A top-notch car accident lawyer will define damages and other legal terms. The attorney makes sure their client knows what to expect as soon as their personal injury lawsuit is filed. Also, the lawyer leaves no stone unturned in their efforts to help their client get thousands of dollars in damages. 

How Much Compensation Can You Receive in a Lawsuit for a Car Accident Caused by Black Ice or Icy Roads?

You can request any amount of damages in an auto accident lawsuit in Georgia. Before you file your lawsuit, it pays to consult with an expert auto accident attorney. Then, your lawyer can help you decide on a fair amount of compensation to request from an at-fault driver or other liable parties. 

Do not expect your lawyer to go easy on a defendant. Rather, when you have a first-rate attorney at your side, you are well-equipped to seek the most damages possible. On top of that, your lawyer will do everything in their power to make sure you secure the total amount of your requested damages. 

Your lawyer will help you build a compelling argument by gathering evidence. In the days leading up to your trial, your attorney will also help you prepare for your courtroom appearance. This enables you to stay calm, cool, and collected as your attorney does their best to help you get the maximum amount of damages. 

What Should You Do if You Are Presented with a Settlement for a Car Accident Caused by Black Ice or Icy Roads?

You can receive a settlement offer at any point in your car accident litigation. If you get one, consult with your attorney. You and your lawyer can then decide if it is in your best interest to accept, reject, or counter the proposal. 

Although a defendant may pressure you to accept their settlement proposal, you are under no obligation to approve it. When you get a settlement offer, it is important to consider the short- and long-term ramifications of accepting it. If a settlement falls short of the amount of money you need to cover your accident-related expenses, you can decline it. 

After you reject a settlement proposal, you and the defendant can continue negotiating. You will present your case to a judge or jury if no settlement is reached before your trial date. When this happens, a judge or jury has the final word on whether you are awarded damages. 

How does a Judge or Jury Decide a Lawsuit for an Auto Accident Caused by Black Ice or Icy Roads?

A judge or jury listens to both sides in an auto accident lawsuit. As the plaintiff, you and your attorney will receive the opportunity to present evidence and witness testimony to support your request for damages. The defendant and their lawyer will try to dispute your claim and argue against it. 

Depending on the auto accident case, it can take hours or days before it concludes. A judge or jury will weigh all of the information provided by a plaintiff and defendant. Once a judge or jury renders its decision, a plaintiff will find out if damages will be awarded. 

In the best-case scenario, a plaintiff is awarded the total amount of damages. However, if a plaintiff is deemed partly responsible for their auto accident, the damages awarded are reduced by this individual’s percentage of fault. No damages will be awarded if a plaintiff is found to be more than 50% responsible for their car accident. 

How Can You Get Damages in a Lawsuit for an Auto Accident Involving Black Ice or Icy Roads?

You can do many things to improve your chances of securing the most possible damages in a car accident lawsuit. These include:

Hire an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer

Select a car accident attorney with a proven track record. Your attorney should be unafraid to tackle any legal challenges that come their way. Most importantly, your lawyer will advocate on your behalf and help you secure the damages you want. 

Gather a Sufficient Amount of Evidence

Collect evidence that supports your request for damages. Evidence can include a car accident police report, photographs from the accident scene, and other documents or images that show black ice or icy roads were present. You should organize your evidence and work with your attorney to present it in a way that compels a judge or jury to rule in your favor. 

Remain Diligent Throughout Your Litigation

Be persistent as your car accident litigation moves forward. Remember, it can take months or years before your auto accident case gets resolved. No matter what happens, you and your attorney can continue to work together to achieve the optimal case result. 

Communicate and collaborate with your lawyer regularly. Your attorney will keep you up to date throughout your litigation and help you prepare for whatever lies ahead. In doing so, your lawyer will do what it takes to help you navigate the legal process. 

How Can You File a Lawsuit for a Car Accident Caused by Black Ice or Icy Roads?

The team at John Foy & Associates can help you file an auto accident lawsuit right away. We even offer a free consultation with a car accident attorney who is happy to help you in any way possible. To get started, please contact us today.