Why Choose Phillips Law Offices for Weather-Related Auto Accidents?
At Phillips Law Offices, we understand how dangerous Chicago’s weather can be for drivers. Our team has handled many cases involving crashes caused by snow, ice, rain, and other hazardous conditions. We know what it takes to help people who have been injured in these types of accidents. Our attorneys are committed to making sure you get the help and compensation you deserve.
We have a strong record of winning settlements and verdicts for our clients. Our experience allows us to handle even the most challenging cases. We treat every client with respect and keep you informed throughout the process. When you work with us, you can trust that your case is in good hands.
Our goal is to take the stress off your shoulders so you can focus on healing. We handle all the details, from gathering evidence to dealing with insurance companies. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a weather-related car accident, we are ready to help.
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How Chicago Weather Conditions Cause Auto Accidents
Chicago’s weather can change quickly and create dangerous driving conditions. Snow and ice are common in the winter, making roads slippery and hard to control. Rain can cause cars to skid or hydroplane, especially if there is standing water on the road. Fog and heavy rain can make it difficult to see other vehicles or obstacles.
Statistics show that thousands of crashes in Illinois each year are linked to bad weather. Many of these accidents happen during the winter months, but storms and heavy rain can cause problems any time of year. Even experienced drivers can find themselves in trouble when the weather turns bad.
Source: https://icyroadsafety.com/fatalitystats.shtml
Understanding how weather affects driving is important for everyone on the road. Drivers need to slow down, keep a safe distance, and pay close attention to changing conditions. When drivers fail to do this, accidents are more likely to happen.
Common Causes of Weather-Related Car Accidents
Many accidents in bad weather are caused by slippery roads. Snow and ice can make it hard for tires to grip, leading to skids and spinouts. Drivers who go too fast for the conditions or follow other cars too closely are at greater risk of crashing.
Reduced visibility is another major problem. Fog, heavy rain, and blowing snow can make it hard to see what’s ahead. Drivers may not notice stopped cars, traffic signals, or even pedestrians until it’s too late. Failing to use headlights or windshield wipers can make things worse.
Flooding and high winds also create hazards. Water on the road can cause cars to hydroplane and lose control. Strong winds can push vehicles out of their lane or blow debris into the road. All of these factors make driving more dangerous and increase the chances of an accident.
Who Is Liable in a Weather-Related Accident?
Even when the weather is bad, drivers are expected to use extra caution. This means slowing down, leaving more space between cars, and being ready for sudden stops. If a driver fails to adjust to the conditions and causes a crash, they can be held responsible.
Sometimes, people think that bad weather excuses unsafe driving, but that’s not true. The law says that drivers must be careful, no matter what the weather is like. If someone is speeding, tailgating, or not using their lights in a storm, they can be found at fault for an accident.
There are cases where more than one driver shares responsibility. For example, if both drivers made mistakes, each may be partly to blame. Our attorneys can help figure out who is responsible and make sure your side of the story is heard.
What To Do After a Weather-Related Car Accident
If you are in a car accident during bad weather, follow the given below steps:
1. Move to Safety
If you are able, move your car to a safe spot away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to let other drivers know there’s a problem. If it’s not safe to move your car, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives.
2. Check for Injuries
Look to see if you or anyone else is hurt. If someone is injured, try not to move them unless there’s an immediate danger, like a fire. Call 911 right away so medical help can get there quickly.
3. Call the Police
Even if the accident seems minor, it’s important to call the police. They will come to the scene, make sure everyone is safe, and write a report. This report can be very helpful later when you need to show what happened.
4. Take Photos and Notes
Use your phone to take pictures of the cars, the road, any damage, and the weather conditions. If there are skid marks or broken signs, take photos of those too. Write down what you remember about how the accident happened while it’s still fresh in your mind.
5. Get Information from Others
Ask for the names, phone numbers, and insurance details of the other drivers involved. If there are people who saw the accident, ask for their contact information as well. This can help your attorney later.
6. See a Doctor
Even if you feel okay, it’s smart to see a doctor after the accident. Some injuries don’t show up right away. A doctor can check you over and make a record of any injuries, which is important for your claim.
7. Contact an Attorney
Reach out to a car accident lawyer who has experience with weather-related car accidents. They can guide you on what to do next and help you protect your rights. The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances are for a fair outcome.
How Our Attorneys Build Your Case
Our team starts by investigating the accident scene and gathering all the facts. We look at police reports, talk to witnesses, and collect weather data from the day of the crash. This helps us understand exactly what happened and why.
We also work with experts who can explain how the weather affected the accident. These experts can show how slippery roads, poor visibility, or other conditions played a role. Their input can be very helpful when dealing with insurance companies or in court.
Our attorneys handle all the paperwork and deal with the insurance companies for you. We make sure your rights are protected and fight to get you the compensation you need for your injuries and losses.
Types of Compensation Available
If you are hurt in a weather-related car accident, you may be able to recover several types of damages. This can include payment for your medical bills, both now and in the future. If you have to miss work because of your injuries, you can also claim lost wages.
Pain and suffering is another type of compensation. This covers the physical pain and emotional stress caused by the accident. You can also be paid for damage to your car or other property.
Every case is different, and the amount you can recover depends on the details of your accident. Our attorneys will work hard to make sure you get everything you are owed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does bad weather excuse negligent driving?
No. Drivers are still expected to be careful, even in bad weather. If someone drives too fast or makes other mistakes, they can still be held responsible for an accident.
What if both drivers made mistakes?
Sometimes, both drivers share some of the blame. In Illinois, you can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. The amount you receive may be reduced based on your share of the blame.
How long do I have to file a claim in Illinois?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. It’s best to get started as soon as possible so that important evidence is not lost.
Why Fast Action Matters
Taking quick steps after a weather-related accident can make a big difference. Road and weather conditions can change quickly, and important evidence may disappear. Getting photos, witness information, and a police report right away can help your case.
There are also time limits for filing a claim in Illinois. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to recover damages. That’s why it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as you can.
We are here to help you every step of the way. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can start working on your behalf.
Contact Auto Accident Attorney at Phillips Law Offices for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a weather-related car accident, Our team of auto accident attorney at Phillips Law Offices is ready to listen to your story and explain your options. We offer a free consultation, and you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.
Call us today (312) 598-0917 or fill out our online contact form to get started. We are here to help you get the support and compensation you need to move forward. Let us put our experience to work for you.
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