Most drivers are taught to be especially careful when driving in inclement weather. Snow, ice, and even rain or wind can cause treacherous conditions and increase the risk of collisions. Sometimes, even if someone takes every possible precaution, they can still be in an accident when another driver is not as careful.
When other drivers fail to recognize the severity of the conditions, they can cause serious accidents. Even a slight fender-bender can become much worse if it causes a car to lose traction on an icy road and spin out of control. After being involved in a crash during poor driving conditions, contact a Lincoln bad weather car accident lawyer at Berry Law as soon as possible.
Lincoln Bad Weather Car Accident Guide
- Why Choose Berry Law After a Bad Weather Accident?
- What To Do Following a Bad Weather Accident in Lincoln
- How Can Bad Weather Contribute to a Lincoln Auto Crash?
- How Can the Berry Law Team Help Resolve a Severe Weather Crash in Lincoln?
- Common Damages That May Be Recovered for a Dangerous Weather Crash
- Contact A Lincoln Bad Weather Car Accident Lawyer at Berry Law For Help
Why Choose Berry Law After a Bad Weather Accident?
The determined car accident lawyers at Berry Law are here to help. With decades of experience fighting for our injured clients, our skilled team of attorneys has the tenacity and resources needed to challenge nationwide insurance companies and large corporations that may be held liable for compensating those injured in various vehicle accidents.
Because of the contributing weather elements, these accidents can be difficult to prove. Our Lincoln personal injury attorneys have extensive experience handling weather-related accidents and can help injured people seek and receive the compensation they deserve following bad weather crashes.
See what some of our past clients say about the top-notch legal services they received and what to expect when partnering with Berry Law. Also, our track record of success speaks for itself. To see if we would be a good fit, reach out today for a free consultation.
What To Do Following a Bad Weather Accident in Lincoln
When a driver is involved in a crash in Lincoln and severe weather conditions may play a role, they should always call local law enforcement to report the accident. If anyone was injured in the collision, calling for medical assistance is crucial. Even if the drivers involved believe they have minor injuries, they should always see a doctor to be sure.
Many crash injuries are not obvious at the time of the accident. Sometimes, adrenaline can mask pain or a hidden problem. Other times, the injury is not apparent for a few days. Regardless of the situation, after an auto accident, always seek medical attention to ensure there are no serious problems related to the crash.
When possible, the drivers involved in the collision should also move their cars out of traffic to avoid additional collisions. In scenarios where a person is not terribly injured, they should take photos and/or videos of the scene, the vehicles, road conditions, and weather conditions. This photographic evidence can be important when bringing a claim for damages.
Finally, if someone was injured in the wreck, they should immediately contact a Lincoln bad weather car accident attorney at Berry Law. Our lawyers can help make sure all the best decisions are made for physical recovery and to protect their legal rights.
How Can Bad Weather Contribute to a Lincoln Auto Crash?
Many situations can lead to a vehicle accident. Even under perfect driving conditions, crashes occur, and people are injured, sometimes through no fault of their own.
Most crashes are caused by driver negligence, and in bad weather circumstances, drivers can make mistakes and poor decisions. These judgment errors can cause an accident that might not have happened in good weather.
For example, if someone is driving when the conditions shift, they should adjust their driving based on the road and weather. Usually, they should slow down and allow more space between vehicles during fog, snow, rain, icy conditions, and high winds.
The most common causes of bad weather accidents include:
- Speeding – in bad weather, drivers must slow down to account for the change in driving conditions. Snow, ice, and even rain can create slippery road surfaces that make stopping difficult and much worse if the vehicle is traveling too fast for the weather conditions.
- Distracted driving – in adverse weather conditions, a driver must pay extra attention to their driving and not be distracted by a cell phone, radio, eating, or other actions that take their mind off the road even for a second.
- Driving under the influence – driving while intoxicated is always illegal because the driver’s reflexes and decision-making skills are impaired. Drunk driving in bad weather can certainly lead to serious accidents and severe injuries.
- Aggressive driving – some people won’t slow down in bad weather and become angry at other drivers who do. When aggressive drivers try to pass a slower vehicle or change lanes suddenly, they can be responsible for the injuries and damages resulting from a collision they caused.
In addition, bad road conditions, failing or defective vehicle parts, or other factors can create an accident situation that is worsened by inclement weather conditions.
Three general steps for safer driving in severe weather are:
- Reduce speed
- Turn on the vehicle’s lights to be more visible to other drivers
- Give other vehicles more space
Everyone has a legal duty as a driver to keep control of their vehicle regardless of the weather. While snow and ice can contribute to a crash, a driver still has an obligation to adjust their actions to drive safely and keep their vehicle under control, regardless of the conditions. If the weather becomes too severe, any form of driving might be unsafe.
If someone drives too fast for the weather conditions – even if they were not driving above the speed limit – they could be at fault for an accident and liable for another person’s injuries and financial losses. The diligent attorneys at Berry Law are ready to analyze the situation to determine what actually caused the collision.
How Can the Berry Law Team Help Resolve a Severe Weather Crash in Lincoln?
The sooner an injured person contacts our team of accident lawyers, the sooner we can begin our investigation to support a personal injury claim. Our team of seasoned injury lawyers can provide many valuable services following a bad weather crash, including:
- Investigation – We can thoroughly investigate how the accident occurred and the contributing factors to determine who may be responsible for accident-related injuries and financial losses.
- Claim preparation – Armed with physical and documentary evidence, we’ll prepare a comprehensive insurance claim to seek compensation for all crash-related legal damages.
- Negotiation – Insurance adjusters are skilled negotiators, while most injured people do not fully appreciate what their case may be worth. We work hard to obtain the maximum payment possible under each case’s unique circumstances.
- Mediation or arbitration – As skilled negotiators, our lawyers are familiar with the benefits and procedures involved in mediation and arbitration. We fiercely advocate for our clients in these situations to protect their rights.
- Trial preparation – If settlement negotiations stall, we can prepare and file a civil lawsuit to ask a judge or jury for a fair and reasonable resolution.
- Trial advocacy – Our attorneys are skilled litigators who can present evidence and argue on behalf of our clients to convince a jury or judge to award substantial damages to make our clients whole again.
- Claim resolution – Whether the case is resolved by settlement or trial, we will see it through to the conclusion and ensure all final documents are executed and payment is received.
Common Damages That May Be Recovered for a Dangerous Weather Crash
When a driver fails to take the necessary precautions in a bad weather situation and causes a crash that results in injuries, the injured party could collect compensation for their legal damages. Legal damages are monetary compensation intended to make an injured person whole after a collision or accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
Someone injured in a weather-related crash in Lincoln may request two types of legal damages — economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include out-of-pocket expenses that can be documented or proven by a receipt or record. Examples of economic damages include:
- Medical expenses, such as the cost of hospital stays, diagnostic testing, surgery, medications, therapy, and more.
- Lost income, which may include lost wages, benefits, promotions, bonuses, and the future loss of earning potential if injuries are long-lasting or permanent.
Non-economic damages are more difficult to prove since they are not memorialized on paper or a computer record. These are personal losses that result from an accident and can be challenging to establish a true dollar value.
Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering, including both physical and emotional aspects.
- Loss of enjoyment of life stemming from the inability to participate in life events, hobbies, family gatherings, and other previously simple activities.
- Loss of family relationships due to the inability to provide for a family, help around the house, or even be intimate with a spouse or partner.
- Mental anguish ranging from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to anxiety or difficulty sleeping after a severe accident.
It is important to note that this is a general list. The actual legal damages available in any specific claim will depend mainly on the specific facts involved in the accident. To learn more about potential legal damages, contact Berry Law for a free consultation.
Contact A Lincoln Bad Weather Car Accident Lawyer at Berry Law For Help
After a serious bad weather crash, the insurance claims process can be an additional nightmare. Trust the Lincoln bad weather car accident lawyers at Berry Law to help manage an insurance claim and navigate the complex legal system.
Even when poor weather conditions influence an accident, the at-fault driver has an obligation to maintain control of their vehicle. Our experienced lawyers understand the law and how insurance coverage works in these circumstances.
We will not back down from big insurance companies and aggressive adjusters. We’ll do what’s necessary to help our clients receive the results they deserve, including helping prepare and file a solid and persuasive claim or lawsuit to illustrate the negligent driver’s fault.
To learn more, call the tenacious Berry Law team at 402-466-8444 or fill out our simple online contact form for a free consultation and case review today.
Berry Law – Lincoln Office
Address:6940 O St #400,
Lincoln, NE 68510
Phone: 402-466-8444
