Indiana is home to many natural disasters and severe weather, including tornadoes, thunderstorms, floods, and more. Such conditions can make driving extremely dangerous.

To that end, some motorists may wonder who may be found responsible for a car accident largely caused by bad weather. Our Indianapolis attorneys explain liability in this situation below.

Who’s Responsible for a Car Accident in Bad Weather?

Bad weather contributes to a startling number of car accidents every year. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, approximately 21% of all motor vehicle accidents in the country each year are weather-related.

Given the high number of weather-related car accidents, the question remains: is at least one driver always responsible for damages in such an accident?

The short answer is yes. This is because roads and highways are designed to be driven on safely, even when weather conditions are bad. So, nearly all car accidents that occur in bad weather can be avoided when motorists drive at or below the posted speed limit, do not tailgate other drivers, and do not violate other drivers’ right of way.

When determining liability, insurance companies (and the court) will determine whether one or more of the motorists involved were…

  • Driving the speed limit
  • Giving enough space between vehicles
  • Respecting other drivers’ right of way
  • Doing anything possible to avoid the accident

In most cases, it can be determined that a driver violated a traffic law or did some other negligent action that would have caused the crash, despite the weather conditions.

Injured in a Car Accident? We’re Here to Help

Not every motorist takes the appropriate precautions when driving. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident caused by another’s recklessness, our Indianapolis attorneys can protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you need for medical bills and lost wages.

Contact Wagner Reese at (888) 204-8440 to schedule a free consultation.