Common Causes of Winter Car Accidents
Winter driving in the DMV brings unique hazards, but snow, ice, and freezing temperatures alone rarely cause accidents. More often, it’s negligence — whether by careless drivers, property owners, or commercial operators — that creates dangerous situations on winter roads. For victims of winter crashes in Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, understanding these common causes can help identify when someone else is to blame and how legal action might hold them accountable.
Negligent drivers make winter roads more dangerous
Examples of driver negligence
While winter weather can create slippery conditions, drivers still have a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely. Unfortunately, many fail to adjust their behavior for snow, ice, or reduced visibility.
- Driving Too Fast for Conditions: Posted speed limits are designed for clear, dry roads. Drivers who fail to slow down during snow or ice are far more likely to lose control and collide with other vehicles. Speeding — even within the legal limit—on winter roads is negligence.
- Following Too Closely: Winter roads require longer stopping distances. Drivers who tailgate, especially in icy conditions, put others at risk for rear-end collisions.
- Reckless Driving: Sudden lane changes, aggressive braking, and ignoring traffic signals can be disastrous in poor conditions, leading to crashes that could have been avoided.
Victims of accidents caused by negligent drivers are often left with serious injuries, vehicle damage, and mounting expenses through no fault of their own. Holding these drivers accountable ensures they face the consequences of their actions.
Poor vehicle maintenance creates preventable crashes
Negligent drivers aren’t the only risk. Failing to prepare a vehicle for winter can lead to accidents, and vehicle owners are responsible for ensuring their cars are safe for the season.
- Worn or Bald Tires: Tires with insufficient tread lose traction on snow and ice, increasing the risk of a driver losing control. When a poorly maintained vehicle causes an accident, liability rests with the driver.
- Faulty Brakes or Lights: Failing to fix brake issues or replace broken headlights and taillights can make winter driving even more hazardous, especially in low-visibility conditions.
- Uncleared Windows and Snow Buildup: Snow or ice left on windshields, mirrors, or vehicle roofs can obstruct views or create hazards for others. Ice chunks dislodging from moving vehicles can cause serious accidents.
These types of maintenance failures can turn winter driving into a life-threatening ordeal for innocent motorists who are struck by unsafe vehicles.
Commercial vehicles add risks in winter weather
Commercial trucks, buses, and delivery vehicles pose unique risks during winter, especially when their operators fail to follow safety protocols.
- Uncleared Snow or Ice on Trucks: Large sheets of ice can dislodge from trucks and smash into nearby vehicles, causing serious accidents. Trucking companies and drivers are responsible for clearing their vehicles before hitting the road.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Winter weather requires skill and caution. If a trucking company allows untrained or inexperienced drivers to operate in snow or ice, the company may be liable for resulting accidents.
- Unsafe or Overloaded Vehicles: Trucks that are overloaded or improperly balanced are more likely to lose control in slick conditions, endangering nearby drivers.
When negligence by a commercial driver or company leads to winter accidents, victims may have grounds to hold them accountable for their injuries and damages.
Don’t let negligence in winter weather go unchallenged
Winter weather creates challenges, but accidents often occur because of someone else’s failure to act responsibly. Whether it’s a reckless driver, a negligent property owner, or an unsafe commercial vehicle, innocent victims deserve justice when winter crashes occur.
The Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC, serves victims of car accidents in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Our case results include settlements like $300,000 for the victim of a rear-end car accident in Bethesda, Maryland. If someone else’s negligence caused your winter accident, don’t face it alone.
Understanding your rights and holding the at-fault party accountable can make all the difference. Contact us for a free consultation to explain the value of your case and help you decide on the next steps.
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