The cold winter months have finally arrived and inclement weather is likely around the corner putting many at a greater risk of experiencing an automobile collision.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, nearly 6,000 people are killed and over 445,000 people are injured in weather-related crashes each year. Inclement weather can severely affect a person’s capability to drive. When winter weather is a factor in a collision, it can become more difficult to prove the other party was driving negligently.
Maryland law requires drivers to operate their vehicles with reasonable care, given the weather conditions existing. This may mean in certain circumstances that a driver needs to reduce his or her speed due to weather, activate hazard warning lights, or take some other reasonable action to maintain safety on the roadway. Many drivers, or their insurance companies, will attempt to deny accountability for an automobile collision and blame it on the inclement weather. All drivers are expected to use an appropriate level of care with respect to the weather.
Remember, no one plans to be in an automobile collision. If you have been involved in a collision, whether it was impacted by inclement weather or not, call Potter Burnett today to see how they can assist you.