Indianapolis Inclement and Winter Weather Car Accident Lawyer

Few things are as unpredictable as Indiana weather, particularly in the wintertime. Sunny skies can quickly give way to clouds, snow, ice, and sleet, quickly transforming roads into dangerous highways.

Inclement weather isn’t just confined to the winter in Indiana. Unexpected rain and thunderstorms often appear out of nowhere in the spring and summer months. Frequently accompanied by vicious crosswinds and standing water, driving conditions can quickly deteriorate.

Vaughn A. Wamsley is an experienced attorney and ready to support you if you or a loved one is involved in a car accident during inclement or winter weather. We understand that inclement weather does not cause accidents alone and that other parties are often at fault.

As your trusted Indianapolis car accident lawyer, we hold responsible parties accountable for securing victims the compensation they deserve.

Inclement and Winter Weather Car Accidents in Indiana

Inclement weather is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Indiana throughout the year, particularly in the winter. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) found that nearly a quarter of all car accidents occur on roads covered with snow, slush, or ice.

Furthermore, in 2022, the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) reported that nearly 45,000 car crashes occurred on Indiana roads during inclement weather, resulting in 136 fatalities.

What Makes Driving in Inclement Weather in Indiana So Dangerous?

Driving in inclement or winter weather is especially dangerous for many reasons, including:

• Slippery surfaces – Roads wet or covered in snow or ice are challenging to drive on, as cars often struggle to negotiate tight turns or stop, particularly on sloped roads.
• Black ice—Black ice is nearly invisible to drivers and may be on otherwise dry roads. Vehicles may be sent out of control when driving over a patch of black ice.
• Reduced visibility – Visibility is typically reduced in inclement weather, with precipitation diminishing viewpoints for drivers or fog creating low visibility.
• Longer stopping distances – Due to wet or slick surfaces, vehicles need more room to stop in inclement weather. Failure to account for this stopping distance leads to more rear-end collisions, especially in winter.
• Standing water – Water may puddle up at various spots on roadways during a rain storm or when snow is melting. Passing through standing water may cause a driver to lose control of his vehicle.

As a leading inclement and winter weather accident attorney in Indianapolis, we’ve helped hundreds of clients navigate the complexities of car accidents that occur during inclement weather.

We understand the nuances of these cases and are prepared to fight for fair compensation on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery.

Factors Contributing to Inclement Weather Crashes

Driving in inclement weather is undoubtedly more challenging and dangerous than in clear and sunny conditions. However, the vast majority of weather-related crashes are preventable. According to the FHWA, driver error contributes to over 80 percent of car crashes in inclement weather.

Therefore, if you are involved in a car accident related to a storm, contacting a top-rated car accident lawyer in Indianapolis is vital so the at-fault driver and other parties can be liable for their negligence.

Contributing factors to inclement weather accidents include:

• Speeding—State law mandates that drivers on Indiana’s roads adjust their speed to a level appropriate for various conditions, including weather. Drivers violating this law may be deemed negligent if they cause an accident.
• Failure to Clear Ice and Snow – Vehicle operators must clear all snow and ice before driving. Such buildup on cars may become dangerous projectiles and lead to crashes if they fly off a moving vehicle.
• Following Too Closely – Motor vehicles need more distance to slow down and stop in inclement weather. Failure to leave adequate space between cars or tailgating often leads to rear-end accidents when snow and ice are present.
• Poorly Maintained Roads—State and local government agencies are responsible for keeping roads safe. Failure to properly plow snow, treat icy conditions, or design roads with poor drainage can make these agencies accountable for accidents caused by these conditions.

If you’re looking for a car accident lawyer near me, you’ll have many options. However, few practices have the experience and track record of success Vaughn Wamsley does. If you’ve been in a weather-related accident, contact us to learn how we fight to protect your rights.

Vaughn Knows What You Are Going Through

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

Time Is Not On Your Side After An Accident. Call Vaughn Wamsley NOW.

317-846-1080

How To Avoid Weather-Related Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 30,000 people were injured in the U.S. in winter weather accidents, including 498 fatalities. Therefore, if you must drive in inclement weather, you’ll want to do everything possible to keep yourself and your family safe.

• Prepare Your Vehicle – Before driving in winter weather, you’ll want to ensure your vehicle is fully prepared for the conditions. Such preparation includes checking the status of your vehicle’s tires, battery, wiper blades, washer fluid, lights, and more. Also, packing a snow emergency kit in your car is highly advisable.
• Prepare Yourself – Preparing yourself to drive is equally important as ensuring your vehicle is in good working order. Get a good night of rest, and know your route to your destination. Checking the weather before any winter trip and knowing places to stop for food, gas, and rest is advantageous.
• Slow Down – Excessive speed for conditions contributes to many weather-related crashes. Be sure to slow down when driving in inclement weather so that your speed is suitable for the road conditions.
• Leave Distance – Allow plenty of distance between you and other vehicles, particularly those in front. You want to ensure that you have ample room to stop should the car in front of you do something unexpected.
• Be Patient – Driving in winter weather can be particularly frustrating and challenging. However, it is essential that you remain patient during your trip and remember that it is always better to arrive late to your destination than not to arrive at all.

Steps to Take After a Winter Weather Accident

No matter how many precautions you take, winter weather accidents are sometimes unavoidable. Knowing what to do in the aftermath of a crash is essential for your health and to protect your rights.

Follow these sets if you are involved in a winter weather crash:

1. Move to a Safe Place – Turn your vehicle’s hazard lights on and move off the roadway to a safe place. Be aware of the road’s conditions so that you are not in danger from other cars possibly sliding into you or the accident scene.
2. Call 911. First responders can assist anyone injured while protecting you and building a police report. Indiana law mandates drivers report accidents that involve injuries, death, or significant property damage.
3. Seek Medical Attention – Even if you do not feel injured, medical experts can identify non-apparent injuries while documenting any potential medical hardship that will be vital to your case.
4. Document the Scene – Take pictures of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles, visible injuries, road conditions, and anything else you think may be pertinent to your claim.
5. Gather Information – Be sure to collect the contact information for any other drivers involved in the accident, insurance information, and witnesses’ contact information.
6. Contact Legal Counsel – A top-rated car accident lawyer in Indianapolis can provide invaluable guidance immediately following a crash.

Understanding Laws Relevant to Your Case

If you’ve been involved in an inclement or winter weather car accident, you’ll want to work with a lawyer who thoroughly understands the regulations that will determine fault and compensation for our case. Our team at Vaughn Wamsley has that experience and the track record to put you at ease while you recover.

Some of Indiana’s most relevant laws include:

• Comparative Fault Rule – Indiana features a modified comparative fault rule, stipulating that accident victims may only claim damages if they are less than 51 percent at fault for a crash. If you are awarded compensation, it may be reduced by the amount you are judged to be at fault in the incident.
• Statute of Limitations—According to Indiana’s statute of limitations, a personal injury claim must be filed within two years of the accident date. This deadline makes it imperative to contact an Indianapolis inclement and winter weather car accident lawyer as soon as possible following a collision.
• Negligent Road Maintenance – State and local government agencies ensure safe roads, particularly during inclement weather. You are entitled to pursue a claim against these agencies if their negligence contributed to your accident, though these cases have stricter timelines and requirements.

How Vaughn Wamsley Supports You

Here at Vaughn Wamsley, our dedicated team of professionals understands how a weather-related accident can devastate victims and their families. We are here to support you in every aspect of your recovery while providing our clients compassionate and personalized legal representation.

To help you focus on your recovery, we do the heavy lifting, including thoroughly investigating and gathering evidence for your claim, working tirelessly to build an ironclad case, negotiating with the insurance companies, and battling on your behalf in court if necessary to achieve just and favorable outcomes for you and your family.

With our experience and extensive track record of achieving results for our clients, Vaughn Wamsley is Indianapolis’s leading inclement and winter weather accident attorney.

So, if you’ve been in a weather-related accident, contact us today for a free consultation.