DOES BAD WEATHER IMPACT LIABILITY?
It's no surprise that New York can have some pretty intense and unpredictable winters. From freezing temperatures to visitors that may not be used to driving in snow, getting into an accident during this time is all too common.
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In September 2020 alone, there were nearly 10,000 crashes in New York City and dozens killed because of them. Due to the dramatically changing seasons, it is no surprise that people are questioning whether bad weather impacts the number of crashes and car accident liability if one occurs.
Preventing Weather-Related Accidents
Although it cannot specifically be said that bad weather causes these accidents, drivers should still take caution regardless of the given road conditions. The New York Police Department (NYPD) posts the conditions surrounding traffic accidents monthly for the public to understand better what dangers to avoid when driving in any of the Burroughs.
Some of the top contributing factors include:
- Distracted Driving or Driver Inattention
- Tailgating
- Driving Unsafe Speeds
- Improper Passing
These should especially be avoided when there is bad weather. Ice on roads, low visibility, worn-down treads and more can make these already unsafe acts potentially fatal.
Negligence And A Driver's Duty Of Care
While these are only a few issues that drivers should avoid, dozens more can make someone an unsafe driver. This tells us that accidents don't necessarily occur because of weather conditions - but because of negligent drivers. All licenses motorists have a legal duty to adjust their driving happens according to the conditions they are driving in.
Here’s an example to put this in perspective. While it may be safe to drive at the speed limit on a sunny, clear day, it may be unsafe to drive the speed limit when it’s raining or snowing. Thus, drivers should slow down and increase their buffer. Failure to adjust as needed to external conditions would be considered negligence and is ultimately dangerous for everyone on the road.
Injured In An NYC Accident?
Davidoff Law is dedicated to getting you the compensation you deserve for negligent acts that endangered your health and well being in NYC. If you have been involved in a traffic accident, call (212) 900-0000 to discuss your potential case.
