Injured In A Car Accident Caused By Icy Roads?
Last updated on February 20, 2025
Minnesotans, especially Northern Minnesotans, are all too familiar with winter road conditions, and it’s no news that an icy road can cause a serious accident. But as familiar as Minnesotans are with ice and snow, they may not know enough about what to do after an accident caused by a slick road. These types of accidents can be particularly complex, with additional factors to consider.
You never expect to be in an accident, even when road conditions are bad. So you may not know quite what to do in the event of a crash in the winter. Our car accident lawyers can answer questions like the following about icy roads and accidents.
Can You Sue After An Accident On An Icy Road?
In some cases, yes. If someone else hits you on the road while the roads are slippery, there are ways you can prove that it was more than just ice that caused your accident. In some cases, you can attribute the accident to the driver, rather than the ice, and you can sue for compensation for the accident.
How Can You Prove It Was The Other Driver’s Fault?
While ice may have been a factor in the accident, there are other contributors to a crash. A personal injury attorney can investigate the driver’s attentiveness, their actions before the crash (i.e. distractions), and their responsiveness to the conditions. All of these factors and more can prove that the crash was caused by more than the road conditions.
How Can Drivers Stay Safe On Black Ice?
Black ice poses a particular danger because it is nearly invisible to drivers. The best defense is knowing where and when black ice tends to form – typically during dawn and dusk or in shaded areas when temperatures hover around freezing.
If you encounter black ice, remain calm and avoid sudden movements. Do not hit your brakes – instead, slowly take your foot off the accelerator and keep your steering wheel straight until you pass over the icy patch. Maintaining a slower speed during potentially icy conditions gives you more time to react and reduces your risk of losing control. If possible, try to drive in tire tracks left by other vehicles, as these areas may have better traction.
What Areas Are Most Prone To Icy Conditions?
Certain areas require extra caution during winter driving conditions. Bridges and overpasses freeze first because cold air flows both above and below the road surface. Shaded areas, especially those covered by trees or buildings, tend to retain ice longer since they receive less sunlight. Intersections can become particularly slick due to the frequent stopping and starting of vehicles, which polishes the ice.
Rural roads and less-traveled highways may also pose increased risks as they receive less salt treatment and snow removal. When approaching these high-risk areas, reduce your speed well in advance and increase your following distance from other vehicles.
What Extra Precautions Should Drivers Take On Icy Roads?
Winter driving requires additional safety measures. First, check that your vehicle has appropriate winter tires and that all systems, particularly brakes and defrosters, are working properly. Keep your headlights on, even during daylight hours, to increase your visibility to other drivers. Do not use cruise control, as it can cause your vehicle to accelerate if you hit a slick spot. Maintain at least eight to 10 seconds of following distance from the vehicle ahead of you, as stopping distances can be up to 10 times longer on icy roads.
When sharing the road with snowplows, give them plenty of space – at least 200 feet. Their visibility is often limited and the snow they clear can create temporary whiteout conditions. Remember that the safest place to be is well behind and away from a working plow. If you must pass, do so only when you have a clear view of the road ahead and never pass on the right where snowplows typically discharge snow.
How Can I Recover Compensation For My Injuries?
After an accident in the snow and ice, you can pursue compensation. If you open a case, you will open it against the other driver’s insurance company. An experienced personal injury attorney can help people get what they need after an accident caused by an icy road, and another driver’s negligence.
People can recover money to help pay for medical expenses related to any injuries caused by the accident, repairs for damages to their vehicle and even compensation for pain and suffering. These cases generally end up being similar to other types of motor vehicle accidents, which also carry their own complexities and questions.
Contact Hazelton Law Group Today
As these cases are often complicated, it’s important to get the right help. A personal injury and car accident lawyer from Hazelton Law Group can help evaluate your case and give you more information about the compensation process. Give us a call at 218-210-2043, or use our online contact form to get in touch.