Wind, snow, rain and icy roads are often the cause of weather-related accidents involving road users and pedestrians. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by adverse weather conditions, speak to Garratts’ team of personal injury solicitors who will work hard to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
What Types of Weather-Related Accidents Can Lead to a Claim?
Weather-related claims can arise in several settings. Common examples include slips on untreated entrances or walkways, workplace accidents caused by ice or water, road accidents involving poor visibility, and injuries caused by unsecured objects in high winds. Whether a claim is possible depends on who controlled the area or activity and what precautions were reasonable in the circumstances.
We’ve listed some of the most common types of adverse weather accidents below:
- Slips, trips & falls due to icy supermarket entrances, or snow on pedestrian walks and road crossings
- Injuries resulting from flooding
- Accidents due to poor road conditions, including ungritted roads or insufficiently filled potholes
- Accidents due to snow and ice
- Flying debris
- Motorist accidents due to visibility issues
- Road accidents caused by faulty equipment or vehicle fuel leaks
Who May Be Responsible for a Weather-Related Accident?
Responsibility depends on where the accident happened and who controlled the risk. A business or employer may be responsible for failing to manage a known hazard on its premises. A road user may be responsible for driving without taking account of the conditions. A claim involving a road or public area requires a close review of the relevant authority’s duties, inspection records and winter maintenance arrangements.
Evidence that the hazard was known, had existed for some time or had been reported before the accident can be important. A solicitor can assess the duty owed and whether the precautions taken were reasonable.
Which Incidents Are Classed as ‘Acts of God’?
Sometimes incidents aren’t preventable and you may experience difficulty in claiming compensation due to natural disasters occurring outside of human control. Those types of incidents are also referred to as Acts of God. They are sudden, unforeseen events impossible to guard against or prevent. Acts of God are extreme weather scenarios such as tsunamis or earthquakes causing severe disruption and damage to the environment, roads and traffic.
Car Accidents in Snow and Ice in 2023
The winter months are often a dangerous time for road users posing an increased risk of accidents occurring due to sub-zero temperatures coupled with snowfall and bad visibility. Road traffic accidents caused by poor weather conditions are the main cause of serious and in some case, life-threatening injuries during winter. They can severely impact the victims’ physical and mental health as well as that of their families.
If you have been involved in a car accident in the snow which wasn’t your fault, our road traffic accident solicitors will be able to review your case and arrange a free consultation.
How Does a Weather-Related Accident Claim Work?
Contact Garratts for a free initial review. We will ask how the accident happened, who controlled the location or activity and what evidence is available. If we accept the claim, we will gather the relevant records, obtain medical evidence and notify the party considered responsible. We will handle settlement negotiations and can represent you in court if proceedings become necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Evidence Can Support a Weather-Related Accident Claim?
Photographs or video of the conditions, weather records, witness details, accident reports, maintenance records and medical evidence may all be relevant. Collect what you can safely, but do not delay seeking advice if some evidence is not available.
How Long Do I Have to Make a Weather-Related Accident Claim?
In many personal injury cases, court proceedings must begin within three years of the accident. Different rules can apply to children and people who lack mental capacity. Other exceptions may also apply, so seek advice as early as possible.
Can I Claim After Slipping on Ice Outside a Shop or Workplace?
A claim may be possible if the person or organisation controlling the area failed to take reasonable steps to manage a foreseeable risk. Liability depends on the location, the conditions, how long the hazard existed and what precautions were taken.
