Who Is Liable in a Car Accident Caused by Black Ice?

It is no secret that here in Kentucky there are some frigid cold days in the winter months. While we are currently having some of our coldest days of the season thus far, black ice is no joke. Black ice is one of the dangerous things to be on the road while driving. It is often hard to see, and it is pretty uncontrollable. So, what were to happen if you got into a car accident due to black ice?

What Is Black Ice?

Black ice is caused by rain or snow, and when the temperatures become cold enough after it rains or the snow melts, it can turn into black ice. While the ice is not actually black, when it freezes on a certain surface, it becomes transparent, so the road will still look black (or whatever color it is), but actually have a layer of ice covering it. This is one of the aspects of black ice that make it so dangerous. It is often invisible or very hard to see, and this is especially true when you are in a car. If you are driving and your car begins to lose traction or slide, it is possible that you are driving on black ice.

Who Is at Fault for a Black Ice Accident in Kentucky?

So, who is at fault for an accident that is caused by black ice? Unfortunately, the insurance companies will hold the driver accountable for the fault of the accident, not the weather condition that may have caused it. But, there are some cases in which a third party could be found liable for the accident. For example, if the roads were not being salted as they should be to prevent black ice, it is possible that the company may be found liable for the accident. Another situation that arises due to black ice are multiple driver accidents. It is easy for one car to slide into another, then the one behind them not being able to stop. If this is the case, there can be multiple people that are liable. There are times when liability is harder to prove than others. It is suggested that if you are involved in an accident, that you hire an attorney to help guide you through your case and compile evidence.

Prevent Car Crashes on Black Ice

Black ice is one of the most common causes of accidents during the winter months. While there is no way to really avoid it due to it being so hard to see on the road, it is most important to slow down while you are driving in these conditions. If you are driving on black ice, it is important that you do not slam on the brakes. You should be sure to take your foot off of the gas and keep your steering wheel straight. This is very similar to what you need to do when you drive in the snow.

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