February 3, 2025 | Reading Time: 6 min Buffalo, New York is known for its wide variety of weather. From snowstorms in the winter to sudden downpours in the spring and summer, the weather can make driving challenging. If you’ve been in an accident due to these conditions, it’s important to understand how they can impact your claim.
As you review the details in this article, keep in mind that contacting an experienced personal injury attorney can make a difference in navigating the complexities of your case.
How Weather Can Affect Road Safety
Buffalo’s weather creates a variety of hazards that can make driving more dangerous. While severe conditions pose the most risks, even mild weather can contribute to accidents. Here’s how different conditions can impact the roads:
- Icy Roads: Buffalo’s winters are notorious for heavy snowfalls, icy roads, and slush, reducing traction and making it harder for vehicles to maintain control. Even cautious drivers may struggle with skidding or losing control of their vehicles in these conditions.
- Poor Visibility: Fog, rain, and heavy snow can severely limit visibility, making it difficult to see stop signs, pedestrians, or vehicles in the roadways. Because of reduced visibility, the likelihood of accidents is increased.
- Longer Stopping Times: Wet or icy roads increase stopping distances, requiring drivers to leave extra space between vehicles. On slick roads, it takes longer to come to a complete stop. When drivers follow too closely or fail to give enough space, it can easily lead to accidents.
- Strong Winds: Gusty winds, especially during storms, can make it difficult to control a vehicle. Wind can also blow debris, tree branches, or snow drifts into the roadway, creating additional hazards.
These weather-related hazards show the importance of driving with extra caution in Buffalo’s changing conditions. While challenging weather increases risk, it doesn’t excuse reckless or careless driving.
Who’s at Fault in Weather-Related Accidents?
Determining fault in a weather-related accident isn’t always straightforward. While bad weather can make driving more dangerous, it doesn’t automatically absolve a driver of responsibility in the event of an accident. Drivers are still expected to adjust their speed, maintain control of their vehicle, and leave enough space to account for poor road conditions.
For example, if heavy snow is falling but a driver does not adjust their speed accordingly, they may still be found at fault. Driving too fast in poor weather conditions can be considered negligent behavior. Similarly, tailgating on icy streets or failing to use headlights in fog can make a driver liable for an accident.
When Weather Complicates Fault Determination
However, there are cases where extreme weather makes it difficult to assign fault. For example, establishing liability can be difficult if a blizzard causes near-zero visibility and multiple accidents in a short time. This may make your claim harder to navigate.
In some cases, weather might be the primary cause of an accident. A driver could be following all traffic laws but still lose control after hitting a patch of ice. When no clear negligence is involved, determining fault becomes more challenging, making it even more important to seek legal help.
What You Should Know About Your Claim
If you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by bad weather, there are a few important steps to consider when filing a personal injury claim. These can help strengthen your case and improve your chances of recovering compensation for your injuries and damages.
- Take Note of the Weather: When documenting the accident, be sure to note the weather conditions at the time. Details like temperature, visibility, and precipitation can help determine whether weather played a role in the crash.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the scene, including any damage to your vehicle, the position of the vehicles involved, and any weather-related hazards like icy patches. Talk to any witnesses who might have seen the accident happen or can speak to the weather conditions at the time.
- Consult an Attorney: A personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complexities of a weather-related accident claim, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies. Even if the weather was a factor in your accident, your attorney will build a strong case to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.
Taking the right steps after a weather-related accident is important to build a strong personal injury claim. By documenting the weather, collecting evidence, and consulting with an attorney, your chances of securing the compensation you deserve may increase.
Common Defenses in Weather-Related Accident Claims
If a driver is accused of causing an accident due to poor weather, they may argue that the conditions were unavoidable. Some common defenses include:
- Unexpected Emergency: A driver might claim they faced an unexpected weather-related emergency and reacted as safely as they possibly could.
- Comparative Negligence: The other party may argue that both drivers share some responsibility for the accident, which can impact how much compensation is awarded.
- Uncontrollable Conditions: A driver might argue that hazards like black ice or whiteout conditions made it impossible to avoid the crash.
Insurance companies often use these arguments to minimize or deny claims. A clear understanding of how weather conditions affected the crash is important in these cases.
How Insurance Companies Handle Weather-Related Accidents
Insurance companies may be more hesitant to pay claims when weather is a factor. They often argue that not only one driver was entirely at fault. They may ask for extensive evidence of negligence, such as witness statements or photos. They may also claim shared fault under comparative negligence laws, which could reduce the amount you receive. In some cases, they may try to deny your claim by saying poor road conditions were an unavoidable hazard.
An attorney can help you counter these tactics and ensure your rights are protected throughout the claims process.
Cellino Law Is Here to Help
Bad weather is a common challenge for Buffalo drivers, but it doesn’t eliminate the responsibility to drive safely. Whether it’s icy roads or poor visibility, these conditions can make accidents more likely—but fault still depends on how drivers react.
At Cellino Law, we have experience handling complex accident cases, including those influenced by severe weather. Contact us today for a free consultation at 888-888-8888, or fill out our web form to get in touch.
Content checked by the personal injury attorney Ross Cellino. As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community. With over 35 years of experience, I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in Manhattan, Buffalo, Melville, Rochester, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and other locations throughout New York.