Nevada Ice Accidents

Although Nevada is known for its balmy weather, those who live and drive regularly in the state are all too familiar with the dangerous icy conditions that are common in the winter months. Even experienced and careful drivers are at risk of being involved in an accident in this type of weather, so careless driving in icy conditions can prove deadly. In fact, statistical data reveals that around 800 car accidents were caused by unsafe driving in snowy conditions across the state last year alone.

Fortunately, those who are injured in car accidents can collect compensation for their losses either from the parties responsible for the crash or from their insurers. However, filing a claim can be complicated, so if you were injured in a crash caused by icy road conditions, you should consider contacting an experienced Las Vegas car accident lawyer who can represent your interests.

Negligent Drivers

While icy roads can and do cause single-vehicle crashes, many weather-related accidents are the result of another driver’s failure to adapt to the road conditions. Speeding and violating traffic laws are always dangerous, but when the road conditions are poor, these behaviors can have devastating consequences. For example, one driver’s negligent conduct can easily lead to a chain reaction crash involving multiple vehicles.

Even when road conditions are less than ideal, drivers are still required to operate their vehicles in a reasonable manner. When drivers fail to do so they can be held accountable for their actions by those who were injured as a result of their negligence. This is even true when the injured party contributed in some way to the accident. As a comparative negligence state, Nevada allows those who were partly at fault in causing their own accidents to recover damages as long as they were not more at fault than the other driver.

Preventive Measures

There are a number of steps that drivers can take to help reduce their chances of being involved in a car accident caused by icy conditions, including:

• Traveling in winter only when necessary;
• Planning their route in advance to avoid known icy areas and steep hills;
• Checking the weather and road conditions before driving;
• Avoiding quick starts and fast turns;
• Reducing speed;
• Refraining from slamming on the brakes;
• When braking, applying steady pressure or if driving a non-ABS vehicle, pumping the brakes;
• Keeping a reasonable distance between their car and other vehicles;
• Only passing when there is plenty of distance between vehicles;
• Using extra care when on bridges, ramps, and overpasses, as these areas are usually the first to freeze; and
• In the event that a vehicle starts to skid, steering in the direction of the slide, while slowly removing the foot from the accelerator.

While taking these steps does not guarantee that a driver will not be involved in a car accident, it can go a long way towards keeping both drivers and passengers safe from injury.

Contact an Experienced Las Vegas Car Accident Attorney

If you were injured in an accident that was caused by icy conditions, you may be entitled to compensation. Please contact Naqvi Injury Law by calling (702) 487-3729 to learn more about your legal options.