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Black Ice and Motor Vehicle Crashes: What You Need to Know

When you live in Wisconsin, you are accustomed to dealing with all sorts of weather while driving. Road conditions can quickly deteriorate as snow, ice, freezing rain, slush, and black ice create dangers for everyone on Wisconsin roadways. Even the best of drivers, however, can end up in a motor vehicle accident when winter weather is at its worst. When a snowstorm or other weather condition is rapidly occurring, it may be impossible for a city or county to keep up with the demands of clearing the roads. As a result, all drivers need to take extra precautions when driving, especially when dangerous road conditions such as black ice exist.

Black ice is a road condition that occurs when freezing rain, sleet, or rain falls on frozen ground. The precipitation either freezes upon impact or may refreeze after briefly melting. The bottom line is that black ice creates a very thin layer of ice on road surfaces that is almost impossible to detect. The road may appear wet in some places, but there will be little or no indication that the road is icy. Black ice tends to occur when it is not sunny out and accumulates more readily on shaded roads, less traveled roads, and on bridges and overpasses. It is weather conditions such as these that often cause motor vehicle accidents for unsuspecting drivers. Far too many drivers fail to take basic precautions in bad weather, which unfortunately also can contribute to accidents occurring on Wisconsin roadways.

A driver who fails to take extra care during adverse weather conditions may very well be negligent if he or she causes a motor vehicle accident. For instance, sometimes it is reasonable and necessary to drive well below the speed limit or take care not to follow cars too closely in order to prevent an accident. When drivers fail to take these precautions or heed the winter weather, they can be liable for any resulting accidents and injuries.

Regardless of the issues that led to the motor vehicle crash that harmed you or your family member, you may very well have a personal injury claim under Wisconsin law. Call Boller & Vaughan today at (608) 268-0268, or contact us online at www.bollervaughan.com in order to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Wisconsin personal injury lawyers. Don’t give up on your losses without a fight for what you deserve from those responsible for your injuries.