Before You Go, Clear the Snow

 Posted on December 28, 2015 in Connecticut Personal Injury Attorney

While forecasts for this year’s winter indicate that weather will be significantly milder than the last several years, the ice and snow will eventually reach the East Coast. It would not be winter in Connecticut without at least a few squalls and a snowstorm or two. When the snow does fly, driving conditions can deteriorate quickly, with slush and slippery roads contributing to thousands of motor vehicle accidents every year. Liability for a weather-related car accident can often be difficult to establish clearly, but in certain situations the State provides some fairly specific guidance.

Scrape the Ice and Brush the Snow

For many people, the morning routine especially during the winter generally includes going out and starting the car a few minutes before it is actually time to leave. Those fortunate enough to have remote starters can do so without even setting foot outside. Others find themselves rushing out the door with no time to spare, taking just a few seconds to scrape enough of the ice and snow away so they can see enough to drive. According to the law, just enough is not enough and such drivers can face fines and liability for damages caused by this negligence.

Connecticut law requires a driver to “remove any accumulated ice or snow” from his or her vehicle, including the hood, trunk, and roof, “so that any ice or snow accumulated on such vehicle does not pose a threat to persons or property.” Failure to do so can result in a citation and a fine of up to $75. If a non-commercial driver does not remove the ice or snow, and some of it dislodges causing damage to a person or property, the driver can be fined up to $1,000. Commercial drivers can face fines of up to $1,250.

Negligence Per Se

Even the most basic of traffic regulations create a duty under the law be providing that certain requirements must be followed or that certain actions are not permitted. Violating a statute, therefore, makes the violator liable for any damages injuries that may be caused as a result of the violation. This principle is known as "negligence per se," and by proving the violation of a law, a claimant may much more easily collect compensation for damages.

If you are injured in an accident involving ice or snow from another vehicle this winter, contact an experienced Hartford personal injury attorney. We will fully investigate your claim and help you understand your legal options in getting the compensation you need to put your life back together. Call 860-290-8690 to schedule your confidential consultation today.

Sources:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/01/18/connecticuts-ice-missile-law/4581121/

https://www.cga.ct.gov/2010/act/pa/2010PA-00182-R00HB-05387-PA.htm

https://www.jud.ct.gov/JI/Civil/part3/3.6-13.htm