Weather conditions can inhibit drivers’ visibility while driving, which can be dangerous for many reasons. There are greater chances of getting into a collision under such weather conditions.
Proving fault is one challenging factor in seeking compensation for a crash in such weather conditions. The driver may not narrate what happened because it was too hard to see. A personal injury lawyer in Ohio can discuss your claim and determine who is liable for your damages and what legal options are available to claim compensation.
Things to know about fault for low-visibility auto accidents
Driving at night is difficult even for experienced drivers, but it is dangerous, especially for those who suffer from night blindness. Los visibility can make it difficult to observe what is on the highway and lower peripheral vision. This is why driving at night can significantly increase the chances of a blind spot accident.
Heavy snowfall or rain can also impact driving because the sunlight gets blocked by clouds. Smoke and fog also have the same effect. Low visibility driving can affect reaction time. Objects can abrupt suddenly, and the driver may not get enough time to hit the brakes to avoid hitting objects.
Other vehicles or pedestrians approaching the lane can become difficult to spot because the driver’s sight is limited by what is covered by the vehicle’s headlights.
Drivers who fail to reduce their speed or hit the brakes at the right time may bear financial responsibility for their damages if an accident occurs. The same thing is applied to drivers who fail to turn their vehicle’s headlights on.
There can be other liable parties depending on the location of the collision and whether it has to do with lighting conditions. For example, a private owner or municipality can be held liable in allocation where lighting is not adequate due to the poor maintenance of the negligence party that maintains the property.
Options for seeking compensation
If you are harmed in an accident due to a low range of vision, you have the right to pursue compensation for the damages. In Ohio, drivers must file a claim with their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) to recover the compensation for damages like medical bills and lost wages.
How to prove liability?
In order to prove liability, you must show that the at-fault party acted negligently due to which the collision occurred and injured you. You can prove it by following ways.
- Filing a police report.
- Clicking photos of the lighting conditions.
- Establish eyewitnesses to testify on your behalf.
Sometimes the at-fault party will try to blame you; therefore, working with a personal injury lawyer is necessary.
