Virtually invisible and quite slippery, black ice poses a significant risk to pedestrians and motorists alike. Black ice forms when moisture from snow or rain freezes on roadways or sidewalks, creating a thin, nearly transparent layer of ice. Because it blends in with the pavement, black ice can catch unsuspecting pedestrians and drivers off guard, leading to slips, falls and other potentially serious accidents.
Black ice accidents
When tires lose traction on black ice, vehicles can slide uncontrollably, leading to collisions with other vehicles, guardrails or stationary objects. Even experienced drivers may struggle to maintain control in such treacherous conditions. Pedestrians are also at risk of slipping and falling on black ice, which can result in serious injuries such as broken bones, concussions or sprains.
Determining liability in a black ice-related car accident can be challenging, as it depends on several factors:
- Driver negligence: In many cases, a driver’s negligence may contribute to or cause a black ice-related accident. This could include driving too fast for conditions, failing to maintain a safe following distance or not adjusting driving behavior to account for icy road conditions.
- Property owner liability: If a property owner fails to adequately clear snow and ice from sidewalks, parking lots or driveways, resulting in the formation of black ice, they may be held liable for injuries sustained in slip-and-fall accidents on their property.
- Government liability: In rare cases, government entities responsible for maintaining roadways may be held liable for accidents caused by black ice if they failed to take reasonable steps to address hazardous road conditions, such as salting or sanding icy patches.
If you’ve been injured in a black ice-related accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering, among other damages. After an accident, seek medical attention right away, even if you feel okay. Some injuries can take hours or days to manifest. Next, be sure to gather evidence such as photographs of the accident scene, witness statements and medical records documenting your injuries—then call the Law Offices of Tim Misny.
Typically, the statute of limitations for personal injuries in Ohio is two years. Although that may seem like a significant amount of time, the time can pass quickly when you’re recovering from serious injuries. Having our experienced personal injury firm on your side ensures that your rights are protected and your legal options preserved.
Consult an Ohio accident lawyer today
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your black ice accident claim. When you’re the victim of negligence or recklessness, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (877) 614-9524 so that I can evaluate your case right away.
