Boston is no stranger to snow and ice. Conventional wisdom would lead one to think that wintry conditions contribute to the most weather-related fatal car accidents every year. Surprisingly, it’s not so.
Cloudy conditions are the No. 1 cause of fatal collisions, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Cloudy weather contributed to nearly 5,000 fatal accidents in the U.S. in a recent year. That’s troubling for a city like Boston, where it’s cloudy about 45 percent of the time. On average, the city sees 164 cloudy days each year.
Cloudy skies can make driving more dangerous because it decreases visibility. Cloudy skies make it harder to see potholes, black ice, and unplowed roads. In addition, many people don’t think of an overcast day as a dangerous one for driving, which may lead them to take fewer precautions than they would on a snowy day.
What Time Of Year Is Most Common For Car Accidents?
The overall number of fatal crashes is typically highest in the summer. Many factors contribute to these numbers, such as the fact that there are usually more people on the road, including younger drivers on high school and college breaks.
However, the majority of accidents caused by weather occur from November to February, with nearly 1,000 fatal crashes happening in December alone. Some of the most dangerous weather conditions include rain, snow, fog, sleet, and wind. Rain is involved in over 2,750 fatal crashes each year, while snow and fog each contribute to almost 400 deadly collisions annually.
Who Is Liable in an Accident Caused by Bad Weather in Boston?
While bad weather contributes to collisions, each driver is still responsible for driving safely and paying attention. Several different parties might be liable in a car accident..
The driver
Drivers might be responsible for the accident if they were doing something negligent like speeding, texting, or drunk driving.
Transportation crews
Massachusetts roads crews work hard to clear snow and ice from Boston roads in the winter. But there’s nothing they can do on a cloudy day. However, if failure to maintain the roads by not removing debris or making repairs contributes to an accident, injured people may be able to sue a local government or municipality for compensation.
Automakers and parts designers
The vehicle’s manufacturer could be liable if a mechanical failure or defective auto part caused the crash.
Contacting a Wrongful Death Attorney After a Fatal Car Crash
If your loved one was killed in a car wreck, no amount of money can make up for your loss. However, you might be entitled to compensation that can help cover some of the financial burdens resulting from the wreck. An experienced wrongful death attorney can help you understand your legal options and fight for the money you’re owed.
. That way, you can focus on grieving and moving forward after the tragedy.
How Can Michael Kelly Help Me?
At Michael Kelly, we are committed to helping victims get the compensation and justice they deserve. Let our compassionate Boston personal injury lawyers help you. Call us today at 1-800-LAWGUYS or contact us online for a free consultation.
