Can You Sue if Ice Flies off a Car and Damages Your Vehicle?

Wisconsinites may be used to it, but it doesn’t make it any easier or more pleasant. We’re talking about, of course, waking and seeing that your vehicle is completely frozen solid. If you park outside, you know how long it takes just to open your door, let alone clear all the snow and ice off your windshield, mirrors, and windows.

However, as this blog will show, it’s important to clear the snow and ice off your car completely before you hit the road. Neglecting to do so can put you and others at risk—not just of injury, but of liability, too!

It’s possible to sue another driver if ice flies off their car and damages your vehicle. However, the process can be complicated, and it’s important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the legal system and build a strong case. Read on to learn the intricacies of this icy scenario, and how the attorneys at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers can help.

The Roadway Dangers of Flying Ice

Flying snow and ice aren’t just hazards for vehicles themselves—they can also put occupants and other motorists at risk. Some of the most common types of risk caused by flying ice include:

1. Vehicle damage: This can include dents, scratches, and even broken windshields. In some cases, damage can be significant enough to render the vehicle inoperable.
2. Obscuring vision: Flying snow and ice can obscure another driver’s windshield, which can lead to dangerous and deadly situations on the roadway.
3. Injury to passengers and drivers: Flying ice can also cause injury to passengers and drivers, especially if it breaks the windshield or causes the driver to crash. This can include cuts, bruises, and even more serious injuries such as head trauma or broken bones.
4. Property damage: Flying ice can even cause damage to other property on the roadway, such as streetlights, signs, and buildings. This can be costly to repair and can even result in the closure of businesses or roads.

It’s important to note that the damage caused by flying ice can be severe and can result in significant financial losses for those affected. It is important to take action to prevent this type of damage, including regularly removing ice and snow from your vehicle and reporting any vehicles you see on the road with ice or snow falling from them.

It is also crucial to have liability insurance coverage that can help mitigate the cost of the damages you may cause by failing to clear ice from your vehicle.

Are Drivers Responsible for Preventing Flying Ice and Snow?

Just as you can sue when a driver’s negligence causes them to crash into you on the road, even if the crash was exacerbated or amplified due to ice or snow, you can also sue if a driver fails to clear ice and snow from their vehicle and it flies off, causing damage to your vehicle or causing you to crash. 

This goes both ways, of course, which means it’s crucial to clear the snow and ice from your car before you drive. If the snow on your windshield obscures your visibility and causes you to crash, you can be held liable for the damages through your negligence. If that same snow flies off of your car while on the road and causes damage to another vehicle, you can be held responsible for that too.

Damaged by Flying Ice? A Step-by-Step Guide on What to Do Next.

If you’re hit by flying ice on the roadway, it’s important to take immediate action to protect yourself and your vehicle. In addition, being thorough during the post-accident process can bolster your claim for damages. Here are a few steps you should take:

1. Pull over to a safe location: If you’re hit by flying ice while driving, it’s important to pull over to a safe location as soon as possible. This will help to prevent any further damage to your vehicle.
2. Document the accident: Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and the other car, if possible. Also, get the contact information of any witnesses and the other driver’s contact information as well.
3. Contact the police: Contact the police as soon as possible to report the accident. They will be able to provide you with information on how to proceed and how to file a claim.
4. Contact your insurance company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. They will be able to provide you with information on how to proceed and how to file a claim.
5. Seek medical attention: If you were injured in the accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine, it is important to be evaluated by a medical professional as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
6. Seek legal advice: After an injury caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s wise to seek legal advice from a personal injury attorney. They can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your damages and injuries.

Brian Hodgkiss Injury Law Has Seen It All.

Being Wisconsinites ourselves, our auto accident attorneys have witnessed all manner of winter-related accidents. If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash involving ice and snow, whether it was on the road, or flying off another car, the Green Bay auto accident lawyers at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers want to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.