In Virginia, if a person is injured in a car accident in which the injured person’s vehicle was struck by a vehicle that skidded on a slippery road, is the driver of the vehicle that skidded considered to be negligent?

A Vehicle Skidding on a Slippery Road is Insufficient to Establish Negligence on the Driver’s Part.

Not necessarily. The fact that a vehicle skidded on a slippery road is insufficient to establish negligence on the driver’s part. If the skidding was due to the driver’s failure to act as a reasonable person would have acted under the circumstances, then the driver is considered negligent. However, if the slippery condition of the road was the only cause of the skidding, then the driver is not deemed negligent.

Establishing driver negligence. What the Virginia Supreme Court says

The Virginia Supreme Court has written that skidding a car does not always mean that the driver of the skidding vehicle was negligent. Instead, the fact that a vehicle skid is a circumstance to be considered along with all the other facts of a case in determining whether the driver of a skidding vehicle was negligent.

For example, the driver of a car that skids into another vehicle on an icy road is not always considered negligent. In such situations, the court will look at the driver’s conduct to see if he or she acted as a reasonable person would have worked in light of the icy road conditions.

If the driver used an appropriate level of care in proportion to the known icy condition of the road, then the driver will not be considered negligent.

Making a successful personal injury claim is specific to the facts of the case.

Whether an injured person can make a successful personal injury claim against the driver of a vehicle that skidded into the injured person’s vehicle on a slippery road is specific to the facts of the case.  Our personal injury lawyers in Virginia Beach can help you with car accidents and potential personal injury claims.

We can advise whether the facts of the case will allow the driver of the skidded vehicle to use a slippery road defense. Our injury lawyers can also inform the injured person of the injury claim’s value. We can guide the injured person through making a claim with the applicable insurance company or companies. They can represent the injured person in the litigation of the personal injury claim if a lawsuit becomes necessary.

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Schedule a Consultation With Preston, Wilson & Crandley, PLC

At Preston, Wilson & Crandley, PLC, we are here to help navigate the complexities of post-accident procedures and legal matters. Our experienced team ensures you receive the support and compensation you deserve.

Our attorneys handle injury claims ranging from bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and car accidents to drunk driving accidents and wrongful death claims.

Give us a call and let our experience work for you. We have been helping the people of Virginia since 1955 and are ready to help you. Schedule a consultation to discuss your case.

If you need a Personal Injury Attorney in Virginia Beach, contact us at (757) 486-2700.

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