Winter in Northeastern Pennsylvania isn’t just a season, it’s a fact of life.
Snow-covered roads, black ice, and sudden whiteout conditions make everyday driving more dangerous, even for the most careful drivers. Unfortunately, winter weather also leads to a sharp increase in serious car accidents across NEPA.
At Piazza Law, we’ve seen how these crashes impact families long after the snow melts.
Are Winter Accidents ‘No One’s’ Fault?
One of the biggest misconceptions about winter car accidents is that no one can be held responsible because “the roads were bad.” In reality, snow and ice don’t automatically eliminate liability. Drivers are still expected to adjust their behavior to the conditions.
Speeding, following too closely, failing to clear snow and ice from a vehicle, or driving on worn tires can all turn hazardous weather into negligence. Even in winter, drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely. When they don’t, they can be held accountable.
Who May Be Liable in a Winter Crash?
Winter accidents often involve more than just two drivers. Depending on the circumstances, liability may extend to:
- Another driver who failed to slow down or lost control due to careless driving
- Commercial drivers or trucking companies that didn’t properly maintain vehicles or meet safety standards
- Municipalities or property owners responsible for poorly maintained or untreated roads and parking areas
Determining fault in winter crashes requires experience, investigation, and a deep understanding of Pennsylvania law, especially when insurance companies try to shift blame to the weather.
Why Winter Claims Are More Complicated
Insurance companies often argue that icy conditions were unavoidable, using the weather as an excuse to reduce or deny compensation. At Piazza Law, we know better. With more than 85 years of combined legal experience, our team works with accident reconstruction experts, reviews road conditions, and gathers evidence quickly to build strong cases for our clients.
We’ve recovered millions for injured Pennsylvanians by refusing to accept “it was just the weather” as an answer.
As a family-run law firm, we understand how winter accidents affect entire households, not just the injured person. In close-knit communities like NEPA, when one family is hurting, it ripples outward. That’s why we take every case personally and fight for our clients as if they were our own.
Your Story, Our Voice
If you or a loved one has been injured in a winter car accident, don’t let snow and ice stand in the way of justice. Call Piazza Law today. We’ll help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation your family deserves.