Car Wrecks During Texas Winter Storms: Who Is at Fault?
Winter storms in Texas are rare, and the state’s infrastructure isn’t designed to handle snow and ice. When snow hits, drivers often struggle to navigate icy roads, and multi-car pileups are common. After an accident, the big question is: who is responsible?
Is the City Liable?
While it’s natural to wonder if cities like Dallas or Houston should plow, salt, or sand roads, the truth is that city liability is rare. Most municipalities have limited immunity in these situations, meaning the responsibility generally falls on the drivers involved.
How Fault Is Determined
In pileups involving three or more cars, investigators and insurance companies analyze each driver’s actions:
Did the lead driver brake too early or too suddenly?
Were following drivers maintaining safe distances?
Were vehicles equipped for icy conditions, like snow tires or chains?
Juries will consider whether each driver acted as a reasonably prudent person under hazardous conditions. Simply driving as you would on a sunny day is not enough—icy roads require extra caution, longer stopping distances, and slower speeds.
Negligence and Safety Measures
Failing to take precautions—such as using snow chains, driving too fast, or following too closely—can be considered negligence. Conversely, if you were driving carefully and still got caught in a pileup, you may be an innocent victim eligible for compensation.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney
Navigating fault in winter storm accidents is complicated. An experienced Texas personal injury attorney can help gather evidence, determine liability, and protect your right to recover compensation for injuries or damages caused by others’ negligence.
