Texas Snowstorm Car Pileups: Who Is at Fault?
Winter storms in Texas are unpredictable, and the infrastructure simply isn’t built to handle snow and ice. When snow hits, roads become dangerous, drivers are unprepared, and car pileups often occur. The key question after an accident is: who is at fault?
Is the City Responsible?
Most of the time, the city is not held liable for winter accidents. While plowing, salting, or sanding roads can reduce hazards, cities generally have immunity from lawsuits in these situations. Liability usually falls on the drivers themselves.
How Fault Is Determined in Pileups
In multi-car accidents, fault is determined by investigating how each driver acted:
Did the lead driver brake too suddenly?
Were following drivers maintaining a safe distance?
Were drivers adjusting for icy conditions, like using chains or snow tires?
Juries and insurance companies will ask whether each driver acted as a reasonably prudent person under the circumstances. Driving “normally” in a snowstorm is often not sufficient—drivers must account for longer stopping distances, slippery roads, and limited visibility.
Safety Measures and Negligence
Failing to take precautions, like using snow chains or slowing down appropriately, can be considered negligence. On the other hand, if you were driving carefully and still got caught in a pileup, you may be an innocent victim eligible for compensation.
Why You Need an Attorney
If you are involved in a Texas winter storm accident, gathering evidence and understanding fault is critical. An experienced personal injury attorney can help determine liability, work with insurance companies, and protect your right to recover compensation.
