You could claim compensation after a road accident caused by black ice or snow.
During the winter, ice and snow on the roads and pavements can make surfaces very slippery and dangerous.
Accidents on the road in poor conditions, such as below-zero temperatures, can often be serious and in some cases, injuries may even be life-changing or fatal.
We hope that the injury you or a loved one has suffered from a car accident in snow isn't life-changing, and we realise that our help won't take back your traumatic experience, but our support can help you take steps towards normality.
In our experience, many people who sustain an injury suffer from pain, trauma and money worries. It's likely that you, and perhaps your closest loved ones, have had to take time off work and this may mean you've received reduced pay and felt isolated from your colleagues and friends.
We can help you start a compensation claim to cover the cost and impact of your car accident due to snow, especially if the driver of the other vehicle didn't adjust their driving to suit the road and weather conditions.
If you've been involved in a car accident because of snow and you want to find out whether we think you have a claim, you can get in touch with our legally-trained advisors for free. They'll listen to your situation and let you know if you have the potential to start a claim. There's no obligation to claim when you get in touch with us, and your call will be completely confidential.
Who is eligible to claim for accidents in snow and ice?
We realise that ice and snow doesn't just cause a hazard for the drivers of cars. Accidents can affect all road users, including:
If you were in an accident on ice or snow as a cyclist or pedestrian, then we know your injury or injuries are likely to be substantial because you are so exposed to the weather and other vehicles.
Please don't think that because you weren't in a car or covered by personal insurance that you're not able to claim for snow accidents, because this simply isn't true.
If you've been injured in an accident caused by black ice or snow within the last three years and it wasn't your fault, then it's likely you can make a claim.
We know that it can sometimes be difficult to tell who was at fault for a road accident, especially in poor weather conditions. The best way to find out if you could make a claim is to get in touch with our legally-trained advisors for free on .
They'll ask you some questions about your accident and injury and will then be able to let you know whether they think you have a claim, before asking your permission to put you in touch with one of our specialist solicitors for a free legal consultation.
Alternatively, if you don't feel ready to talk about what happened, you can use our eligibility verifier, which will tell you whether you have a claim based on your answers to some simple questions.
What is the average pay-out for snow accidents?
What is the average pay-out for snow accidents?
Because all accidents caused by snow or ice are different, there is no simple answer to this question, as each pay-out will vary depending on a number of factors. Your solicitor will assess the injuries you suffered as a result of your snow accident and how they might affect your life in both the long and short term.
They will also analyse the financial impact your accident may have had - for example if you have lost out on income or have been unable to return to work. Accidents caused by black ice and snow can have more than just physical and financial effects, however, and your solicitor will also consider how your mental health and wellbeing may have been impacted.
How do I make a claim for a car accident in snow?
How do I make a claim for a car accident in snow?
We appreciate that snow accidents can be traumatic experiences with long-lasting effects, which is why we aim to make the claims process as simple and straightforward as possible. So, if you've been involved in a car accident due to snow and think you may be entitled to compensation, all you need to do is give us a call on .
Our expert, friendly team will happily talk through your situation and offer advice on possible next steps. Don't worry, though, there's absolutely no pressure on you to start making a claim - that's entirely your decision.
Is there a time limit to claim for a car accident due to snow?
Is there a time limit to claim for a car accident due to snow?
Typically, you will have three years from the date of your snow accident to claim for compensation. If you are approaching this deadline, we suggest you get in touch as soon as possible so that we can still help you.
There are a couple of exceptions to that three-year limit, however. For example, if your car accident due to snow or ice led to a brain injury, or you were in a coma or lacked mental capacity for any other reason, you may be entitled to a longer period within which you can make a claim.
Alternatively, if you were under 18 at the time of the incident, you have three years from your 18th birthday to make a claim, as long as your parent or guardian did not do so on your behalf before you reached 18 years of age.
Can claims for accidents in snow be made using no win no fee?
Can claims for accidents in snow be made using no win no fee?
Most of our claims after accidents on ice or snow are made on a no win no fee basis. That means there'll be no hidden costs and if you are unsuccessful in your claim, there'll be nothing to pay.
If you win, your solicitor's fees will be taken from your final compensation figure - usually as a fixed percentage, which will be agreed upon with your lawyer before they begin work on your case.
What about snow accidents caused by another driver?
What about snow accidents caused by another driver?
During periods of wintry weather, drivers should adjust their driving to suit the road conditions to help reduce the risk of snow accidents or accidents caused by black ice. For example, they should drive at slower speeds and at a greater distance from the vehicle in front.
If the driver of the other vehicle didn't change their driving to suit the icy and snowy conditions and you were injured as a result, then they may be responsible for your injury because they were driving recklessly.
In cases where your injuries were caused by another driver, your compensation claim will be paid by their insurance.
Local authorities have a duty to keep roads safe
Your local authority and The Highways Agency have a duty to make sure that surfaces are safe for road users. This includes pedestrians and cyclists. And as part of this, they should take reasonable steps to clear roads and pavements of snow.
Because the weather can change so quickly, it's not possible for the authorities to clear all roads, so they should prioritise main roads first and close roads which could be especially dangerous, such as mountain routes. This could help to reduce the number of accidents in snow or on ice.
In some cases, they may also be required to put out warning signs or close roads that are unsuitable for travel in bad weather conditions.
If the authorities have failed to follow the regulations set out by The Highways Act 1980 and you've been injured in a car accident due to snow or ice, then you may be able to make a claim.
Adjust your driving to suit road conditions
When driving in ice, snow and poor visibility, it's important that you adjust your driving to suit the road conditions. A lot of ice or snow accidents can be avoided if you take precautions and drive carefully.
Below are a few tips for driving when there's ice and snow on the roads:
- Remove ice and snow from the all the windows before setting off
- Make sure the car's lights are clear of snow and the number plates are properly visible
- Keep well back from the vehicle in front - stopping distances may be up to ten times longer than on dry roads
- On icy roads, drive slowly in a high gear to improve traction and control (“high gear, low revs”)
- Accelerate and brake as gently as possible
- Where possible, brake while the car is travelling in a straight line - i.e. before corners
The Highway Code has more information and guidelines on driving in poor weather conditions.
If you've been involved in a car accident due to snow or ice on the roads and you feel you may be entitled to compensation, please feel free to get in touch with us on and we'll do everything we can to help.