St. Louis Black Ice Accident Attorneys
A St. Louis black ice accident lawyer can help if you’ve been injured in a crash caused by hazardous winter road conditions and another party’s negligence. Car accidents on icy roads in St. Louis County are unfortunately common during colder months, and determining liability can be complicated. If you’ve been involved in a black ice accident, it’s important to understand Missouri law and your rights as an injured driver. The attorneys at Buchanan, Williams, & O’Brien are committed to helping accident victims pursue the compensation they deserve.
Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien have been a trusted law firm serving Missourians for over 40 years.
- Committed to always treating clients with courtesy & respect
- Benefit from the unrivaled experience of our statewide team of lawyers
- Trust the proven success we’ve delivered to clients for decades
Black Ice Accident Attorneys in St. Louis
When a crash occurs under these circumstances, victims may face mounting medical bills and time away from work. Depending on the facts of the accident, responsibility may rest with another driver or a different liable party.
An experienced St. Louis car accident attorney at Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien, P.C., collects evidence and investigates what happened in your case. We negotiate with insurance companies to pursue compensation that reflects the full extent of your losses. We have won millions of dollars in Missouri for our clients. Schedule a free consultation today.
High Risk Areas for Black Ice Accidents in St. Louis
In February 2019, black ice in St. Louis caused significant disruption across the metro area. Surface streets and on ramps were coated with ice, resulting in spinouts and accidents. In January 2023, a series of black ice-related crashes in the St. Louis area involved at least 20 vehicles on interstate highways, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Black ice is not limited to public roads. It can form in parking lots, garages, and virtually any paved surface. These conditions most often develop overnight and into the early morning hours, frequently coinciding with peak commuting times. Because black ice is difficult to see, drivers may be unaware of the danger until their vehicle begins to slide, as tires and brakes are far less effective on icy surfaces.
Common Injuries
Black ice accidents can result in serious injuries and, in some cases, fatalities. Injuries associated with these crashes may include:
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
Confused about car accidents in St Louis? We are here to answer your questions.
Liability in Black Ice Car Accidents
- Speeding for the conditions
- Following too closely
- Operating a vehicle that was not reasonably maintained for winter driving conditions
Liability may also arise when an accident occurs on private property, such as a parking lot or private roadway. In some situations, government agencies responsible for maintaining roads may be held responsible if they knew, or should have known, about a dangerous condition and failed to address it or warn drivers. This can include drainage issues that cause black ice to form repeatedly in the same areas, though these claims are limited by government immunity laws.
Types of Collisions
Black ice accidents often result in a rear-end collision. It can also cause multi-vehicle accidents, as one car piles onto another. Other common black ice accidents include head-on collisions, rollovers, and sideswipes.
How Pure Comparative Negligence May Impact Your Claim
For example, if you were 10 percent at fault for the collision, a $100,000 award would be reduced to $90,000.
Contact a St. Louis Black Ice Car Accident Attorney
Before filing a car accident claim in Missouri, contact a skilled St. Louis black ice car accident attorney at Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien, P.C. We have the experience you need to get the results you want. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. We work on a contingency basis, so you pay no fee unless you receive compensation.
See What Our Clients are Saying
Contact Us
