Winter Driving Accidents: What to Do After a Crash on Icy Roads
With the new year, the winter weather conditions are upon us. Winter weather can create the most dangerous and hazardous driving conditions of the year. Snow, ice, and freezing rain can result in poor visibility and quickly turn your daily commute into an accident. If you’re involved in a crash on weather effected roads, how you respond can affect your ability to recover compensation for your injuries.
Ensure Immediate Safety
After an accident, the following steps are important:
- Turn on your hazard lights right away
- Move your vehicle out of traffic if possible
- Watch for oncoming traffic that may not be able to stop
- Call the police, or 911 if there are injuries
- Document any injuries and/or damage
- If practical, get names of any witnesses
- Notify your insurance carrier as soon as possible
Check for Injuries—Even if you Feel “Fine”
Adrenaline and cold temperatures can mask pain after an accident. Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or soft-tissue damage may not show symptoms right away.
If you are experiencing any pain such as neck or back pain, headaches or dizziness, numbness or tingling, or stiffness that worsens over time, then you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Prompt medical care can protect your health and creates an important record for the injuries stemming from the accident.
Liability in Ice Road Accidents
An accident can occur for a variety of reasons. If an accident is caused by ice or snow coming off of another vehicle, then the other driver may be liable. In Virginia, is a traffic violation “to substantially obstruct the driver’s clear view of the highway through the windshield, the front side windows, or the rear window.” Va. Code § 46.2-1054.
This means, a driver can be sued and held liable for personal injury and property damage if snow or ice breaks off from their vehicle and causes injuries to other vehicles and individuals on the road.
Bad weather does not automatically eliminate responsibility. Each case depends on the facts, evidence, and applicable Virginia laws.
Winter Accident Statistics in Fairfax County
In February of 2025, a state of emergency was enacted due to the winter weather. Within a 24-hour period, Virginia State Police reported 84 crashes in Fairfax County and over 900 crashes throughout the state. [1]
Pro tip: Pay very close attention to the Winter Weather Advisorys.
Consult with an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
An experienced personal injury attorney may be able to assist you in your case. Hiring an attorney can help in identifying the liable party, handling communication with the insurance carriers, and gathering evidence in support of your claim.
Conclusion
In conclusion, winter accidents happen frequently and often quickly. We at Briglia Hundley are here to help if you are in an accident.
This blog post is intended as an overview of car accidents in winter weather in Virginia. Individuals seeking help with a car accident can contact Briglia Hundley, P.C., at 703-883-0880.
The information in this blog post may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this blog post should be interpreted as legal advice, and this blog post is not intended to be a substitute for legal counsel.
About Us
Briglia Hundley® was founded in 1993 and practices throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Our practice features attorneys listed as “Legal Elite” by Virginia Business magazine, named to Super Lawyers, and listed in Best Lawyers.
We are a forward-thinking law firm that relies upon our experienced and energetic attorneys to meet the legal needs of our clients reliably and responsibly in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.
Contact Briglia Hundley®
Tysons Corner Office
1921 Gallows Road, Suite 750
Tysons Corner, Virginia 22182
Telephone: 703.883.0880
Fax: 703.833.0899
