The Lombardi Law Firm Blog

Blog Category:

Trial Practice - Mostly for non-lawyers

4/12/2009
Nick Lombardi
Comments (0)

Driver Safety: The snow didn't cause the accident!

The headline reads: Ice and snow blamed for fatal accident.

Published February 15, 2009 11:34 pm

This is one of those little things that will drive a lawyer to distraction. The precision of the English language being what it is and isn't when there is a logical inconsistency I tend to perseverate about better word choices. This is one of those cases. So on the Lombardi Law Firm blog I wrote:

Many know how headlines like this drive me crazy because of how misleading they can be. Snow and ice don’t cause accidents; drivers do. Drivers who fail to slow down and drive according to the conditions and how that affects maintaining control of their car, truck or motorcycle.

So when a crash occurs like the one reported from Albia, Iowa where a 19-year-old Zach Murray is killed by the car he was a passenger in, sliding sideways, crossing the center line and crashing into the oncoming Melissa Thompson from Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas; it isn’t the snow and ice that get blamed but the driver who was probably driving too fast for the conditions.  In this case more than likely Thompson and the Estate of Zachary Murray will have claims against the driver, Palen. Hopefully she has insurance to cover their damages.

The Verdict

I've written here on the InjuryBoard previously about weather conditions can't be the cause of accidents and I remain steadfast in my belief that the driver is to blame.

See, Mother Nature sues news sources, for once again libeling Old Man Winter!

And, What is negligence? As a juror how do I analyze facts when negligence is the issue?

And then, Driver Safety: Does snow and ice on the road excuse the driver’s negligence?

We remain vigilant on this war of words that instill or attempt to adopt new concepts of fault that relieve those who are responsible from being held responsible. If we want our children to be responsible then we must also hold to firm lines of responsibility.

Labels: accident car fault iowa Lombardi negligence

Welcome to the Lombardi Law Firm website. Being prepared isn’t the same as being able to litigate a lawsuit. Don’t be foolish, be prepared and seek good legal advice from a seasoned personal injury lawyer. Know your rights, protect yourself and be alert to risks that can cause injury or death. Visit the Help Center at the InjuryBoard or here at the Lombardi Law Firm’s website. Steve Lombardi writes for each and explores the how's and why’s people are injured. He also provides commentary and insight on his blog at The Verdict and on the Des Moines Register. We try to make our website an interesting source of information for all people who seek information concerning injury or death. We attempt to provide information that makes you more aware of how to avoid injury and death. We are here to assist you to stay safe. Call us if you have legal or safety questions. (515-222-1110) We are willing to assist you in finding answers to your questions and regularly write about safety that readers bring to our attention about the workplace and on the highway. Good luck on the road and job site and be safe. sdlombardi@aol.com

If you or your spouse is involved in any kind of accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We will assist you with your claim. Steve Lombardi has more than 30 years in civil litigation including death and injury cases for workers and their spouses from many types of accidents and injuries. We don't charge you to talk with Mr. Lombardi to find out if you have a case. Don't delay call him today. Attorney Lombardi writes for blogs at The Verdict on Lombardi Law Firm, the Des Moines market of InjuryBoard.com and on occasion on the Des Moines Register web site. Steve Lombardi is a personal injury lawyer, husband, father and grandfather who pride’s himself on doing more than just practicing law. Join us in making the world a safer place.

Know your rights, act proactively and protect yourself.