A 48 year-old passenger in LaFayette, New York tragically passed away on January 8, 2025, after a passenger car with 3 occupants went off the road and overturned.
State Troopers responded to the incident involving a 2010 Chevrolet Impala, around 4:00 am on Ortloff Road near Route 11A. The vehicle was heading south when it veered into a ditch and overturned, killing the 48 year-old passenger on the scene.
The 73 year-old driver, and another 67-year old passenger were taken to Upstate University Hospital for non life-threatening injuries, according to State Police Spokesperson Jennifer Jiron.
The cause of the accident is currently under investigation, but it has been noted that it was snowing at the time of the incident.
Winter Car Accidents in New York
Winter in New York brings treacherous conditions that significantly increase the risk of accidents on roads and walkways. According to recent data from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, winter weather-related accidents account for approximately 20% of all traffic accidents in the state during the cold season months of November through March.
In the 2021-2022 winter season, New York recorded over 50,000 winter-related accidents, with rear-end collisions representing 40% of these incidents, followed by rollovers (15%), and side-impact crashes (25%). The remaining 20% consisted of various accidents including multi-vehicle pileups and single-vehicle accidents due to loss of control on icy surfaces.
If you have been injured in a winter car accident in New York, it is best to seek immediate medical help. Even if you may not feel anything wrong right away, some injuries may not cause symptoms until later, so it is best to get yourself checked.
And if your accident was caused by the negligence of another person, it is best to seek immediate legal guidance so that you can recover the compensation you deserve. Contact the Porter Law Group today, and discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney.
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We have decades of experience in complex personal injury litigation in New York State, and we can help you get the compensation you deserve after a devastating winter car accident. Consultations are free, and we operate on a contingency fee basis, so there are no fees unless we win your case.
Common Causes of Winter Car Accidents in New York
Winter is especially risky for drivers in New York. The following factors are the largest contributors to winter accidents in the State:
Black Ice
Black ice is responsible for approximately 30% of winter accidents in New York. This nearly invisible hazard forms when temperatures fluctuate around freezing point, creating a transparent layer of ice that catches drivers off guard.
Poor Visibility
Snowfall and winter fog reduce visibility significantly, contributing to roughly 25% of winter accidents. These conditions make it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and road hazards.
Snow Accumulation
Unplowed roads and heavy snow accumulation account for 20% of winter accidents. Deep snow can cause vehicles to lose traction and become stuck, leading to collisions or off-road incidents.
Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance
About 15% of winter accidents occur due to poorly maintained vehicles, particularly those with worn tires or faulty brake systems not equipped for winter conditions.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Winter Car Accidents?
If your winter car accident was caused by the negligence of another person or entity, you may be entitled to compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. The following parties are the ones usually involved in winter car accident claims:
- Municipal Governments: Cities and counties can be held liable if they fail to maintain roads, clear snow within reasonable timeframes, or repair traffic signals and warning signs. They have a duty to ensure safe road conditions during winter weather.
- Property Owners: Business owners and private property managers are responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their premises, including parking lots and walkways. Failure to remove snow and ice in a timely manner can result in liability for slip-and-fall accidents.
- Other Drivers: Drivers who fail to adjust their driving behavior for winter conditions or maintain their vehicles properly can be held liable for accidents they cause. This includes following too closely or driving too fast for conditions.
- Maintenance Contractors: Snow removal companies and maintenance contractors can be held liable if they fail to properly perform their contracted duties, leading to dangerous conditions.
- Car Manufacturers: If your car was defective or had defective parts which caused or contributed to your accident, you may also have a claim against the manufacturer in a product liability lawsuit.
Personal injury claims can be complicated. There may be different requirements depending on who is liable for your winter car accident. For example, if you are filing a claim against a government entity, like the city or the county who was negligent and failed to de-ice the roads, you are required to submit a notice of claim within 90 days of the accident to avoid outright dismissal of your case. And if your accident was due to the negligence of another driver, you can only recover compensation from your own insurance provider unless you are within the serious injury threshold.
To know more about your legal options, contact us for free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys at the Porter Law Group will review your case thoroughly, and walk you through the process of recovering compensation. Whether through a negotiated settlement, or a favorable court decision, our lawyers are ready to fight for your rights. View the results we’ve achieved for previous clients, and see the proven track record that we’ve carried in over two decades of service throughout New York State.
Were You Injured in a Winter Car Accident in New York?
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What Damages You Can Recover in a Winter Car Accident Lawsuit?
Victims of winter car accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
Why Choose the Porter Law Group?
The lawyers at the Porter Law Group have decades of experience representing individuals and families whose lives have been devastated by catastrophic injuries. We have obtained some of the largest settlements and verdicts in courts throughout the State of New York. We are a state-wide firm that handles cases with a hometown feel.
Our clients come to us looking for guidance and answers. With seasoned trial lawyers, the Porter Law Group has the resources necessary to help you navigate the most complex cases, against goliath insurance companies that will stop at nothing to prevent you from receiving the compensation you deserve.
You only get one chance to hire the best lawyer for you and your family. Hire the lawyers most recommended by former clients and local attorneys, and the firm that obtains superior results.
When you or a loved one’s life has been devastated by a serious personal injury in New York, don’t hire a lawyer without calling the Porter Law Group to learn why so many of our clients are thankful they trusted us with their case in their time of need.
Contact Winter Car Accident Attorneys in New York
If you or a loved one has been injured in a winter car accident in New York due to someone else's negligence, you need experienced legal representation to secure the compensation you deserve. The Porter Law Group understands the complexities of winter accident cases and is committed to fighting for your rights. We offer free, no-obligation consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Don’t let the Statute of Limitations run out on you. You generally have only 3 years from the date of the accident to file a valid claim. Contact us today at 833-PORTER9 or email us at info@porterlawteam.com to discuss your case with our experienced winter accident attorneys.
