Weather-Related Car Accidents in New York City -Who Is at Fault When Bad Weather and Poor Road Conditions Cause a Crash?
Experienced New York City Car Accident Lawyers | Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
Serving Victims in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Beyond
Bad Weather. Dangerous Roads. Real Consequences in New York City
From icy bridges in the Bronx to flooded underpasses in Queens, bad weather is a leading cause of car accidents in New York City. According to the Federal Highway Administration, nearly one in five U.S. traffic accidents involves rain, snow, fog, or slick pavement.
Even when the weather contributes to a collision, drivers and government agencies still have a legal duty to act safely. At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our New York City car accident attorneys help victims recover maximum compensation when negligent driving or unsafe road maintenance turns bad weather into disaster.
Common Weather Conditions That Cause Car Accidents in NYC
Bad weather doesn’t excuse unsafe driving -it exposes negligence. Under New York traffic law, motorists must adjust their behavior to road and weather conditions.
Leading Causes of Weather-Related Crashes in New York
- Wet pavement and rainfall -cause 70% of weather-related collisions.
- Snow, sleet, and ice -responsible for roughly 30% of weather-related injuries.
- Fog and low visibility often lead to rear-end or multi-car pileups.
- High winds -push vehicles off lanes, especially trucks and SUVs.
If another driver fails to slow down, maintain control, or use headlights in poor weather, they may be held legally liable for your car accident.
Poor Road Conditions Can Make NYC Weather Even More Dangerous
Bad weather often exposes existing road hazards -and sometimes the city or state shares responsibility. Dangerous conditions that make crashes worse include:
- Potholes, uneven pavement, or poor drainage leading to hydroplaning
- Broken traffic signals or faded lane markings
- Missing guardrails or signage
- Debris, ice, or fallen branches left too long without cleanup
- Overgrown trees or obstructed visibility near intersections
If a New York City agency or contractor fails to correct known hazards, they may be found negligent under New York municipal liability law.
Who Is Liable for a Weather-Related Car Accident in New York City?
Negligent Drivers
Drivers are required to operate safely in accordance with the conditions. Speeding, tailgating, or driving on bald tires during storms is negligence -even if the weather contributed to the crash.
Government Agencies
If poor design, drainage, or maintenance made a road unsafe, local or state authorities (such as the NYC Department of Transportation) may share fault. A Notice of Claim must usually be filed within 90 days.
Private Contractors and Property Owners
Snow-removal crews, construction contractors, or commercial property owners may be liable if their negligence— such as failing to salt or clear snow —creates unsafe conditions.
Comparative Negligence in New York
New York’s pure comparative negligence rule allows you to recover damages even if you share fault. For example, if you’re 30% responsible for a $100,000 loss, you can still recover $70,000.
Understanding New York’s No-Fault Insurance Law
Under New York’s no-fault system, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) pays medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault.
However, if your injuries are “serious” -such as fractures, significant disfigurement, or long-term disability -you can file a personal injury lawsuit for additional compensation, including pain and suffering.
Our attorneys help clients navigate no-fault claims and pursue litigation when injuries exceed policy limits.
Proving Negligence After a Weather-Related Accident in NYC
Evidence disappears quickly in weather-related crashes – snow melts, debris clears, and lightning changes. Our New York City car accident lawyers act fast to preserve and analyze:
- Police and weather reports
- Photos, videos, and dashcam footage
- Witness statements
- Vehicle “black box” data (speed, braking, tire traction)
- Maintenance and drainage records
- Expert accident reconstruction and meteorological reports
This evidence helps prove that human negligence— not weather alone— caused the crash.
“Acts of God” vs. Human Negligence
Insurance companies often claim a crash was an “Act of God” -an unavoidable natural event. However, this defense applies only when the cause was truly unforeseeable, such as a tornado or earthquake.
In reality, most weather-related car accidents in New York involve preventable human error. Our attorneys know how to challenge “weather excuse” denials and hold drivers and agencies accountable for their actions.
What To Do After a Weather-Related Car Accident in New York
- Call 911 and ensure police document weather and road conditions.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even for minor pain.
- Photograph vehicles, weather, and surroundings.
- Exchange information with drivers and witnesses.
- Avoid admitting fault or blaming “the weather.”
- Contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP before speaking to insurers.
Our legal team handles all communication and investigation while you’re on recovery.
Compensation Available to NYC Car Accident Victims
Depending on your case, you may recover compensation for:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Wrongful death (for surviving family members)
We don’t settle for low insurance offers -we pursue full compensation for your losses.
Preventing Weather-Related Crashes in New York City
You can’t control the weather, but you can control your preparedness:
- Slow down and increase following distance.
- Use low-beam headlights in rain, snow, or fog.
- Replace worn tires and wipers.
- Avoid cruise control on slick roads.
- Stay off bridges and highways during significant storms.
These steps protect you -and strengthen your legal position if another driver causes a crash.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
- Seven Convenient Locations across NYC: Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
- No Fee Unless We Win -Our Fee Guarantee
- Bilingual Services Available
- Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews and Client Testimonials
- Recognized by Best Lawyers® and Super Lawyers®
- Exclusive Focus on Personal Injury Law
- We handle insurance companies so you can focus on healing
Don’t Be a Victim Twice -Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462)
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we’ve built our reputation on results, compassion, and relentless advocacy.
I just wanted to let you know that your consultation is free. You don’t pay unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I sue another driver if bad weather caused my accident?
Yes. Drivers must constantly adjust for conditions. Failure to slow down or maintain control in adverse weather conditions constitutes negligence.
2. Can I hold New York City responsible for poor road conditions?
Yes, if a city or agency is aware of flooding, potholes, or drainage issues and fails to address them. You’ll need to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days.
3. What if both the weather and another driver caused the crash?
Fault can be shared. Under New York’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover damages.
4. My insurer blamed “the storm.” Can they deny my claim?
They may try. Our firm challenges weather-based denials and proves negligence with evidence.
5. Does no-fault insurance cover everything?
No. PIP covers basic medical and wage loss. Severe injuries may qualify for a separate lawsuit for full damages.
6. How much does it cost to hire Greenstein & Pittari, LLP?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis -you pay only if we win.
Contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP -NYC Car Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in a weather-related car accident in New York City, don’t let insurers blame “the weather.”
Our attorneys will uncover the truth, build your case, and fight for every dollar you are entitled to.
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462)
Complete our Free Case Evaluation Form
We won’t have any fees unless we win your case.
Greenstein & Pittari, LLP -Trusted. Proven. On Your Side, No Matter the Weather.