Winter Weather Car Accidents: Who’s Liable When Roads Are Icy in Houston?
In many parts of Texas, winter weather is rare; but when it hits, it can bring chaos to the roads. A light layer of ice or sleet is enough to cause hundreds of crashes in just a few hours. Drivers who aren’t used to icy conditions often lose control leading to serious injuries, pileups, and even deaths.
When roads are slick, determining who’s legally responsible for a crash isn’t always straightforward. Drivers, cities, and even state agencies can share the blame — depending on the circumstances.
At Scott Callahan & Associates, we’ve represented Texans injured in weather-related accidents across the state. Here’s what you need to know if you’ve been hurt in a winter weather car accident in Texas.
How Winter Weather Impacts Texas Roads
Texas drivers aren’t strangers to unpredictable weather — but ice, sleet, and freezing rain are different. These conditions can cause:
- Black ice — thin, nearly invisible layers that make roads treacherous
- Reduced traction — leading to spinouts and rear-end collisions
- Poor visibility — especially during freezing rain or sleet
- Longer braking distances — making sudden stops dangerous
- Multi-car pileups — particularly on bridges and overpasses
Even though icy roads are hazardous, bad weather doesn’t erase driver responsibility.
Who’s Liable for a Winter Weather Accident?
It’s a common misconception that no one is at fault when the weather causes a crash. In Texas, drivers are still expected to operate their vehicles safely based on road conditions.
Here are the most common parties that may be held liable:
Negligent Drivers
Even during ice or sleet, all drivers have a duty of care to act reasonably under the circumstances. That means slowing down, increasing following distance, and avoiding sudden movements.
A driver may be found negligent if they:
- Were speeding or tailgating
- Failed to use headlights or hazards appropriately
- Slammed on brakes or lost control due to inattention
- Were distracted (texting, using GPS, etc.)
- Were under the influence of alcohol or drugs
For example, if a driver rear-ends another vehicle on an icy overpass because they were following too closely, they can still be held responsible for damages, even though the roads were slick.
Government Entities (Road Maintenance or Warnings)
In some situations, local or state agencies may share liability if they failed to address known hazards or warn drivers of dangerous conditions.
This might apply if:
- A bridge or roadway was known to ice over but wasn’t treated or closed
- Warning signs (“Bridge May Ice in Cold Weather”) were missing or inadequate
- A poorly designed drainage system allowed water to freeze and cause hazards
However, suing a government entity in Texas requires following special procedures under the Texas Tort Claims Act, including strict notice deadlines.
An experienced attorney can evaluate whether a public agency’s negligence contributed to the crash and ensure all filing requirements are met.
Commercial Drivers and Trucking Companies
Winter weather crashes involving 18-wheelers or delivery trucks can be catastrophic. Professional drivers are held to higher safety standards because of the danger their vehicles pose.
A trucking company may be liable if its driver:
- Failed to adjust speed for icy conditions
- Ignored severe weather warnings
- Did not properly inspect tires or brakes before driving
- Drove beyond hours-of-service limits, causing fatigue
- Violated federal or state trucking safety regulations
In some cases, the trucking company itself can also be held liable for negligent training, hiring, or supervision if it encouraged drivers to meet delivery deadlines despite unsafe road conditions.
Property Owners or Businesses
If your accident occurs in a private parking lot or on business property, the property owner may be partially responsible if unsafe conditions contributed to the crash. For example, if they didn’t salt or maintain an icy parking lot.
This type of liability falls under premises liability law and often applies to businesses like shopping centers, apartment complexes, or office parks.
What to Do After a Winter Weather Accident in Texas
If you’re involved in an icy-road crash, here’s what to do immediately to protect your safety and your claim:
Call 911
Always report the accident, even if it seems minor. Police reports are essential for determining liability.
Seek Medical Attention
Even minor crashes can cause whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries. Don’t delay — getting checked by a doctor protects your health and strengthens your case.
Document Everything
Take photos of:
- Vehicle damage
- Ice, snow, or puddles at the scene
- Skid marks (or lack thereof)
- Road signs or missing warnings
Also, get contact information for witnesses and the other driver’s insurance.
Avoid Admitting Fault
It’s easy to say “I lost control,” but even small statements like that can hurt your claim later. Stick to facts when talking with police or insurance adjusters.
Contact an Experienced Car Wreck Attorney
Weather-related cases can get complicated, especially if multiple drivers or public agencies are involved. An experienced lawyer collects evidence, reviews accident reports, and determines who’s legally responsible for your injuries.
What Compensation Can I Recover?
If you’ve been injured in a winter weather car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Long-term care or rehabilitation costs
If the accident resulted in a wrongful death, surviving family members may also recover damages for loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and more.
Don’t Wait — Time Limits Apply
However, claims involving government entities require formal notice within six months or sometimes sooner, depending on the city or county.
That’s why it’s critical to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights and evidence.
How Scott Callahan & Associates Can Help
At Scott Callahan & Associates, we’ve been helping injured Texans for over 25 years — including those hurt in complex, weather-related crashes.
Our team will:
- Investigate every factor that contributed to your accident
- Determine if negligence played a role
- Identify all responsible parties (drivers, agencies, or businesses)
- Handle negotiations with insurers
- Fight for maximum compensation — in and out of court
We handle the legal burden so you can focus on healing.
Even though winter weather can make Texas roads unpredictable, it doesn’t excuse unsafe driving or poor maintenance. When negligence leads to an accident, victims deserve justice — no matter how icy the roads were.
If you or a loved one was injured in a winter weather crash, don’t face it alone.
Call 713-888-9000 for a free consultation today.
We’ll help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.