Cold, Ice, And Snow: What Arkansas Residents Should Know About The Winter Weather

Cold, Ice, And Snow: What Arkansas Residents Should Know About The Winter Weather

Meaghan Kleine Blog

Winter continues to rage on across the country, with dangerous ice storms and treacherous driving conditions — especially in Arkansas. Although warmer weather is forecasted for the future, now is a crucial time to remind everyone of the importance of being prepared for anything mother nature may throw our way. 

While Arkansas doesn’t have a law mandating snow removal, individuals can still be held liable for accidents caused by winter conditions. If you want to avoid a potential lawsuit, it’s incredibly important to maintain your property well in the cold winter months. 

How To Protect Yourself From Being Liable For Winter Weather

Snowy and icy conditions can be dangerous for people of all ages. One wrong move can result in broken bones, serious medical injuries, or death. Even if you are diligent with snow removal, you rely on your community to be diligent as well. If your fellow neighbors, property owners, and drivers do not accurately remove snow, you or your family may be hurt by their negligence. 

Snow Removal From Cars

First and foremost, it is incredibly important to completely remove all snow from your vehicle. Yes, this task is time consuming, especially when it’s cold outside. Some people might think, well, when I start driving the snow will melt due to the heat of the car. 

 

 

They aren’t wrong, driving will get rid of the snow. But it doesn’t just disappear due to evaporation. Most of the time, the snow is ejected off a car due to the high speed of acceleration — which can cause deadly accidents. Many people have had their windshields shattered due to ice and snow ejecting off cars. If you fail to remove snow and cause an accident, you will be held liable for the damages. 

Snow Removal On Properties

Do you have a sidewalk in front of your home? If yes, during the winter months, it’s your responsibility to keep this area free and clear of snow and ice. Individuals who fail to remove snow from their part of the sidewalk can be sued by pedestrians who injured themselves on their property. 

 


Additionally, postal workers can deny delivery service if the conditions of your sidewalk or driveway are hazardous with snow and ice. That means you might not receive mail or packages if you don’t salt and shovel your walkways. 

Information About Snow Removal In Other States 

If you are planning to travel during the winter season, it’s crucial to know the laws about snow removal. There are 17 states that require snow removal by law, so if you are visiting one of these states, you’ll need to clear your car:

  • Alaska
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Idaho
  • Illinois 
  • Iowa
  • Maine
  • Michigan
  • Massachusetts 
  • Minnesota
  • Nebraska
  • New York
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • Pennsylvania 
  • Rhode Island

 

While most state visitors aren’t responsible for sidewalk and driveway snow removal (that’s the job of the rental company), anyone visiting another state will be held liable for car accidents caused by negligent snow removal. In fact, individuals visiting another state might receive a ticket for failing to remove winter debris from their car. 

How Hickey & Hull Can Help You With A Personal Injury Lawsuit

Whether you have been affected by negligent snow removal or facing a lawsuit because of icy conditions, Hickey & Hull’s professional legal team is here to help. While Arkansas doesn’t have laws regarding snow removal, the consequences can be life changing — physically and financially. 

If you need a personal injury attorney, contact our law offices today at (479)-802-6560. Schedule your consultation and allow our legal team to assist you during this difficult time.