Snow and ice transform Baltimore’s streets into treacherous pathways where one wrong move can lead to life-changing consequences. Every winter, we see serious injuries caused by drivers who lose control, fail to brake safely, or underestimate black ice. These are not mere “bad weather accidents.” These incidents are often preventable and caused by negligence, whether from careless drivers, poorly maintained roads, or unsafe property conditions.
At Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we understand the devastation that follows a weather-related collision. Our team, led by Ryan Dickriede, Esq., is dedicated to protecting those who have suffered injuries because others failed to drive responsibly in dangerous conditions.
“Even if you believe or have been told that legal relief is not possible, we will review your situation and look for creative ways to win a favorable result,” says Managing Attorney Ryan Dickriede.
If you are searching for trusted guidance after a winter wreck, our experienced car accident attorney is ready to help you rebuild with confidence.
Understanding Snow and Ice-Related Car Accidents
When temperatures drop below freezing, roadways across Baltimore become hazardous. Black ice, sleet, and accumulated snow drastically reduce traction and visibility, increasing the likelihood of collisions. However, bad weather alone does not excuse negligent behavior. Drivers must take extra precautions to keep others safe, and when they fail to do so, they may be held legally accountable.
Common causes of winter-related car accidents include:
- Driving too fast for the weather conditions
- Failing to clear snow or ice from windshields and lights
- Sudden braking or tailgating on slick roads
- Improper vehicle maintenance (such as worn tires or brakes)
- Ignoring road closure warnings
- Failing to yield to emergency vehicles or snow plows
Our firm investigates every aspect of your case to determine fault. We review traffic camera footage, weather reports, witness statements, and vehicle data to identify where negligence occurred.
How Negligence Plays a Role in Winter Accidents
Many drivers mistakenly believe that weather absolves them of responsibility. However, Maryland law requires motorists to operate vehicles safely, given the existing road conditions. That means slowing down, increasing following distance, and using appropriate safety measures.
If another driver ignored these standards, you may have a valid personal injury claim. Some examples of negligent conduct include:
- Speeding on icy roads despite visible hazards
- Distracted driving that leads to rear-end or multi-vehicle crashes
- Failure to de-ice windshields, resulting in reduced visibility
- Commercial drivers ignoring safety protocols for delivery schedules
Our attorneys analyze each factor with precision to ensure that no negligent act goes unaddressed.
Meet Ryan Dickriede, Esq.: Leading Advocate for Injury Victims
Attorney Ryan Dickriede brings litigation experience and compassion to every case. With a background that includes service as a Peace Corps health volunteer in Panama, Ryan’s career has always centered around helping others. He graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law and competed on the National Trial Competition team, sharpening the courtroom skills he now uses to protect Baltimore’s injured residents.
As a Super Lawyers Rising Star and one of Baltimore Magazine’s Top Attorneys in Maryland, Ryan has built a strong reputation for securing justice against powerful insurance companies and negligent drivers. His clients describe him as honest, hardworking, and principled, noting that he “goes the extra mile to assist families during their hardest times.”
At Holzman & Dickriede, Ryan leads our litigation team with one guiding principle: every client deserves to be heard, respected, and compensated fairly.
What to Do After a Snow or Ice-Related Car Accident
The moments following a crash can be chaotic, but taking the right steps can protect both your health and your case.
- Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance.
- Document the scene by photographing vehicle damage, road conditions, and weather visibility.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including insurance and contact details.
- Avoid admitting fault, even casually, until an attorney reviews the circumstances.
- Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor; symptoms often appear hours later.
- Contact our office as soon as possible to ensure evidence is preserved and your rights are protected.
Our legal team handles every step, from investigating fault to negotiating with insurance adjusters — so you can focus on recovery.
The Challenges of Weather-Related Car Accident Claims
Insurance companies often deny or minimize claims stemming from weather-related collisions, arguing that the crash was “unavoidable.” At Holzman & Dickriede, we know that this argument rarely tells the full story. Drivers, municipalities, and even businesses responsible for roadway maintenance can share liability.
Our investigation often uncovers key evidence that changes the outcome of a case:
- Poorly maintained intersections where drainage caused ice buildup
- Delayed road treatment by public works departments
- Commercial vehicles operating on unsafe delivery schedules
- Failure of property owners to remove ice from adjacent sidewalks or parking areas
We combine expert testimony with factual reconstruction to demonstrate exactly how negligence caused your injuries.
Compensation Available to Victims
If you have been injured in a snow or ice-related accident, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Depending on the circumstances, damages may include:
- Medical expenses for emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and future loss of earning capacity
- Property damage to your vehicle or belongings
- Pain and suffering from physical and emotional trauma
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Permanent disability or reduced quality of life
Our attorneys fight aggressively to ensure that every dollar you are owed is recovered. With our No Fee Unless We Win guarantee, you face no financial risk when seeking justice.
Local Hazards Unique to Baltimore Winters
Baltimore’s coastal climate often creates dangerous freeze-thaw cycles. Roads such as I-83 (Jones Falls Expressway), U.S. Route 40, and Charles Street can quickly develop black ice overnight. Bridges and elevated ramps are particularly prone to freezing before other surfaces.
The city’s combination of urban traffic, aging infrastructure, and fluctuating winter temperatures makes snow and ice accidents a common threat. Our firm’s deep local experience allows us to anticipate how these factors influence liability, and how to present them effectively in negotiations or trial.
Why Choose Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law
Proven Track Record of Success
For decades, our firm has obtained substantial verdicts and settlements for injury victims throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area. Generations of clients have trusted us to deliver results in cases involving car accidents, medical malpractice, and other serious injuries.
Client-First Philosophy
We believe that every client deserves compassion, transparency, and advocacy. You will never be treated as a case number. We keep you informed at every stage and explain your options clearly.
Aggressive and Creative Representation
Even if others have told you that recovery is not possible, we will explore every legal angle. Our attorneys thrive on complex cases that require strategic thinking and persistence.
Free Consultation, No Obligation
We offer confidential, no-cost consultations to help you understand your rights. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Liable for a Snow or Ice-Related Accident?
Liability depends on the circumstances. Often, another driver’s failure to slow down or maintain control is the primary cause. In other cases, government entities or property owners may share responsibility if poor maintenance contributed to unsafe conditions.
What If Both Drivers Blame the Weather?
Insurance companies often use this excuse to avoid payment. However, experienced attorneys know how to show that negligence, not weather, caused the crash. We gather data on speed, braking, and driver behavior to prove accountability.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Weather-Related Accident Claim?
Yes. These cases are complex and require strong evidence to overcome insurance defenses. Our team has the experience, resources, and courtroom skills to pursue the full compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
Under Maryland law, most personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the accident. Delays can result in lost evidence or missed deadlines, so it is important to act quickly.
What If I Was Partially at Fault?
Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule, meaning that if you are even slightly at fault, you may be barred from recovery. Our firm focuses on proving that the other party’s negligence was the true cause of the accident.
Building a Strong Case for Your Recovery
Our process begins with a detailed consultation to understand your injuries, losses, and goals. From there, we:
- Conduct a comprehensive investigation into weather data, vehicle conditions, and witness statements.
- Work with accident reconstruction experts to establish fault.
- Calculate the full extent of damages, including long-term care costs.
- Handle all communications with insurers and opposing counsel.
- If necessary, present your case in court with compelling evidence and expert testimony.
Every case is different, but our commitment to excellence remains the same. We aim not only to secure compensation but also to restore peace of mind.
Community Commitment and Local Insight
Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law have deep roots in Baltimore. We are not an out-of-state firm that parachutes in for cases. Our office on East Redwood Street is part of the community we serve. We understand the challenges that local residents face, from congested downtown traffic to winter road hazards in neighborhoods like Canton, Mount Vernon, and Towson.
Our knowledge of local courts, judges, and insurers gives our clients a distinct advantage. We know how to navigate Baltimore’s legal landscape efficiently and effectively.
Our Promise to Clients
We understand that a serious accident changes more than your health — it affects your entire life. Our firm’s No Win, No Fee Guarantee means that your ability to seek justice is never limited by financial worries. We work tirelessly to obtain a settlement or verdict that truly reflects what you have lost.
Whether negotiating with insurers or standing before a jury, we bring the same level of dedication and focus. You deserve a legal team that believes in your case as much as you do.
Contact Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law
If you were injured in a snow or ice-related crash, do not let an insurance company dismiss your suffering as an “act of nature.” We are ready to stand by your side, investigate your case, and fight for your future.
Turning a Winter Tragedy into Hope
Baltimore winters are unpredictable, but your rights should never be. Whether your accident occurred on icy city streets, a frozen intersection, or a poorly treated highway, you deserve accountability and fair compensation.
At Holzman & Dickriede Attorneys at Law, we stand by your side through every step of recovery. We fight for justice because every injured person deserves to be heard, and every negligent driver must be held responsible.
“Our clients trust us to find solutions where others see obstacles. That is what we do best,” says Ryan Dickriede, Esq.
When winter’s dangers strike, turn to the law firm that Baltimore families have trusted for decades.
