27 January 2012, 21:40
Motorists who got into road accidents because of ice may sue road companies, lawyer from Stavropol says
Over the last few days, several major road accidents caused by icy roads happened on motorways of the Stavropol Territory. According to Sergey Stepanidenko, a lawyer from the organization in defence of motorists' rights, the drivers who suffered in road accidents due to icy road conditions, may lodged civil claims against the road companies- defendants in civil cases, as they are responsible for keeping roads in good condition.
Let us remind you that on January 22, in Federal Highway M29 "Kavkaz", a woman driving a Lada Kalina car lost control and hit six other vehicles. After a while, in the same section a Toyota collided with a VAZ-2114. Another accident occurred on January 23 near the city of Mineralnye Vody: a KamAZ and a Niva hit each other on an icy road, injuring five persons.
"A claim can be lodged even if, say, you were late for an important appointment, because the traffic police blocked the road, and you had to go around," said Stepanidenko.
He adds that he is closely following the legal practice applied in Russia to defend motorists' rights.
"Unfortunately, courts are often taking the side of state road enterprises, not citizens. The won trials are in units; and not a single one - in the Stavropol Territory," said Sergey Stepanidenko.
Author: Konstantin Olshanskij Source: CK correspondent
