Car accidents can result during adverse weather conditions, as rain, snow, and high winds can create bad conditions that are tough to drive in. During bad weather, driving can be difficult because of wet and slippery roads, debris, and low visibility. However, drivers still must follow road rules and drive safely to prevent car accidents from occurring.
Drivers who behave negligently behind the wheel, such as driving distracted, drunk, or recklessly, can expose others on the road to car accident risk. Driving during poor weather conditions is difficult enough without someone driving in a way that can cause car accidents. Negligent drivers who cause car accidents through poor driving behavior can still be held liable for damages in a car accident claim if their behavior leads to a car accident during adverse weather conditions.
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Car Accidents During Heavy Rainfall
Rainstorms that produce heavy rainfall can lead to slippery roads that can lead to a driver losing control of their car, possibly causing a car accident. Between 2007 and 2016, rain was the main cause of 46% of weather-related crashes, leading to 556,151 crashes and 2,473 deaths. Heavy rainfall can cause flooding, which can be hard to drive through. Drivers may hydroplane when a driver slides uncontrollably on a wet road. Without control over where their car goes, a driver may collide with another car, a hard object, or a building. This can cause severe car accident injuries, such as broken bones, shoulder injuries, or back and neck injuries.
Heavy rain can also reduce visibility. Rain can combine with dirty water and kick into a car’s windshield, making it dirty and difficult to see through. Without full visibility of the road, a driver may miss debris, another car, or a dead-end. Driving straight into the obstacle can cause a car accident that results in severe injuries. To prevent a car accident during heavy rain, drivers should drive slowly, avoid sudden braking, defog their windows, and use proper lights and windshield wipers.
Snowy and Icy Roads Can Cause Car Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wintry conditions were the cause of 374 fatal crashes and around 25,000 injury crashes. Snow and hail can provide some of the same challenges as heavy rain: low visibility, slick streets, and poor vehicle control. Cold weather can affect a car’s tire inflation pressure, battery power, and brake systems. It’s important to ensure your car has not suffered significant negative effects from cold weather.
High Winds Can Create Debris That Can Cause Car Accidents
High winds can also cause significant difficulties to drivers as they try to navigate their vehicles through adverse weather. Strong winds can cause low visibility, as they can kick up dust to obscure a driver’s view. They can also be strong enough to pick up and send objects flying through the air.
If the winds are strong enough, they could also cause trees, light poles, and traffic control signals to fall down. Drivers must be aware of the debris that can litter the streets because of high winds. Their car can receive a direct impact from an object hitting it, or a driver can crash into a downed object.
Car Accidents Caused by Negligent Driving During Adverse Weather Conditions
Despite weather conditions contributing to car accidents, drivers can still cause car accidents through negligent driving behavior. Drivers must be very cautious with how they drive through rain, snow, or high winds, as road conditions can lead to them losing control of their vehicles easily. Negligent driving behaviors can exacerbate the danger of adverse weather conditions, as drivers can easily lose control of their vehicles and cause a car accident.
The following are some of the negligent driving behaviors that can cause a car accident during adverse weather:
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Drunk driving
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Road rage
- Running red lights
Can You File a Car Accident Claim for an Accident During Adverse Weather Conditions?
A bad-weather car accident victim can only file a car accident claim if negligence is involved. If they suffer a car accident because they hydroplane and crash into a light pole, no one can be held liable. It was a freak accident without a party that caused the damage.
However, they can file a car accident claim if there is a party who exhibited reckless or negligent behavior behind the wheel. Drivers must exercise great caution while driving in adverse weather conditions. Failing to do so can cause a car accident that exposes other drivers and passengers to severe injury risk. If a negligent driver caused a car accident during bad weather, you could file a car accident claim to hold them accountable for your car accident damages.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help You Pursue Compensatory Damages for Bad Weather Car Accidents?
A car accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for damages caused by a bad weather car accident. If a negligent party’s behavior caused the car accident, they could help you prove their liability to put you in a position to recover fair compensation for your damages.
The following are some of the ways a car accident lawyer can help with your bad weather car accident claim:
- Calculate the value of your car accident claim
- Determine who is liable for the car accident
- Explain your state’s law regarding car accidents
- Send the demand letter to the at-fault party and their insurance company
- Collect evidence to prove your case
- Collect statements from eyewitnesses and expert witnesses
- Negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company
- Represent you in court
It’s vital to have legal representation with extensive experience helping car accident victims. Insurance companies will try to deny, delay, or devalue your claim to keep their profits up. Hiring a car accident lawyer can help with the process of recovering fair compensation, as they will know what steps to take and the best way to maximize your potential for recovering compensatory damages.
Contact The Russo Firm for Help With Your Bad Weather Car Accident Claim
The car accident lawyers at The Russo Firm can help put you in a position to recover fair compensation for your damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, after a bad weather car accident. Some drivers may try to use poor weather conditions as an excuse for negligent driving behavior, but our lawyers know that safe driving is necessary no matter the weather. They can help you prove the at-fault party’s liability and help you recover compensatory damages with personalized legal counsel and the firm’s vast resources. Contact us for a free consultation at (561) 270-0913 or leave a message on our online contact page.
