Personal Injury

Bad Weather Car Accidents

What are Bad Weather Car Accidents

According to the FHWA, weather-related crashes are those crashes that occur in adverse weather conditions. Adverse weather conditions include:

  • Rain
  • Sleet
  • Snow
  • Fog
  • Severe crosswinds
  • Blowing snow/sand/debris
  • Wet/snowy/icy pavement

 

Wet pavement and rainfall account for the maximum bad weather car accidents in the United States. Bad weather impacts driver capabilities such as vision and control over the car, vehicle performance, road infrastructure, traffic, and reaction time.

Factors Causing Negligent Driving In Bad Weather Conditions

Common factors that increase the chances of bad weather conditions include:

Speeding

When compared to driving within controllable limits, driving at high speed on icy or slippery roads increases the chances of an accident.

Vehicle Condition

Badly maintained vehicles are more prone to accidents during bad weather. Old brakes, broken headlights, defective windshield wipers, and bald tires can cause crashes during unfavorable weather conditions.

Not Using Headlights

Not using enough light can reduce visibility on the road during bad weather.

Unsafe Driving

Distracted driving, ignoring red lights, not giving right of way, driving between lanes, and driving under influence of drugs or alcohol are some other factors that can aggravate bad weather accidents.

Who Can Be Held Responsible For Bad Weather Accidents?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) puts a responsibility on the drivers to make a decision not to operate a motor vehicle in hazardous weather conditions. Determining who is liable for a bad weather car accident can be difficult and complex.

If the accident solely occurred due to reasons outside human control, no one may be held liable. The parties may be able to secure to some kind of compensation from their insurance companies.

If one of the drivers indulged in negligent behavior, the other party may be able to get compensation through a personal injury lawsuit or a settlement with the other party’s insurance company. A driver can be held liable if he indulged in distracted driving, negligent driving, crossing speed limits, or drunk driving.

Steps To Be Taken After A Bad Weather Car Accident

Severe injuries and damage may result from a bad weather car accident. One can consider taking the following steps:

  • Contact 911 immediately.
  • Get medical treatment as soon as possible.
  • If one is physically fine, he or she can assist others involved in the accident.
  • Collect evidence (if possible) such as pictures and videos of the weather conditions and the accident spots.
  • Preserve all receipts related to medical and hospital bills.
  • Inform the police but do not make any statements or admissions. Do not make any statements to any insurance company.
  • Consult a personal injury attorney.

Learn How An Ohio Bad Weather Car Accident Attorney Can Help

Establishing liability in a bad weather car accident can be difficult. Proving negligence on the other driver’s part can be complex. Contact our Ohio personal injury attorneys today to learn how we can help you secure compensation.