What Happens if Extreme Weather Caused My Car Accident?
November 2, 2020
As the weather gets colder across the United States, the roads get more treacherous as driving conditions deteriorate. The chances of getting into a car accident are raised if the roads are icy or slick. In fact, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) reported over 25,000 car accidents during the cold weather months in 2015.
Liability is always a top concern of any driver involved in an auto accident; however, what if extreme weather played a major role in the collision? Sometimes, it is difficult to determine liability, and cold weather conditions can compound the matter.
It is entirely feasible to instantly place blame on the snowy or icy conditions that caused a car accident, but not in the view of the insurance companies or the law. All drivers are expected to operate their vehicles safely and in accordance to traffic laws, regardless of poor weather conditions. The driver chose to be on the road during extreme weather conditions, thus taking on responsibility of properly handling a car. When getting behind the wheel of an automobile, the law sees the driver as fully capable to operate their vehicle in a safe manner.
What Should I Do During Poor Weather Conditions?
If the road is icy, snowy, or it is raining, the driver is responsible to operate their vehicle safely. In order to avoid a car accident, a driver must do the following:
Slow Down: This means driving below the speed limit. Slower speeds can help a driver regain control of their car.
Use Caution: Being cautious also includes using hazard lights and signaling other drivers correctly. Using hazard lights warns other drivers of conditions and increases the visibility of cars in the area.
Avoid Driving Completely: The best way to prevent a car accident is to avoid driving in dangerous weather. Vehicles are not necessarily equipped to handle such conditions. When visibility is poor, the task of controlling a car becomes more difficult. When the roads are found to be undriveable, state and local governments normally issue a notification to all drivers and only allow emergency vehicles to drive on the roads.
What Should I Do After a Car Wreck?
If both drivers lose control of their vehicles, they may be responsible for damages. In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, drivers are required to carry no-fault insurance policies. A driver may have to contact their own insurance company to receive compensation for damages. Fault may need to be determined if there are serious injuries or property damage. As with any car accident, it is best to not admit fault and consult with an experienced lawyer immediately. A lawyer will be able to help a victim with a personal injury claim.
Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. Protect the Rights of Injured Car Wreck Victims
Car accidents are more likely to happen during unpredictable weather. If you were recently injured in a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Our Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. help victims injured by negligent drivers. Call us at 215-569-9100 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.