Any time of year can bring forth extreme weather conditions. The risk of accidents on the roads is increased by winter blizzards, spring hail, summer tornadoes, and fall hurricanes. However, dangerous weather conditions are not the only ones that exist. Most Americans are unaware of how serious rain-related car accidents can be. The tiniest drizzle has the ability to extract oil from the asphalt, making conditions abnormally slick. Additionally, the weather shifts lead to unpredictable driving behavior.
The story of how weather impacts road safety throughout the United States is never cut and dry. If you’re the victim of a rain car crash, you might have a legal case, especially if the other driver wasn’t driving with appropriate due care and attention.
In such situations, seeking guidance from an auto accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and pursue appropriate compensation for your injuries and damages.
Extreme Weather Events and Dangerous Drivers
Car accidents in Los Angeles and across the United States have increased because people tend to drive either extremely timidly or completely recklessly. Each type of driver can be just as dangerous as the impact of weather on the roads.
During winter car accidents, many people are surprised to learn they are at fault for the fender bender. For example, if the car in front of you slams on its brakes and you’re going too fast to safely stop or are following too closely behind, then you could be considered at fault. Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon scenario for the 70% of Americans who live in snowy regions. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, every year, more than 1,300 people are killed, and 116,800 are injured in car accidents where snow, slush, and ice are contributing factors.
Like the weather, car accidents can happen suddenly and without warning. However, statistically, there are certain times of the month when collisions are more common. When analyzing car accidents by month you’re more likely to get in an accident during the summer, not winter. According to the National Safety Council, in 2020 vehicle fatalities were the lowest in January at 2,666 deaths and it reached the highest point in June with 3,725.
In the unfortunate event of a car accident, having the guidance of a car accident attorney can be invaluable. They can assist you in navigating the legal process.
How to Minimize Risk When Driving in Extreme Weather?
A light sprinkle of rain can turn into a torrential downpour with a single lightning crack and roar of thunder. According to the National Weather Service, driving in flood conditions is not advisable, and it’s best to simply turn around to stay safe.
This is important safety advice to consider as extreme weather events aren’t going away anytime soon. For example, January 2023 in California saw nine atmospheric river events occur in three weeks of each other. The result was flooding, landslides, evacuated homes, washed-out roads, and at least 20 recorded deaths.
What else can you do if you’re caught in an extreme weather event?
- Turn on wipers so you can see the road more clearly.
- Turn on headlights to increase the visibility of the road so other drivers can see you.
- Slow down, and drive below the posted speed limit. However, don’t drive too slowly or you could cause an accident, especially in conditions of low visibility.
- Avoid braking suddenly. Try your best to pump the brakes or move into the shoulder if you need to stop suddenly.
- Don’t tailgate. The car in front of you may have to hit its brakes quickly, so make sure you have plenty of room to stop.
- Avoid large puddles if you can. Not only will this decrease your chances of hydroplaning, but you will also never know if there’s a giant pothole or large debris hiding in that puddle.
- Never drive through flooded roads. Turn around and find an alternate route.
Plan ahead. Weather is becoming easier to predict, so if you do receive notice of an extreme weather event, check your windshield wipers, make sure you have a full tank of gas, check your tire pressure, and even check the oil.
Pay attention. Drive normally, and don’t panic. Driving aggressively and speeding to try and get home sooner to get out of the rain drastically increases your chances of getting into a car accident.
Pull over. Finding a safe place where you can wait out the storm might be safer than trying to race home.
Rain or Shine, Avrek is Here to Help
With more than 50 years of combined experience representing cases in several states, Avrek’s expert car accident lawyers understand that traffic accidents are as unpredictable as the weather. That’s why they always stay up-to-date on changes to traffic laws across the United States. No matter the reason, be it car accidents caused by rain, snow, ice, or hail, contact Avrek Law for advice on your case. The consultation is free and you’ll get advice from a law firm of auto accident attorneys with more than $1 billion recovered in more than 45,000 cases. View one of our locations, including Fresno, or contact us for a free consultation.
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