How Does Weather Impact Fault and Liability in Car Accidents?

Experiencing a car accident is a jarring and disorienting event, particularly when you’re unsure about the overall situation. The immediate concerns following an accident often revolve around safety and health. Being caught in a car crash, you may be gripped by the fear of severe injuries, not just for yourself but potentially for your passengers or the occupants of the other car. Beyond the immediate physical harm, there’s the psychological toll of the incident, which can lead to confusion and panic. This state of shock can make it difficult to process the situation and act appropriately.

Adding to the complexity, inclement weather may have been a contributing factor to the accident, raising questions about fault and liability. This uncertainty can be incredibly stressful, especially as you consider potential legal implications and insurance claims. Our law firm can help you clear up your situation and provide you with professional guidance from day one. Call us today at 248-671-6794 for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.

How Does Weather Create Hazardous Conditions on the Road?

While driving errors cause most car accidents in Michigan and across the country, road and environmental conditions can also be a major factor. These are some of the ways weather can affect driving conditions and influence car accidents:

Rain

Rain significantly increases the risk of car accidents due to its impact on visibility and road conditions. Heavy downpours can limit drivers’ field of vision, making it difficult to spot potential hazards or notice sudden changes in traffic. Additionally, wet roads can lead to hydroplaning – a dangerous situation where the vehicle’s tires lose contact with the road surface, causing the driver to lose control. These situations might include high-speed highway driving during a thunderstorm or navigating through a flooded intersection in a residential neighborhood.

Fog

Fog can dramatically reduce visibility on the road, often making it impossible for drivers to see more than a few feet ahead. This can severely hinder a driver’s ability to react to unexpected obstacles or changes in the traffic situation. For example, dense fog on a rural road can obscure a car crossing an intersection or switching lanes, leading to potential accidents.

Snow and Ice

Snow and ice present a unique set of challenges for drivers. Snow can cause roads to become slippery, reducing traction and making it more difficult for vehicles to stop. Ice, particularly black ice, is even more dangerous as it’s often invisible to drivers until they’ve lost control of their vehicle. This is particularly common in early morning commuting after overnight freezing causes icy patches on roads that are not yet warmed by the sun.

High Winds

High winds can be particularly dangerous for drivers of high-profile vehicles, such as trucks and buses, as they can be blown off course or even tipped over by gusts. Even for smaller vehicles, sudden wind gusts can cause momentary loss of control, particularly on bridges or open stretches of road. As an example, strong crosswinds on a bridge could potentially push a vehicle into another lane, causing a collision.

While it’s advised that drivers take weather into consideration while driving, even the safest drivers are impacted by the inability to take proper control of their vehicle due to weather conditions – leading to an unfortunate accident.

Who is Responsible for a Car Crash Caused By Inclement Weather?

The state of Michigan is a no-fault car insurance state. This means that under most circumstances, each driver’s own insurance company will cover their losses after an accident – regardless of who was at fault for the incident.

However, when weather conditions play a role in an accident, it can get complicated to determine who is responsible for the car crash and what kind of compensation you may be entitled to receive. While Michigan being a no-fault insurance state may make it seem like determining liability isn’t a big deal, it still is due to how PIP, or Personal Injury Protection, works. PIP is the no-fault insurance that drivers need in order to cover medical bills and lost wages due to car accidents. Determining liability can help injured drivers seek more damages than PIP insurance covers and even damages for pain and suffering. However, the injured driver has to demonstrate significant impairment of bodily functions. When weather plays a role, it can be exponentially harder to prove fault and liability in these cases. This is why hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can improve your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. Our team of experienced attorneys can provide you with guidance and support throughout your case and work hard to make sure you get the justice you deserve.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me Win My Case?

Car accidents, no matter who’s at fault or how the weather played a role, can lead to serious complications for injured victims. When trying to get fair compensation through a personal injury claim, hiring an experienced car accident attorney can provide important benefits.

A skilled auto accident lawyer not only comprehends the intricacies of the law relevant to your case but also strives relentlessly to secure fair compensation for the injuries you have endured. They possess the experience to negotiate with insurance companies, safeguard your rights, and guide you through every step of the process, empowering you to prioritize your recovery. Sigal Law Firm is focused on helping car accident injury victims get rightful compensation and aid their recovery. Call our experienced personal injury law firm right now at 248-671-6794 to book a free, no-obligation initial consultation.