Car Accidents and Environmental Factors: The Role of Weather

Weather plays a significant role in road safety, contributing to a large portion of traffic accidents. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, over 25 percent of all collisions occur in cloudy, rainy, foggy, or snowy conditions. 

Drivers often overlook the environmental factors of a car accident, which can make roads hazardous and lead to increased risks. Minimizing these dangerous environmental conditions can keep drivers safe and possibly prevent crashes and severe injuries. 

How to Avoid Weather-Related Car Accidents

While nobody can control weather conditions, drivers can take steps to prioritize their safety and reduce the risk of car accidents and environmental factors. You can protect yourself while driving in bad weather with:  

• Driving adjustments – Slowing down, keeping more space between cars, avoiding sudden movements, and using headlights can make it safer to drive in rain, fog, or snow. 

• Vehicle maintenance – Inspecting tire pressure and tread depth regularly, checking windshield wipers, maintaining brakes, and topping off windshield wiper fluid can keep your car in top condition to handle changing weather events. 

• Alternative routes – Effective planning can help reduce the impact of weather and road traffic accidents. Avoid flood-prone roads, choose well-lit roads, and monitor traffic updates for weather-related road closures. 

What Weather Conditions Cause the Most Car Accidents?

Certain weather patterns can increase the risk of serious accidents, including: 

• Fog – Foggy conditions can lead to low visibility, making it challenging for drivers to judge the distance between cars and potentially leading to rear-end collisions.

• Rain – Wet roads reduce tire traction, causing vehicles to hydroplane and cause accidents. 

• Snow and ice – Slippery, icy roads make it difficult to control cars, especially during sudden stops. 

• High winds – Sudden, powerful gusts can push cars off course, particularly lightweight cars and trucks. 

• Heat waves – High temperatures can increase the risk of tire blowouts, adding another hazard to the road for drivers and other motorists. 

Can I Get Compensation After a Car Accident in Bad Weather?

Drivers can still seek financial compensation after being injured in a car wreck caused by someone else in bad weather. They may be entitled to money to cover various expenses and losses, including:

• Medical expenses – You can seek compensation for all medical costs related to your injuries. This includes hospital visits, physical therapy, and follow-up visits. 

• Lost wages – You can pursue compensation for lost wages if the crash forces you to miss work. 

• Loss of future earning potential – You can also seek compensation for reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work in the future or prevent you from returning to your previous occupation. 

• Pain and suffering – You can pursue compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish resulting from the collision, especially if it reduces your overall enjoyment of life. 

Contact Our Alabama Car Accident Attorneys to Learn More

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone else in inclement weather, our experienced attorneys can help. At Stokes Stemle, LLC, we know how to deal with complicated claims and can pursue the compensation you deserve. Don’t let an insurance company minimize your claim and pain. Call us today for your free consultation.