Liability if the Weather Causes an Accident
An estimated 1.2 million crashes are caused by inclement weather annually. Whether it is due to rain, sleet, snow, fog, or hurricane-strength winds, a crash that is caused by adverse conditions can result in dire consequences.
Unfortunately, simply blaming “Mother Nature” will not suffice. Choosing to drive in poor conditions is a choice, and injured parties deserve to be compensated accordingly. Even if the primary cause of an accident is weather-related, a motorist or multiple motorists may be found at fault for the incident.
In this blog, our Sunbury car accident lawyers discuss how weather impacts travel and how liability is determined in weather-related crashes.
The Impact of Adverse Weather While Traveling
Inclement weather can cause any of the following issues while traveling:
- Increased travel time: Adverse conditions will result in the combined speed of all drivers being reduced, causing it to take longer to reach your destination.
- Perception: Especially in foggy conditions, a driver may have difficulty determining the speed of another driver or the distance between vehicles.
- Speed variance: Motorists vary in comfort levels in inclement conditions, causing some drivers to travel faster than others. This variation in speed causes further hazards.
- Traction control: Stopping time may be as much as ten times longer on icy or slippery roads.
- Visibility: Rain, sleet, snow, or fog can cause difficulty seeing a great distance in front of your vehicle, obstructing the driver’s view.
How Fast Should You Travel in Bad Weather?
The posted speed limit is designed for ideal conditions, but motorists are expected to slow down in the event of bad weather. It is recommended that motorists reduce their speed by one-third on slick or wet roads and one-half on snow-covered roads. Hence, if the posted speed limit is 60 miles per hour, a motorist should travel 40 miles per hour in rain or wet conditions and 30 miles per hour in snow.
Liability in Bad Weather
Even taking the necessary precautions, such as slowing down or putting your hazard lights on, may not be enough to avoid an accident. While inclement weather may have been the cause of your crash, if you behaved negligently, you could still be found partially or completely at fault. In Pennsylvania, your liability coverage will cover the damage you cause to another vehicle (such as if you lose control on a slippery road). However, you will want to carry collision coverage (which is optional) to cover costs related to your own vehicle repairs.
Following an accident, be careful not to speak with any of the other drivers. You want to avoid admitting fault since this could limit or destroy your ability to collect compensation. Before you speak with the insurance company, you should first speak with the Sunbury car accident attorneys at Fanelli, Evans, & Patel, P.C. We will speak with insurance on your behalf and take the necessary steps to preserve your legal rights.
Injured Due to Bad Weather? Contact Our Sunbury Car Accident Lawyers
Each year, adverse weather or road conditions contribute to 21 percent of the total collisions on our nation’s roads. If you have fallen victim to an accident caused by adverse weather or poor road conditions, our Sunbury car accident attorneys want to speak with you. To learn how we can be of assistance, contact us online or give us a call at (570) 286-6500 to schedule your complimentary consultation.