Weather and Road Conditions in Pennsylvania Crash Claims

Over 77% of weather-related crashes each year occur during rain or misty conditions. Weather and road conditions both play a significant role in determining the value of your accident claim. Even if adverse conditions caused your crash, this does not excuse you from liability. The truth is that the insurance company considers bad weather only one factor in determining what caused a crash.

If you are speeding, following another vehicle too closely, failing to turn on your headlights, or otherwise not accommodating weather or road conditions, you could be found liable for your accident. If you recently had an accident as a result of hazardous conditions, our car accident lawyers can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

The Effects of Speeding

Drivers have a responsibility to adjust their speed to accommodate conditions. Posted speed limits are only intended for ideal conditions. Driving the posted speed limit during rain, snow, sleet, or in heavy fog is treacherous. In fact, motorists are advised to cut their speed by 1/3 on snow-packed roads and 1/2 in slippery or slick conditions. Failing to ease off the gas in wet conditions could result in hydroplaning, in which your vehicle’s tires lose contact with the road. Instead, your vehicle will be driving on a thin layer of water, which drivers often describe as a floating sensation. This can result in losing control of the vehicle and in injuries to others.

Length of Following Distance

Failing to allow sufficient distance between your vehicle and a lead vehicle can have dire consequences, especially in unsafe conditions. Sufficient following distance involves much more than weather conditions, but also your vehicle’s weight and stopping distance. For example, while a passenger vehicle traveling at 65 miles per hour will only take 316 feet to come to a stop, a fully loaded semi-truck may take as far as 525 feet (the length of a football field) to stop. These distances are measured under ideal conditions, which are only worsened by inclement weather.

If you were in a rear-end accident, your following distance will be assessed. If insurance determines that you were following too closely, expect your claim to be reduced or potentially denied. Always err on the side of caution in treacherous conditions, increasing your following distance to six to ten seconds.

Headlight Use

Lack of visibility is a major factor in many weather-related crashes. The statutes require that motorists use their headlights between sunset and sunrise, whenever visibility is less than 1,000 feet, or whenever windshield wipers are in use. If there is a sudden weather change that forces a driver to turn on their windshield wipers (whether continuous or intermittent), the driver must also turn on their headlights. During heavy fog, low beams should be used. Unfortunately, improper use of headlights could result in you being found partially responsible for the accident.

Unpredictable Weather Requires Dependable Counsel

Weather conditions can change suddenly, forcing you to take appropriate actions to keep yourself and other drivers safe. Sadly, a claims adjuster will dig for any information that suggests you were negligent behind the wheel. By inflating your liability, insurance can justify paying less on your claim.

At Fanelli, Evans, & Patel, we do not stand for the insurance company’s games. Our commitment to our clients is evident in the successful settlements we have obtained for them. If you are interested in learning the true worth of your claim, do not hesitate to reach out to our Reading car accident attorneys.

Speak with Our Reading Car Accident Lawyers Today

When adverse conditions are present, it is up to drivers to take appropriate precautions. We know how challenging an accident claim can be, only complicated further by poor conditions. Although you deserve to be compensated for your injuries, the insurance company will find any reason to avoid paying the compensation to which you are entitled.

At Fanelli, Evans, & Patel, we understand the aggravation of dealing with claims adjusters who only brush your injuries off. If you or a family member is currently getting the run-around from insurance following a weather-related crash, our Reading car accident attorneys would like to help. To arrange your free consultation with an attorney, our office can be reached online or by calling (484) 869-2113 today.