Forecast: Hazardous Driving Conditions Ahead

Everyone knows that bad weather can be the cause of car accidents, but sometimes weather conditions that don’t appear particularly dangerous can prevent drivers from putting up their guard and being as cautious as necessary. Below are some of the more common weather hazards known to create potentially treacherous driving conditions.

• Rain—when it pours, visibility decreases and the chances of hydroplaning increases. Even after the storm clouds dissipate, there can be flooded areas or places on the road where the water puddles, which can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle.
• Wind—you can’t see it, but wind can be a powerful and dangerous force. A strong enough wind may be enough to push a vehicle into another lane or another vehicle that’s traveling too close.
• Fog—this weather condition can be particularly tricky. Fog can be worse on one part of a road than another. This may result in drivers speeding up and then suddenly slowing down. Other very cautious drivers may be going more slowly, and another vehicle comes upon them unexpectedly. Fog also makes it hard to see objects in or coming onto the road.
• Thunderstorms—a sudden loud clap of thunder can startle a driver, especially one that is lost in thought or in the midst of adjusting their radio or GPS. It may cause them to slam on their brakes or lose control of the car.

Even when the bad weather conditions appear gone, hazards remain. Downed wires, stalled cars and debris in the road may be particularly unexpected on a clear sunny day.

Drivers have a responsibility to be fully alert and aware of all that’s going on around them on the road. If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to bad weather conditions, there’s a good chance that negligent behavior on the part of the other driver may have played a role in the accident. After seeking medical care for any injuries you sustained, your first call should be to an experienced attorney. We can inform you of your rights and help you pursue a claim to get the maximum damages you’re entitled to for medical and other expenses.

Have you or a loved one been a victim of a car accident in poor weather conditions? If so, Tiemann Law Firm can help. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, same-day consultation by calling: (916) 999-9000 or toll-free: (800) 712-2000.