Posted on Wednesday, January 11th, 2017 at 12:13 am
Fox40 reported the story of an overturned big rig that blocked traffic on Highway 99 last week in North Sacramento. According to the news story, the truck spilled rice all over the highway causing officials to close multiple lanes for several hours. Traffic had to be diverted toward while the accident scene was cleared. It appears that the crash happened when a Toyota Corolla spun out of control on the rain-soaked road and collided with the big rig.
Is Weather the Cause of The Accident?
We don’t know all the facts; however, it does appear that rain may have been a factor in the above accident. However, there are other factors that could play a role in a weather-related car accident. Other factors that can play a role in a weather-related accident include:
- Drug or alcohol
- Mechanical failure
- Distracted drivinga
- Speed or reckless driving
- Fatigued or drowsy driving
- Improper lane change
- Following too closely or tailgating
When there is a weather-related accident, law enforcement officials must conduct a thorough investigation to determine if any factors, other than the weather, contributed to the crash. For the drivers, it is important to determine all factors involved in the crash for the purpose of filing an accident claim.
Can I Sue If the Accident Occurred in Poor Weather?
Whether you can sue another driver for an accident that happened in poor weather depends on the facts of your specific case. As with any traffic accident, the victim must prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident to recover compensation from that driver. In other words, the driver did something or failed to do something that caused the collision.
For example, if a driver collides with you during a rain storm, the reason could be the rain-slick streets. However, if the driver was speeding at the time of the collision, speeding contributed to the accident. You may be able to recover damages from the responsible driver. Another example would be a driver who is under the influence of alcohol or distracted by using a cellphone at the time of the accident. While rain may have played a role in the collision, the driver was also at fault.
The key to recovering compensation is proving that the driver was at fault. This can be complicated when weather conditions play a role in the accident. Hiring an experienced Sacramento car accident attorney is your first step in protecting your right to receive full compensation.
Damages In A Traffic Accident Claim
Examples of damages that you may be entitled to receive compensation for in a weather-related accident include:
- Past and future medical bills, including long-term medical care
- Past and future loss of income, including a loss of earning capacity
- Property damage, including damage to property that was inside the vehicle at the time of the crash (i.e. laptop, cell phone, etc.)
- Emotional stress, mental anguish, and physical pain
- Scarring, disfigurement, and permanent disability
- Other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident such as long-term personal care, rental car, and travel expenses
The amount of your compensation depends on the extent of your injuries, your out-of-pocket expenses, and other factors. Our Sacramento car accident attorney can discuss damages in more detail during your free appointment.
Call A Sacramento Car Accident Attorney Now
If you are injured, call our office for a free appointment. You can reach the Tiemann Law Firm by calling (916) 999-9000 or by chatting with a representative on our website. Call today to schedule a free legal consultation with an experienced Sacramento car accident attorney.
