Many car accidents occur due to negligent driving, defective vehicle parts, or poorly designed and maintained roads. However, one factor contributes to a significant number of collisions: inclement weather conditions.
Car accidents caused by weather conditions like rain, fog, or snow can be very dangerous and result in extensive damages. If you are involved in such a collision, it is important to speak with a Texas car accident lawyer to discuss your options for compensation.
How the Weather Can Cause Car Accidents
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, more than 1.2 million car accidents are caused by weather conditions every year. This amounts to 21% of all car accidents; these collisions also account for about 16% of all vehicular deaths.
There are several reasons as to why the weather causes car accidents. In particular, inclement weather suddenly reduces visibility, causing a driver to become disoriented, fail to see certain hazards, and lose control of his or her vehicle. Snow, ice, and rain cause slick and slippery roads, which can further contribute to a collision.
Recovering Compensation After a Weather-Related Car Accident
Texas is a fault accident state, which means that injured drivers are usually able to recover compensation by filing a claim against the at-fault driver. If your accident was caused by the weather, however, you may wonder whether you have legal remedies available to you.
While your accident may have occurred in bad weather, someone else’s actions could have caused your collision. Texas drivers still have a duty to drive safely for the circumstances, especially during inclement conditions. If another driver was speeding or driving recklessly and caused your accident, you could pursue a claim against him or her.
In cases where another driver was not involved in your accident, you are likely ineligible for a liability insurance claim. However, you could pursue a claim under an optional form of insurance known as comprehensive coverage.
In any situation, it is important to speak with a lawyer about your legal options following a collision. As soon as possible following your accident, speak to an attorney to identify your optimal path to compensation.
Tips to Protect Yourself During Inclement Weather
When the weather is dangerous, the best way to protect yourself is to avoid driving. If you need to drive, follow these tips to protect yourself and your passengers:
- Be as alert as possible and put away any distractions in your vehicle.
- Slow down, even you are traveling under the speed limit.
- Stay calm and avoid feelings of panic or frustration.
- If you feel yourself start to slip on the road, do not slam the brakes. Try to pull over as safely as possible.
- Ensure to increase visibility by clearing off your windshield and make sure your wipers are in good condition.
- Make sure that you have the appropriate tires. Use tire chains or snow tires if you are traveling in cold weather.
While these tips can help reduce the risk of a car accident, collisions may still occur. If you are injured in a weather-related accident, you may be eligible for compensation in certain circumstances.
In these situations, you need an attorney on your side who can help protect your best interests. As soon as possible following your accident, contact a McAllen car accident attorney to discuss your next steps.
