While any type of car accident can result in severe injuries, bad weather wrecks can be particularly dangerous. Bad weather makes accidents more likely by making the streets slick and decreasing visibility. While many drivers slow down and take extra care when the weather is terrible, some act negligently and do not take extra precautions to account for the change in climate.
If a driver’s negligence causes car accidents involving bad weather in Houston, they should be responsible for the damages. Luckily, one of our knowledgeable car wreck attorneys could help you pursue compensation for your losses and injuries so that you can return to your normal life as soon as possible.
How Bad Weather Contributes to Car Accidents
Most people in this city have to drive to reach their chosen destination, and many will do so even in bad weather. However, bad weather increases the chances of serious or even fatal car accidents happening on the road, and people should understand how it can lead to crashes.
Rain Causes Slippery Roads
Many people worry about the roads when the water starts to accumulate on surfaces. However, the roads are usually slicker when the rain begins to fall. The initial rain loosens up surface oils, making the roads slicker. Stopping distances increase, and people who do not increase their following distances are likely to rear-end others, run lights or stop signs, turn after their intended location, and make other errors based on increased stopping speed.
Slick Roads Cause Hydroplaning
Slick roads increase the risk of hydroplaning. To safely travel on the roads, tires need to have enough traction to grip the road, which is why the state requires yearly inspections to ensure that the tires have enough tread. When the roads get slick, there can be a layer of water between the road and the tires, which can send the vehicle sliding across the road. Drivers who try to overcorrect after a slide or skid can completely lose control of their vehicles, creating enormous risks for everyone.
Poor Visibility
Poor visibility is another factor of bad weather that can contribute to car accidents in Houston. Ideally, drivers would pull over and wait out the worst of the weather. The suddenness of these downbursts can make that impossible because a driver might be somewhere it is not safe to stop. Most drivers respond by slowing down considerably so they can navigate the weather as safely as possible. Irresponsible drivers continue to speed along, significantly increasing the risk of crashing into other vehicles.
Remedies After Bad Weather Car Wrecks
The state requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, which should protect people injured by another driver in a bad weather accident. Unfortunately, insurance companies’ settlement offers are often insufficient to cover a victim’s injuries.
Plus, minimum liability insurance coverage limits may not be sufficient to cover severe injuries. People with life-changing injuries may have millions of dollars in lifelong damages, including medical bills, loss of earning capacity, lost wages, and more. In those cases, attorneys may look for third-party payers who may also be responsible for the accident, such as a victim’s insurer, the city’s maintenance crews, and automobile manufacturers.
A Houston attorney could investigate the auto accident caused by bad weather and look for any potential claims. They can negotiate with insurance companies and responsible parties. Most importantly, if those negotiations do not yield the right results, they could take the victim’s claims to court.
Contact a Houston Attorney About Auto Wrecks Involving Bad Weather
While it is easy to blame bad weather for a car wreck, drivers should be responsible for their vehicles in almost every scenario. If a driver was not acting reasonably and their actions or inactions led to an accident that caused your injuries, they may be liable for them.
Schedule a consultation with an attorney to learn more about car accidents involving bad weather in Houston. They can explore the facts of your case and provide you with information about the costs associated with different injuries.