When the weather takes a turn for the worse, driving can be unpredictable. Rain, fog, and ice create slippery roads and longer stopping distances and reduce visibility and traction. All of which make it harder for drivers to maintain control, and increase the risk of accidents.
Unfortunately, poor weather conditions also make car accidents trickier to unpick. Insurance companies may try to blame the weather instead of the other driver, making it harder for victims to get compensation.
At Hunter | Everage, we’ve helped many clients who were injured in weather-related accidents. Get in touch with an experienced Montgomery car accident lawyer at 704-377-9157 to book a consultation.
How Rain, Fog and Ice Contribute to Alabama Car Accidents
Rain, fog, and ice create hazardous road conditions that make it harder for drivers to see, react, and control their vehicles.
Rain is a common cause of weather-related accidents. A drizzle can make roads slick by mixing with oil and debris, reducing tire traction. Heavy rain can cause standing water, increasing the risk of hydroplaning. Reduced visibility during a downpour also makes it harder to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and traffic signals.
Driving in thick fog can feel like driving with a blindfold on. It significantly reduces visibility, making it difficult to see road signs, traffic lights, and even other vehicles until it’s too late. Many drivers overestimate how much they can see in foggy conditions and don’t slow down enough, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions and pileups. Fog can also cause depth perception issues, making it harder to judge distances and speeds.
Ice is dangerous because it’s often invisible, forming thin, slick patches known as “black ice.” Drivers may not realize they’re on ice until they lose control of their vehicle. Bridges and overpasses freeze faster than other parts of the road, catching drivers off guard.
Who Is Liable in a Weather-Related Car Crash?
Liability in weather-related accidents often comes down to whether a driver acted reasonably under the circumstances. Even when the weather plays a role, a driver’s actions (or inactions) are often the determining factor in who is at fault. In some cases, other parties may also share liability.
To establish negligence, you typically need to show:
- The driver had a responsibility to drive safely under the given weather conditions.
- The driver breached this duty by acting recklessly or carelessly (e.g., driving too fast, distracted driving, poor vehicle maintenance).
- This breach directly caused the accident and your injuries.
- You sustained damages (injuries, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering) as a result of this accident.
If you’ve been in a weather-related car accident, it’s important to speak with an attorney who can investigate the details of your case and determine who may be responsible.
How to Prove Negligence When Weather Is a Factor
Many people assume that bad weather automatically means no one is at fault in a car accident.
After all, heavy rain, thick fog, or icy roads can make driving dangerous for anyone. However, bad weather conditions don’t mean a driver is off the hook.
Every driver has a legal responsibility to adjust their driving based on road conditions. If someone was speeding in the rain, tailgating on an icy road, or driving without headlights in foggy conditions, they could be held liable for a crash.
Proving negligence in a weather-related accident often comes down to showing that the other driver failed to take reasonable precautions. This might include:
- Examining the police report for evidence of reckless driving
- Reviewing traffic camera footage
- Speaking with witnesses who saw the accident unfold
Skid marks, vehicle damage, and even data from the car’s black box can also help determine if the driver was going too fast for the weather conditions.
In some cases, expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists can provide valuable insight into how weather contributed to the crash and whether the other driver could have prevented it.
Unfortunately, insurance companies may try to argue that the weather—not their client—was responsible for the accident. That’s why it’s important to gather as much evidence as possible.
An experienced car accident attorney can help build a strong case, ensuring that weather conditions don’t become an excuse for reckless driving.
Tips for Driving Safely in Hazardous Weather Conditions
Here are some simple tips to follow when driving in rain, fog, or icy conditions:
- Slow Down: Wet or icy roads make it harder to stop, so reduce your speed to stay in control.
- Increase the Following Distance: Give yourself extra space between your car and the one in front of you.
- Use Headlights. Turn on your headlights in rain, fog, or low visibility to help other drivers see you.
- Avoid Sudden Movements. Quick turns or hard braking can cause you to skid, especially on slippery roads.
- Pull Over if Necessary. If visibility is too poor or the roads are too dangerous, find a safe place to pull over and wait for conditions to improve.
- Maintain Your Car: Ensure that your tires are properly inflated and have good tread, and check that your windshield wipers are in good condition.
Legal Options for Victims of Weather-Related Car Accidents
Alabama law clearly states that drivers must take reasonable care to adjust their driving behavior according to weather conditions. If another driver fails to do so, resulting in your injuries, you have a legal right to seek compensation.
Depending on your situation, you may be eligible to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages due to time away from work, pain and suffering, and vehicle repair or replacement costs.
At Hunter | Everage, we assess each weather-related accident case, gathering evidence and building a strong claim on your behalf. Our experienced attorneys will guide you step-by-step through the legal process, ensuring you understand your options clearly. Our goal is to ensure you receive fair compensation for the losses you’ve endured due to someone else’s careless driving during hazardous conditions.
Contact an Experienced Montgomery Car Accident Lawyer
Weather accidents can happen in an instant, leaving victims with serious injuries, vehicle damage, and emotional distress. While no one can control the weather, all drivers have a responsibility to adjust their driving based on the conditions.
If you’ve been involved in a weather-related accident, you may feel frustrated and unsure of what to do next. At Hunter | Everage, we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with medical bills, lost wages, and insurance claims after an accident.
That’s why we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether your crash was caused by heavy rain, poor visibility, or slippery roads, our legal team is ready to advocate for your rights.
Contact our Montgomery car accident lawyers at 704-377-9157 for a free consultation.