Skip to main content

Exit WCAG Theme

Switch to Non-ADA Website

Accessibility Options

Select Text Sizes

Select Text Color

Website Accessibility Information Close Options
Close Menu

How Bad Weather Can Impact Liability in a Car Accident

Rain

As reported in one article published recently by the Orlando Sentinel, 2020 has been a nonstop record-breaking year when it comes to the number of tropical storms and bad weather. In fact, the total number of named storms this year – which recently hit 23 – is the most ever to make continental US landfall in an Atlantic hurricane season on record. With such an unusual year of weather conditions, this is a good time to remember the significant role the weather plays in relation to many things, including traffic accidents. And if you do find yourself involved in a car accident that happened during inclement weather, you should be aware of how this can impact your personal injury claim.

How Does Weather Affect Road Safety?

Unfortunately, bad weather can significantly impact driving. The U.S. Department of Transportation has published data that shows weather plays a role in approximately 21 percent of vehicle crashes. Of these weather-related crashes, the overwhelming majority happen on wet pavement and during rainfall with 70 percent occurring on wet roads. And on average, almost 5,000 people are killed and over 418,000 people are injured in weather-related crashes each year.

Bad Weather and Accident Liability

As a driver, you undoubtedly know that driving through inclement weather is more challenging than driving on a clear day. You may also know that anyone who climbs behind the wheel of a car has a duty of care to maintain control of their vehicle and take all necessary steps that any other reasonable driver would take to avoid an accident. When this duty is breached because a driver does not practice the level of care that the situation calls for, then this may mean liability is triggered due to negligence. Drivers who are considered liable, or responsible for causing an accident, can be held accountable for the victim’s medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, hospitalization costs, and other related damages.

However, the weather is just one factor that is evaluated when determining driver negligence and liability. Other factors that can contribute to whether liability is triggered include:

  • The speeds of both drivers
  • How clear visibility was
  • Any intervening actions by third parties
  • Whether either party was driving while distracted, impaired or fatigued

If you have been involved in an accident during inclement weather, you should speak with a personal injury lawyer who handles auto accident claims as soon as possible in order to ensure that you know and understand your rights.

Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney

You may be entitled to compensation for your harm if you were injured in a car accident during bad weather. One of the first things that you should do after obtaining medical assistance is consult with knowledgeable lawyers who are well-versed in dealing with auto accident claims. As the experienced and skilled Orlando personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm, we are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable for the harm that they cause. We fight hard for the rights of our clients and we strive to ensure that they are fairly compensated for their injuries, damages, and losses. Please contact us today for a no-cost consultation.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the West Palm Beach, Miami, Ocala, Bradenton, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Fort Myers, Jacksonville and Daytona Beach areas.

Resource:

orlandosentinel.com/weather/hurricane/os-ne-hurricane-season-2020-nonstop-record-breaking-year-20200924-7m6bf6fxqnbq5kxrmb26riu4ve-story.html

https://www.pendaslaw.com/atv-injuries-and-accidents/

Read What Others Have To Say About Us

  • I can't express how much I appreciate this law firm. I had the honor to deal with attorney Daniel. He kept me updated on my case. I couldn't ask for a better law firm...

    — Terry Mcphillips
  • Speedy & superb handling of clients & cases, kind & caring. Highly recommended professionals. They made everything very easy for us, were outgoing & polite. I would call them again if ever in need, rather than call the larger firms that need to advertise & brag about winnings...

    — Joseph Kestell
  • Wow I called Pendas Law Firm the other day at their main intake line it was around 11 o’clock at night and I’ve got this wonderful representative his name was Jeffrey Alvarez. This guy was very professional and his compassion was out of this world..

    — Luis Sanchez
  • Thank you for helping us in our time of need. This firm handled my father’s workers comp case, and helped us with every question we had, and we had a plenty. Thankful for the entire legal team!

    — Enilno Resu
  • I just concluded a case with attorney Michael Sanchez and paralegal Camilo Lopez. I can only say they are exceptional. The customer service is unique, they have been battling alongside me since day 1. They are not only courteous and professional, but they also are amazing at their job...

    — Israel Garcia
  • Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. I was very happy with our recovery. Already recommended them to others in the same circumstances, their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like in family.

    — Ian Brito
  • Very Professional law firm. They explained to you every detail what to do according to the laws (worker's compensation). Mr. Danilo Cruz is the best Lawyer and his team. They are very kind, friendly, responsible, I love this firm. They fight for their clients. AwesomeTeam!

    — Lau Rod
  • I am very proud and happy that my case was closed, and definitely won! Lizette Gonzalez was my case manager and I definitely recommend this P.A.! Honestly, no other lawyer even tried to fight my case at all, I was turned down by most of those who I called...

    — KingArroyoVEVO
  • Great lawyers who speak Spanish and English. Danny Cruz and Lizette Gonzalez helped with my case and put my parents worries at ease. They got my case over and done with within a year and helped get all my bills paid.

    — Caroline Matute
  • This was a positive, informative and pleasant experience concerning an unpleasant situation. Everyone I spoke to was very professional and compassionate. I always felt to be in the best and most capable hands. the Pendas Law Firm lives up to its reputation!

    — Jean Villarreal
  • Pendas Law did an awesome job working my claim against my homeowners insurance. They had refused to pay for the wind damage to the roof. Larry with Pendas Law Firm was assigned to my case and immediately started working on it. I could not be happier. Will definitely use Pendas Law in the future if needed.

    — John Hibbert
  • I'm thankful to have chosen them , very responsible and communicative , Went in the office with my family and the environment was great ,Sahily walked me through the process professionally, I got a good settlement faster than I expected, would totally recommend.

    — Juan Fernandez
  • I'm very happy with this firm... Joel is an excellent attorney and Carolyn is an amazing paralegal, After been ditched from another law firm, Pendas took care of me and they won my case. I recommend them 100%...

    — MARIA PASTOR
  • This law firm is amazing. I love how they always try to stay/keep in contact with you. It shows that they really care and want everything taken care of correctly, Thank You!...

    — SHANTELLE BLACKWELL
  • I'm very thankful for all the attention of all the Pendas staff that took care of my case and helped me through the process, thanks for your patience, collaboration and comprehension!...

    — CARLOS GUADALUPE
  • The Pendas Law Firm was amazing! They are very kind, professional, and hard-working! They always kept me informed. Larry Trias was great to work with! I always recommend Pendas to family and friends. Thank you for helping me with my case!

    — HEATHER PEPPER
  • Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. I was very happy with our recovery. Their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like family.

    — IAN BRITO
  • I would definitely recommend this firm. The staff really helps you and they actually show you that they care, especially Siomara Roldan. She has been a great help for my family and myself, she is always helpful with any questions.

    — WILMER D SANTANA RODRIGUEZ
  • Pendas is the best! The paralegals are very attentive to your case, knowledgeable, and communicative! The attorney also won’t just be there the day of your sign up, but all throughout the process as needed. I truly recommend Pendas!

    — MCKENZIE CZABAJ
  • Previous
  • Next
 

By submitting this form I acknowledge that form submissions via this website do not create an attorney-client relationship, and any information I send is not protected by attorney-client privilege.

Florida Personal Injury Offices

Skip footer and go back to main navigation