Weather-Related Car Accidents

Have you been injured in a Dallas-area car accident caused by inclement weather (rain, ice, snow, wind, etc)?

Don't let the insurance company push you around or deny liability. Call Rasansky Law Firm today at (214) 651-6100 to discuss your case, and let us explain how we can help at no out-of-pocket cost to you.

Inclement weather such as snow, rain, ice, sleet, wind, fog, and the like can be quite hazardous for all drivers. Even though you may be an experienced and cautious driver, the driver next to you may not. It is the responsibility of every driver to "drive to conditions" at all times, especially when the roads are slick.

When it comes to auto accidents, liability is always based on negligence. Bad weather alone is not generally the proximate cause of a car accident, but is seen as an additional factor to consider when determining fault, and whether or not the driver was negligent.

When weather conditions are poor, it's important for drivers to reduce speed and remember that speed limits are based on optimal driving conditions. The fact that the weather is bad does not absolve a driver of responsibility for a car wreck, and he or she can still be held liable for any damages that occur in an accident.

Even though liability in these types of accidents can be highly-contested, our attorneys can look into the facts of your case and explain your options free of charge.

Single-vehicle accidents vs. accidents involving another driver.

If you were injured in a single-vehicle accident due to weather conditions (where no other drivers contributed to the crash), your only option to recover compensation may be through your own car insurance policy (if you have collision coverage). Understand, though, that the insurance company's primary objective is to save their shareholders money. They have every incentive to try and deny your claim, and without an attorney on your side, recovering fair compensation is going to be an uphill battle.

If you were hurt in an accident involving another motor vehicle, you should expect the other driver's insurance company to put up a fight rather than accept full liability. Insurance companies will use every opportunity available to reduce their legal liability (and thus, the amount of money they are responsible for paying) or deny your claim outright. After being injured in an accident, your focus should be on recovering from your injuries; not fighting with the insurance company and their lawyers.

Personal injury lawyers exist for a reason: they're effective. Hiring your own lawyer actually costs you nothing out of pocket (they only collect a fee if they win your case), and gives you a MUCH better chance at recovering the money you're owed. Once you hire an attorney, you no longer have to deal directly with the insurance company. Your attorney will now handle all the calls, negotiations, paperwork, filings, and proceedings from here on out (although you are always kept in the loop, and no important decisions will be made without your approval).

Weather-related car accident statistics.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are more than 5,748,000 motor vehicle crashes every year. A staggering 22% of those were the result of hazardous weather conditions.

Accidents that occur due to bad weather result in about 445,000 injuries and almost 5,900 deaths per year (approximately 16% of all traffic fatalities).

There are a number of hazards that play into the DOT statistics for weather-related crashes, including rain, snow/sleet, fog, and ice. Now that we're approaching the holiday season (and thus, colder weather) even drivers here in Texas may have to contend with snowy or icy conditions.

How poor weather contributes to car wrecks.

The largest contributor to weather-related car accidents was rain, followed next in line by fog and the hazards of winter. Rain causes vehicles to lose traction, and can even cause vehicles to completely lose contact with the asphalt (called hydroplaning). In many cases, accidents that are caused by fog occur because motorists are driving too fast for conditions or are following too closely behind the vehicle in front of them.

Visibility is a big factor in any type of weather-related accident. When there is blinding rain, heavy snow, or very dense fog, the visibility can decrease to a point where it's simply impossible to drive safely.