Accidents During Whiteout RainStorm on The Highways
In some parts of the United States, weather conditions like snowstorms, mudslides, and sandstorms, among others, could cause dangerous driving conditions. In Florida, hurricanes that come raging in with their high winds, flooding, and heavy rainfall create the perfect whiteout rainstorm, which is likewise extremely hazardous for drivers. Just driving a car a bit faster than normal during a whiteout rainstorm may be enough to send it crashing into another motorist.
What Exactly is a Whiteout Rainstorm?
A whiteout rainstorm is an immensely dangerous weather condition that causes reduced visibility due to an onslaught of heavy rainfall and strong winds. In most cases, the reduced visibility could be so severe that drivers might not be able to see anything outside their vehicles, such as other motorists, vehicles, and the road. In turn, drivers might feel very disoriented and susceptible to being hit by other motorists who also can’t see their surroundings.
Fog can also develop after or during a rainstorm, which could further affect visibility. Heavy rainfall and flooding can likewise make roads slippery and more difficult to navigate. In addition, vehicles with damaged or worn tires have an increased risk of skidding or sliding on the road during a whiteout rainstorm and crashing right into other motor vehicles or objects in and around the highway.
What If I Get Into an Auto Accident During a Whiteout Rainstorm?
As a driver, you’re well aware that trying to drive safely in less-than-ideal weather conditions is more difficult than driving your car on a bright and sunny day. A driver who isn’t paying close attention to their surroundings and not modifying their driving behavior based on the circumstances, like being extra careful during a whiteout rainstorm, may endanger the lives of other road users.
Anyone who operates a motor vehicle owes a legal duty of care to drive with reasonable care and take all the necessary precautions that any other reasonable person would take to prevent an auto accident. When a driver breaches this legal duty, fails to practice the standard of care needed to prevent an accident, and their actions result in an auto accident, they could be held liable for the injured victim’s accident-related losses.
But it’s also vital to note that the weather is not the only factor used to determine driver liability and negligence in accidents involving a whiteout rainstorm and other adverse weather conditions. Other factors could include:
- The level of visibility during the accident
- How fast the drivers were traveling
- Any intervening actions or factors caused by any third party
- Whether either driver was distracted, fatigued, intoxicated, or otherwise impaired during the accident
Consult with a Skilled Florida Car Accident Attorney Today
Get in touch with Tragos, Sartes & Tragos today if you have suffered injuries in a bad weather motor vehicle accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence. If the at-fault party was distracted, speeding, drunk, or intentionally ignored the hazards of inclement weather conditions, such as a whiteout rainstorm, they should be held legally liable for their negligent acts. To schedule a free case review with our experienced Florida car accident attorney, contact us online or call (727) 441-9030.