Are Red Light Runners Always Liable in Intersection Accidents?
Based on data from the Federal Highway Administration, approximately 1,235,000 crashes due to bad weather conditions happen in the U.S. annually. These resulted in approximately 5,000 deaths and 418,000 injuries. No one can control the weather, but drivers have a legal duty to other road users to control their actions regardless of the weather.
If you’ve been hurt by a negligent motorist in a crash involving bad weather conditions, such as heavy rain, storms, or strong winds, you have the right to file a claim against them to recoup your accident-related losses.
How is Negligence Determined in Weather-Related Crashes?
During inclement weather, the risk of getting into a crash increases significantly. Bad weather conditions can substantially decrease traction, visibility, brake performance, and speed control. This is why motorists must adjust their speed when operating their vehicles during bad weather conditions. Failing to do so will not only endanger their lives but the lives of other road users as well.
For example, if the roadway is wetter and slicker than usual due to heavy rain, motorists must be able to gauge the safest speed limit for the current road and weather conditions. Regardless of the area’s speed limit during typical weather conditions, driving the exact same speed when it’s wet is not recommended and is sometimes unlawful. Put simply, drivers must be prepared to adjust their speed based on the current weather conditions.
If a motorist fails to conform to the current weather conditions and causes an accident, they could be held responsible for the crash because they failed to take the required safety measures, such as reducing their speed, taking extra care when turning, or using their headlights. Other ways a motorist can be held liable for a bad weather-related crash include the following:
- Driving while distracted
- Driving while drugged or drunk
- Failing to use their lights or windshield wipers or using defective or worn wipers or tires
- Following too closely
- Driving while drowsy or fatigued
- Driving recklessly or aggressively
- Failing to follow road signs or traffic signals
- Making a turn at an inappropriate speed or time
Talk to a Skilled Clearwater Personal Injury Lawyer Now
If you or a loved one has been injured because another motorist failed to drive defensively during bad weather conditions, Tragos, Sartes & Tragos are here to lend a hand to ensure that you recover the compensation you rightfully deserve. The at-fault motorist’s insurance provider may try to undervalue or deny your claim by arguing that the bad weather conditions and not their policyholder caused the crash.
Proving negligence and establishing liability can be challenging when bad weather conditions and negligent driving practices are involved in a motor vehicle crash. Our Clearwater personal injury lawyer will investigate the weather patterns and road conditions at the time of the crash and evaluate how the at-fault party’s negligent actions led to your injuries. To schedule a complimentary review of your case with our Clearwater personal injury lawyer, send us an online message or dial 727-441-9030.