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Sarasota Car Accident Attorney > Blog > Car Accidents > Bad Weather Is a Driving Hazard

Bad Weather Is a Driving Hazard

Accident Lawyer Florida

Even people with years of driving experience have to change their behaviors when the weather shifts. Weather can be a risk factor and lead to accidents when drivers are not alert and aware. Some estimates cite weather as a contributor to around 10% of car accident deaths.

If you were in an accident during a storm, a knowledgeable Sarasota car accident lawyer can help to investigate your claim and understand the best path toward maximum compensation for your losses.

How Bad Weather Accidents Happen

Driver judgment is important. Using lights properly and controlling travel speeds are also essential elements of safety. Thus, when rain and storms start appearing, all drivers should slow down and be cautious. When drivers attempt to keep traveling at the speed limit during a rainstorm, the results can be disastrous.

Some of the other things that can lead to bad weather crashes include the following:

  • Worn tires. When tires are bald or threadbare, it can increase the possibility of hydroplaning. Also called aquaplaning, hydroplaning is when a wet road surface interferes with car tire traction, causing the vehicle to change direction and move uncontrollably.
  • Poor wiper blades. Wiper blades that are damaged, including ones with cracked rubber, are not able to properly make contact with a windshield, creating poor visibility.
  • Failing brakes. Poorly functioning brakes are a hazard in all weather conditions. Wet roads can exacerbate any braking issues that already exist.
  • When the weather is bad, drivers need to slow down in order to maintain control.
  • Hazard Lights. In Florida, it is illegal to drive with your hazard lights on unless you are part of a funeral procession. Further, the flashers make it difficult to see when someone is using their brakes or turn signals, especially in stormy weather.

Car Maintenance Can Help When Storms Roll In

Staying attuned to car maintenance is a path to safe driving on the roads in every weather condition. Replacing worn wiper blades and bald tires before they become dangerous on a wet road is always the safest choice.

For example, it can be helpful to have tires looked at by a professional each year. After a quick assessment, a professional will be able to tell a driver if new tires are needed or if rotating the tires will provide them with a longer lifespan. Plus, drivers can assess tire air pressure, which if low could create a dangerous condition while driving. Correct tire air pressure can help to reduce tire damage and to increase gas mileage, too.

If you have already been in a weather-related car crash, you may be wondering if the other driver involved was liable. Negligence has to be proven in order to secure compensation. If there were physical injuries, it will also have to be proven that the injuries were because of the crash and did not happen due to another event. All of these elements can be difficult to negotiate with insurance companies. A knowledgeable Sarasota car accident lawyer can help. Because of their extensive experience, they understand what options are available given the circumstances.

Tell the Insurance Companies, You’re Going to Hale

Did you or a loved one have a car accident in bad weather? The experienced Sarasota attorneys at Hale Law can help. Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no fees or costs if we are unable to recover compensation. For a free consultation, call anytime at 941-735-4529.

https://halelaw.com/what-to-do-when-a-manufacturer-defect-causes-a-car-accident/

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