How Weather Conditions Contribute to Car Accidents in Charleston, SC

Every driver has a duty to use reasonable care behind the wheel requiring that precautions be taken as adverse weather impacts the roads. Ice, sleet, heavy rain, fog, dust, and wind-blown snow can negatively impact driving conditions, contributing to nearly 745,000 accidents and 268,000 injuries annually. It is estimated that 77% of weather-related crashes occur during rainy or misty conditions.

While weather-related conditions may have contributed to your accident, filing a claim is not as simple as blaming Mother Nature. At Mark C. Tanenbaum, our legal team has helped numerous individuals pursue claims related to weather events. In this blog, our car accident attorneys discuss the role that weather conditions play in crashes and how liability is determined.

Traction and Vehicle Control

Slippery and icy roads reduce the friction between the tires and the pavement, resulting in reduced traction. This directly impacts the driver’s control of the vehicle, causing longer stopping times. Vehicle maneuverability is also compromised, with turning, braking, and accelerating posing greater challenges. Although all vehicles since model year 2012 must be equipped with traction control systems, the feature has only prevented a portion of accidents on icy roads.

Visibility

Although visibility issues account for only 4% of weather-related crashes, that still results in 30,000 accidents each year. Heavy rain, snow, fog, and wind-blown precipitation can severely impact visibility. This decreases a driver’s ability to judge distances and the speed of a lead vehicle accurately. If you must drive in poor visibility, it is recommended that you use your vehicle’s low beams. If at any point you are unable to see in front of your car, pull over and turn on your hazard lights.

Stopping Times

Slippery and wet conditions result in reduced traction and increased stopping distances. Increased stopping times require that drivers give themselves more room to stop. However, when visibility issues and slippery conditions apply, the chances of a crash significantly increase. Reducing your speed is essential to give you more time to react to potential hazards. It is recommended that motorists drastically reduce their speed in inclement weather by as much as 50% on snow-packed roads and 33% in wet conditions. This is especially important for commercial drivers to avoid truck crashes.

Determining Liability in Bad Weather

Drivers have a duty to use reasonable care when traveling. While it is easier to stay safe while driving in dry conditions, drivers must take additional measures in adverse conditions. If you were in an accident during bad weather, the insurance company will likely look at what role you played in the crash. If there is evidence that you were speeding, distracted, or otherwise failed to use reasonable care, then your compensation will likely be reduced.

Keep in mind that the insurance company wants to keep as much money in its pockets as possible. Claims adjusters may seek out any evidence that suggests that you were negligent in hopes of paying as little as possible on your claim. If you believe that unwarranted fault is being pinned on you, a Charleston car accident lawyer can help advocate for your interests.

Car accident lawyers have experience in gathering relevant evidence and information to support your claim. If the insurance company is playing games, a car accident attorney will be able to see right through it.

Contact Our Charleston Car Accident Lawyers Today

A car accident can leave you with mobility issues and other debilitating injuries. Recovering from your injuries can take several weeks, months, or even years. When poor road conditions cause a crash, you may wonder how fault is determined and whether you will be compensated for your injuries.

At Mark C. Tanenbaum, we have seen the devastation caused by weather-related crashes. When you need help with the legal process, do not hesitate to contact our Charleston car accident attorneys. To arrange your free consultation, contact us online or call (843) 577-5100.