After a weather-related car accident, you may not know what to do. If you are involved in an accident with another vehicle, it may not be clear who is to blame and whether you are entitled to compensation for injury or damage. Contact an attorney for car accidents in Houston in order to find out how legal aid can help you during this baffling time.
The weather can be quite dangerous. Natural disasters like tornadoes are getting a lot of media attention and coverage because of their life-threatening force. However, according to statistics released by the US Department of Transportation (DOT), weather-related car accidents cause far more deaths than large-scale weather disasters combined each year.
Weather-Related Car Accidents in Houston are Deadly:
According to the data collected by The Department of Transportation (DOT), between 2005 and 2014, there were more than 5,748,000 car accidents per annum. Among those accidents, about 1,259,000 were related to hazardous weather conditions, including wind, ice, snow, fog, and rain which caused up to 5,900 deaths a year. Factors contributing to the occurrence of accidents include:
- Flooded roads cause cars to slip or float
- Submersion of lanes due to standing water
- Longer braking distances are required on slippery surfaces
- Low visibility and hence dangerous situations difficult to spot
- Distraction while driving (eating, or using mobile phones results in distraction)
- Improper equipment such as worn-out tires or faulty taillights creates an unsafe environment
Comparing these deaths with statistics from natural disasters shows that weather-related car accidents are causing more deaths than originally predicted. An average of 10 people die each year as a result of large-scale weather events in the United States. The number of people who die each year as a result of natural disasters is 15 times less than people who die from weather-related car accidents.
Tips for Driving During a Bad Weather:
When driving during bad weather, drivers are required to pay increased attention to avoid involvement in an accident. The fog, snow, and rain are infamous for causing reduced visibility or creating slippery driving situations. The best way to avoid accidents in bad weather is to stay at home. If you have a responsibility that requires you to travel, follow these few tips while driving to protect yourselves while on the road:
- Avoid using cruise control (especially on wet or slippery roads)
- Increase your distance to about 8-10 seconds behind the vehicle in front
- Turn on your headlights and stay in the lane to avoid sideswiping
- Slow down to come to a complete stop or out of the danger zone if necessary
- Take extra precautions near intersections and check other vehicles before proceeding
- Focus on your surroundings
- Do not be distracted by cell phones, music, or talk to other people in the car
These simple precautions are essential to prevent accidents due to bad weather. They can also save you a lot of money, frustration, and possibly your life.
Handling-Weather Related Vehicle Accidents:
No matter how carefully you drive, others may not be so careful. After a weather-related vehicle accident, you should contact your local consultants. If it is continuously raining or snowing, it is safer to stay in the car until a rescue team reaches you, as bad weather can worsen your injuries.
In addition, limited visibility in bad weather increases the risk that other drivers will not see you which may lead to another car accident.
Personal Injuries:
Bad weather can create hazardous situations for property such as slippery surfaces, as well as pits, and other hazards. If reasonable steps are not taken to prevent or eliminate the hazardous situation, the owner can be held liable for any damage caused. Personal injury includes:
- Falling or tripping on damp surfaces
- Holes caused by erosion or other damage
- Failure to properly dispose of debris may result in falls or other injuries
- Poor visibility resulting in damage or injury
Contact Our Law Firm for Help:
Many car crash victims refuse to seek a legal representative because they fear it will be too expensive. If you are injured in a weather-related car accident, you should contact our attorney for car accidents in Houston as soon as possible. An experienced team of lawyers will investigate the incident and gather the relevant information to prove the guilt of the other driver.
The lawyers will help you with the necessary insurance claims. In case the claim is denied, they will actively appeal such denial. Call us now to schedule a free consultation.