From heavy rain to unexpected ice, hazardous weather can lead to serious accidents. At Joshua E. Palmer Law Firm, we help individuals injured in weather-related crashes throughout Georgia demand the money they need from those to blame for what happened. Our experienced car accident legal team pursues compensation in circumstances where another driver acted carelessly or insurance companies try to blame an act of god. If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident involving weather conditions, contact Joshua E. Palmer Law Firm to discuss your options for seeking justice.
What Causes Weather-Related Car Accidents in Georgia?
Georgia’s climate ranges from humid summers to icy spells during the winter, which means drivers face a variety of weather risks year-round. It is every driver’s responsibility to adjust their speed, following distance, and other behaviors during the following conditions.
Rain and Wet Roads
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), rainfall contributes to 75 percent of weather-related crashes. Rain-slicked pavements reduce traction and may cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid if drivers don’t reduce their speed, increasing the stopping distance.
Snow and Ice
In northern parts and mountainous regions of Georgia, winter storms sometimes bring snow or ice. Because snow isn’t as common, many drivers are unaware of how to drive safely during frigid conditions. Even a light coating can make roads slippery, especially if drivers speed or follow too closely.
Fog
Fog forms from tiny water droplets into a cloud near the ground. Thick fog makes it difficult for drivers to see the road ahead. This limited visibility can lead to rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, or even head-on collisions when drivers fail to spot oncoming traffic.
High Winds
Severe storms can bring high winds. Strong gusts can push vehicles, especially high-profile ones like trucks or vans, out of their lanes. Motorists must also be aware of flying debris and fallen trees, which require quick reflexes to avoid.
Common Injuries in Weather-Related Accidents
Any crash caused by weather conditions can result in serious injuries like the following:
- Head and brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Spinal injuries
- Fractures
- Internal injuries
Why Compensation Can Be Harder to Win After a Weather-Related Crash
Georgia follows a traditional tort model when it comes to auto insurance, which means the driver who causes a crash may be responsible for the medical bills, lost wages, and other harm they cause other people as a result. But when the weather is a factor, these claims get harder to win. Here’s why.
Proving Driver Negligence Is More Challenging
Drivers have a legal duty to adjust their behavior to match road conditions. That might include:
- Increasing following distance on wet or icy roads
- Using appropriate headlights in low-visibility situations
- Slowing down in heavy rain or fog
- Avoiding sudden lane changes or hard braking
When a driver fails to do these things, their actions may be considered negligent in the event of an accident. However, gathering proof of that negligence and their legal fault for the accident can be harder when the crash scene is affected by the weather. For example:
- Fog or poor lighting can interfere with surveillance footage or the accuracy of eyewitnesses
- Police reports may focus on the weather rather than the driver’s behavior
- Heavy rain may wash away tire marks or other physical evidence
Insurance Companies May Blame the Weather
When weather contributes to an accident, insurers often try to use it as an excuse to avoid paying fair compensation. They might argue that the accident was “an act of god” for which their policyholder was not responsible. Conversely, the insurer might argue that you were also driving unsafely given the weather, and that you do not deserve compensation for the portion of the accident that was your fault.
What to Do After a Weather-Related Car Accident
What you do in the aftermath of a car accident caused by bad weather can have a big impact on your ability to recover fair compensation for what happened. Take as many of these steps as possible:
- Check yourself and your passengers for any injuries.
- Move to the side of the road if possible to reduce the risk of a subsequent collision.
- Stay in your vehicle if it’s unsafe outside.
- Report the accident to local authorities, especially if there are injuries, significant vehicle damage, or traffic disruption.
- Take photos of the damage, road conditions, weather, and surrounding area if you’re able to.
- Collect names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance details, and license plate numbers from all parties involved.
- Contact your insurer as soon as possible, but be careful about what you tell them, and do not agree to give a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
- Get checked out by a healthcare professional even if you feel fine. Some injuries might not be immediately obvious.
- Maintain a file of all documentation related to the accident, including medical visits, repair estimates, and correspondence with your insurance company.
Finally, but perhaps most critically, contact an experienced car accident attorney like the one you’ll find at Joshua E. Palmer Law Firm.
How Joshua E. Palmer Law Firm Can Help
Founding attorney Joshua E. Palmer is committed to seeking maximum compensation for those injured in accidents involving poor weather conditions. Here’s how we can pursue your case while you rest and recover:
- We will gather evidence, including photos and videos, police reports, and witness statements.
- We will endeavor to identify all liable parties who might be financially responsible for your injuries.
- We can calculate the fair value of your losses, including any future medical expenses and reductions in earning potential.
- We will negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider for a fair settlement.
- We can take your case to court if the insurance company doesn’t offer you the full amount you’re owed.
Talk to a Weather-Related Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you were hurt in a weather-related crash in Georgia, the Joshua E. Palmer Law Firm can fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Our client-focused firm takes care of pursuing every dollar while you focus on feeling better. Don’t wait another minute while medical bills and other expenses add up. For a free consultation, contact Joshua E. Palmer Law Firm today.
