Bad weather puts everyone at greater risk by reducing visibility, cutting down traction on the road, and making it harder to slow down or turn safely. Even drivers following the rules may find it difficult to stay in control, especially when conditions change quickly and without warning.
Contact an accident attorney in St. Louis to pursue compensation for damages received.
Call (314) 300-6260 today.
Weather Does Not Excuse Negligent Driving
Even with difficult weather, drivers have a legal duty to adjust their speed and behavior for road conditions. They must drive cautiously and keep enough space; simply blaming the weather won’t get them off the hook if the accident is caused at least in part by their own negligence.
Common Types of Bad Weather Accidents
Certain types of accidents tend to happen more often when bad weather changes road conditions and reduces visibility. Common ones include:
- Rear-End Collisions: When roads are wet or icy, cars sliding or stopping late leads to more rear-end crashes. Drivers who follow too closely or fail to allow extra space sometimes can’t stop in time.
- Loss-of-Control Accidents: Slippery surfaces increase the chances of losing control. Hydroplaning makes a vehicle glide across a thin layer of water instead of gripping the road. Snow and ice cause skids or send cars sliding off the pavement and into nearby ditches, fields, or barriers.
- Intersection and Visibility-Related Crashes: Poor weather often makes it hard to see traffic lights, signs, or vehicles, especially at intersections. Drivers may miss another car, resulting in side-impact or left-turn crashes from failing to yield or stop in time.
These accidents can have serious consequences, and if you’ve been injured as a result, it’s important to hold the right party accountable so you can recover compensation for your injuries and losses.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Bad Weather Accident?
Determining who is responsible for a crash in poor weather takes careful investigation. Even when conditions are difficult, people and entities are still expected to act responsibly to prevent avoidable harm. Liability in these cases often involves several possible parties, depending on how decisions were made and what actions were taken before the accident.
Negligent Drivers
The most common liable party is the driver who fails to adjust to bad weather. This includes people who drive too fast for conditions, follow other vehicles too closely, ignore lowered visibility, or overestimate their ability to brake or turn safely on slippery roads. Even if no laws were technically broken, a driver can still be held liable for not adjusting their driving for the weather conditions.
Commercial Drivers and Employer Liability
When commercial truck or delivery drivers cause an accident during severe weather, responsibility can extend beyond the driver themselves. Employers can be accountable if they pressured workers to drive in dangerous conditions, failed to provide adequate training, or chose not to maintain their company vehicles properly.
Local or State Governments
Poor road maintenance, like failing to salt icy roads, plow blocked lanes, or repair areas that consistently flood, could lead to liability for government entities responsible for these tasks. However, holding agencies responsible is often complicated, as different rules and notice requirements usually apply.
Product and Parts Manufacturers
A crash that results from a defective or poorly designed safety system, such as faulty anti-lock brakes or windshields that don’t defrost properly, may involve liability for vehicle or parts manufacturers.
Accountability for weather-related accidents can be a little bit more difficult to prove, but you shouldn’t have to deal with your losses and expenses on your own when someone else was at fault.
If you have questions about who is liable or how to hold them accountable, reach out to a personal injury lawyer in St. Louis.
Call today at (314) 300-6260 to schedule a free consultation.