Recently, most of the country is experiencing a winter that is lasting longer than usual. Many areas have been smothered in snow, flooded with heavy rain and snow melt, and slickened with ice and sleet. When the weather is this bad, driving conditions get even worse. Everyone who drives in harsh weather needs to be well aware of the dangerous situation and do what they can to prevent a weather-related accident.
To help yourself and others stay safe on the road in harsh weather, remember:
- Lower your speed: Whether the environment is thick with rain, snow, hail, or fog, you need to travel slower than posted speed limits. It is recommended to lower your speed by 10 miles per hour in light to average precipitation. For harsh weather, 15 to 20 miles per hour might be necessary. Always judge the situation as best you can and never travel faster than it feels safe to do so given the weather conditions.
- Headlights: You should be using your headlights whenever there is precipitation or even just clouds obscuring the sun. If it is overcast, switch them on. Headlights help you see but, perhaps more importantly, they can help approaching vehicles and pedestrians see you from a distance.
- Check the forecast: Before you head out for a drive, you should pull out your smartphone (never while driving!) and look up your local weather forecast. Most smartphones include a weather app or widget by default. If the weather is looking harsh, then see if you can postpone your trip until it clears up.
- Keep in touch: When you must travel in harsh weather, let people know where you are going and when you expect to arrive. You should also keep your phone’s GPS locator on while driving. In the case of an accident or a breakdown, First Responders can use your GPS function to find you more quickly.
Liability in a Weather-Related Accident
Given that bad weather makes for dangerous driving, it is no surprise that it can cause an increase in car accidents. The issue with weather-related car accidents is finding out who is liable for the accident. If another driver loses control of their vehicle due to bad road conditions caused by weather and causes a collision, liability will likely be on them. What happens, though, if you are in a single-car accident during bad weather? If you were the passenger or loved one of an injured passenger in a one-car accident call Burnett Legal Group personal injury lawyers.
Poor road conditions that have gone neglected could potentially put liability on the city that did not perform needed repairs. However, injury claims against the city or state you live in can be a complex process needing experienced attorneys. Come to Burnett Legal Group to have your claim evaluated by our Omaha personal injury attorneys. We have decades of legal experience and a history of impressive results for our clients.
See how we can help you after a weather-related car accident by calling (402) 810-8611 for a free consultation.