Accidents As a Result of Weather Conditions During The Fall Season

By Pyle Law, March 10 2021 8:00 am
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Accidents As a Result of Weather Conditions During The Fall Season

By Pyle Law, March 10 2021 8:00 am
Accidents As a Result of Weather Conditions During The Fall Season

Accidents as a result of weather conditions come with the changes of the season and this can increase the risk of accidents happening. As the summer shifts into the fall, temperatures drop and in many regions, increased rain comes along the fall season. Below, we explore the new driving risks that can emerge as a result of weather conditions. If you have been in an auto accident, contact a car crash attorney in your area. Discuss options on your case, as you may be entitled to damages.

The Fall Weather Brings Wind, Precipitation, Pavement Damage, and Potentially Snow 

Come late September, we begin to feel the effects of autumn. The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) advises that weather events like air temperature and humidity, wind speed, fog, pavement condition, and water levels all impact the safety of the road. The temperature of the pavement is a factor in fall weather that causes traffic risks that often go unnoticed. When the roads cool overnight, and it warms quickly in the morning, fog will obscure the road.

When driving in light precipitation or fog, visibility for drivers is reduced. This can impact accident risk, traffic speed, and also the ability of drivers to control their vehicles. When drivers are unable to see as far, as usual, can delay the ability to stop. Which can also cause accidents because of weather conditions.

Close up of car tire on the snowy road with copy space

With winter comes additional risks which can further deteriorate road conditions

Accidents as a result of weather conditions are increasingly common as the fall weather takes over summer. Then, with winter comes additional risks which can further deteriorate road conditions and make it more dangerous to drive. With the changing conditions of the weather, it is essential that drivers are attentive to the roads. Keep in mind the limitations that weather conditions might impose on their driving as they operate their motor vehicles.

Wet Pavement is a Leading the list of Dangers that Cause Accidents Because of Weather Conditions.

Weather-related crashes kill an average of 5,000 people each year and injure an additional 400,000 more. Of the many weather-related crashes that occur each year, 70% of them happen when there are wet weather conditions, and 46% of these accidents happen during active rainfall. When warm weather fronts hit cold weather fronts, as your local meteorologist will tell you, rain and wet road conditions are sure to follow. When this happens, drivers must exercise additional caution to ensure that the limitations placed upon their visibility and ability to stop do not adversely impact their driving and cause accidents. 

Driving Too Fast in Poor Road Conditions 

Speeding generally means driving faster than the posted speed limit on a given road. However, the speeding laws in Kansas also prohibit driving “at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual hazards then existing.” The law requires drivers to observe the conditions around them and determine what speed is reasonable under the circumstances. 

Front side view of black car in turn.

When drivers go faster than is safe in poor road conditions, they can cause accidents

When drivers go faster than is safe in poor road conditions, they can cause accidents and injuries to others. If you think this is what caused your crash and injuries, you should seek a free case evaluation from Pyle Law to learn about your rights and options. 

Weather, Road, and Traffic Conditions

There are many situations when a driver should slow down below the speed limit due to adverse conditions. These can include:

  1. Ice, sleet, or snow falling or on the road or highway
  2. Heavy rain can lead to flash flooding
  3. Fog that limits visibility
  4. High winds can blow vehicles around when traveling too fast
  5. Potholes, cracks, or other hazards on the road
  6. Construction zones, whether workers are present or not
  7. Seeing items or debris in the road
  8. Areas with a higher risk of animals crossing the road 
  9. Roads with heavier traffic congestion

If someone is driving and notices any of these conditions, they should know it is reasonable to slow down. However, some drivers are in a hurry, and they will proceed at the speed limit (or faster) even when it is dangerous to do so. This can lead to fatal accidents, and the speeding driver should be liable for any losses that result. 

Truck Drivers

Commercial trucks are also prohibited from driving too fast for conditions by federal trucking regulations. This includes adverse weather, when the driver is heading into a curve, or when the driver has a fully loaded trailer. Unfortunately, when a truck driver is behind the wheel of a heavy semi-trailer with up to 18 wheels, they feel more secure at higher speeds in many conditions. This is especially true in weather conditions, as many truck drivers assume they have enough traction to forge ahead at the speed limit. 

Truck is driving on a wintry country road

Trucks that travel too fast in slick conditions might not slow down or stop in time

Trucks that travel too fast in slick conditions might not slow down or stop in time to avoid a collision. A truck speeding in high Kansas winds can easily roll over, often causing a chain-reaction crash. It is never safe for any driver – especially commercial drivers – to exceed a reasonable speed. Drivers who do so face liability for any harm they cause. 

Contact a Kansas Car Accident Lawyer Today

The best way to understand your rights and how to obtain compensation is by seeking legal help from the start of your claim. Your attorney will step into your shoes and handle all of the communications and negotiations with the insurance companies and opposing parties so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

If you have an accident in the fall as a result of weather conditions like rain, sleet, snow, or fog, you may be entitled to damages if another driver was at fault. You should always seek the compensation you deserve with the right legal help. Connect with Pyle Law to schedule a free consultation about a possible case.

 

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