Can Weather Impact Liability In An Automobile Accident?

To answer the question above, “Yes, weather can impact liability in an automobile accident.” But the answer is a little more complicated than that and, depending on the facts of your case, a little more tricky to navigate.

Going over the ways in which weather can impact liability in an automobile accident and speaking with a California car accident attorney at Maire & Deedon will allow you to obtain the best possible legal outcome.

How Can Weather Impact An Automobile Accident?

A weather event – rain, for example, or an intense storm – can affect people’s driving in a variety of ways. And, in affecting people’s driving, a car accident can arise with far greater ease than it might normally.

Some of the most notable ways in which weather can impact people’s driving, thereby leading to an automobile accident, are as follows:

• Reducing one’s visibility while driving.
• Lengthening the stopping distances a car must come to.
• Causing one’s car to slide or skid across the road.

Every single one of the above can lead to a car accident. But, even if these exact conditions are not present, this doesn’t mean that a car accident can’t arise due to the chaos and stress that weather can create.

How Can Weather Impact Liability In An Automobile Accident?

On its own, weather is unlikely to impact liability. But, certain decisions that are made while driving in intense weather can definitely impact liability.

Some of the most significant behaviors that can impact liability in an automobile accident when driving in intense weather are as follows:

• Failing to turn on one’s headlights.
• Going beyond the speed limit.
• Running red lights.
• Failing to use one’s turn signals.
• Driving far too closely to another vehicle.

On its own, these are negligent behaviors. But, when these behaviors are present, and the weather is intense, then these behaviors can be considered especially egregious.

Outside of the point clarified above, many of these behaviors can lead to a California automobile accident on their own. If the weather is quite intense, though, then it is easier for these negligent behaviors to lead to a car accident.

If intense weather is present, and a driver acts in a negligent manner, they can be held liable for an automobile accident. This is true, even if the weather is likely the main reason why an automobile accident occurred.

Can Weather Impact Liability In An Automobile Accident?

On its own, weather can create certain conditions that affect one’s driving. These conditions, if present, can lead to a car accident.

Even though the above is true, if one is driving in a negligent manner, then they can be held liable for the car accident that they were involved in.

Alternatively, if one is hit by a car while driving in a negligent manner, then the fact that they were driving in a negligent manner during intense weather may affect their ability to obtain compensation.

Speak With A Northern California Automobile Accident Attorney Today

If you were involved in a car accident, then you need legal help. Speak with a Northern California automobile accident attorney at Maire & Deedon today, and we will assist you in obtaining the best possible legal outcome.