Allentown Car Accident Lawyer and Atmospheric Conditions Car Accidents

According to the U.S. Department of Communication’s Federal Highway Administration, there are over 5,891,000 vehicle crashes each year. About 21% of these crashes, nearly 1,235,000, are weather-related. Weather-related crashes are defined as those crashes that occur in adverse weather; in other words, rain, sleet, snow, fog, severe crosswinds, blowing snow or sand or debris, or on slick pavement, including wet pavement, snowy, slushy, or icy pavement. On average, nearly 5,000 people are killed and over 418,000 people are injured in weather-related crashes each year.

Contact an experienced Allentown car accident lawyer at Drake, Hileman & Davis for help with any claims you may have if you have suffered injuries in an atmospheric-related accident.

Who’s at Fault for an Accident Caused by Bad Weather?

Pennsylvania has its share of snowy, cold, rainy, and icy weather conditions during the winter. These conditions substantially increase the chance of accidents, involving not only cars but other vehicles as well. Determining liability, or fault, in an accident caused by bad weather conditions can be complicated. Adverse weather conditions are no legal excuse for fault in an accident, despite what many believe. Unfortunately, you cannot sue the weather, and it has no money in any event.

Generally speaking, the liability rules do not change according to the weather because of the duty to drive safely according to the conditions. So, for example, if you are approaching a stop sign but actually pass through the stop sign because your car is skidding on ice, you are still responsible if another car hits you as they are moving through the intersection. This is why sliding on icy roads is one of the most frightening feelings a driver can have because you simply can’t control your car. Even if you try to turn, the car tends to continue in the direction it was going when you hit the ice patch.

How to Avoid Accidents in Inclement Weather

Quite often, there is simply nothing you can do once you’ve begun sliding other than turning into the slide. Nonetheless, preparedness is the key. These common-sense steps will help you avoid accidents in bad weather:

• Maintain a safe distance. This is the primary rule for driving in bad weather. After all, you can’t keep sliding forever. If you’ve left plenty of time for the sliding of the car, you won’t hit anything. Try testing the road conditions on a deserted street or empty parking lot before you head off to your destination.
• Slow down. If everyone plans ahead a bit and drives slowly enough, it’s much easier to avoid other vehicles or obstacles. 
• Avoid distractions. Focus only on driving, and continually scan your surroundings to avoid potential dangers.
• Use your headlights. This makes your vehicle more noticeable to other drivers in inclement weather.
• Stay home. This eliminates the chances of an accident. Don’t drive anywhere unnecessarily.

Contact an Allentown Car Accident Lawyer if You’ve Been Involved in an Accident Caused by Atmospheric Conditions

Driving in Pennsylvania means you will be driving in snowy, icy, rainy conditions, sometimes compounded by fog. If you’re involved in a weather-related accident, let an Allentown car accident lawyer at Drake, Hileman & Davis help you with your insurance and legal claims. Contact us to schedule your free consultation.