Were you injured in a car accident during adverse weather conditions? If so, you’ll need to know if the weather will impact a personal injury claim. Thankfully, the Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz is here to give you the facts!
Weather Impacts Car Accidents
There is no doubt that terrible weather conditions increase the rate of car accidents. For example, rainfall causes cars to hydroplane, and black ice is seemingly impossible to drive on. As a result of poor conditions, drivers may lose control of their vehicles and cause accidents and personal injuries.
Therefore, the weather can impact the rate of car accidents, but does it affect personal injury claims?
Drivers Must Exercise Due Diligence
Poor weather conditions may seem like the cause of accidents, but they are no excuse for driver negligence. For example, a driver may claim that black ice was the cause of an auto accident, as it was impossible to slow down while on the ice. While that may be true, it means the driver was driving too fast from the start given the weather conditions, which means he or she is accountable for the accident.
Poor weather is rarely an excuse for an auto accident. Drivers must take steps to ensure they’re operating their vehicles safely based on road conditions. This means:
- Slowing down below the posted speed limits
- Giving enough room to other vehicles and increasing time to stop
- Maintaining vehicles to ensure visibility is as clear as possible
Talk to an Attorney About Your Case
No matter how an accident occurred, you’ll need to prove your case in court. Unfortunately, most defendants will put up a fight and say they didn't cause your injuries. However, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you fight back and determine the facts of your case.
If you are suffering from auto accident injuries, talk to a personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz today. Call (915) 308-8850 now for a free consultation for your case!