Accidents happen every day, and adverse weather conditions like heavy rain, sleet, snow, or fog can significantly complicate driving. Inclement weather can heighten the risk of accidents due to factors such as hydroplaning, vehicle control issues, or reduced visibility. While weather conditions can affect your car accident claim, they do not serve as a valid defense in a collision. All drivers are required to uphold a reasonable standard of care while behind the wheel, and they can be held accountable for injuries and damages if they fail to drive responsibly. If you’ve suffered losses due to a negligent driver during bad weather, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages related to your injuries.
At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP our skilled car accident legal team has a combined century of experience helping victims secure the compensation they deserve in cases of negligence. We are well-versed in complex car accident claims and ready to protect your legal rights.
Liability in an Accident Caused by Bad Weather
When an accident is caused by bad weather, you must determine who contributed to the accident. When motorists choose to drive in inclement weather, they have to uphold a proper duty of care to avoid an accident. Behaviors such as driving slower than the speed limit, not following too closely, or maintaining full control of the vehicle are all examples of acting with prudence in bad weather conditions. If a driver’s duty of care is violated, then they may be held liable for a bad weather accident.
When it comes to the law, drivers cause bad weather accidents, not the weather itself. You must prove that the negligent driver caused the accident by failing to uphold a duty of care in order to recover complete compensation for your physical injuries and other losses.
Additional factors that may contribute to the bad weather accident include:
- The traveling speed of both parties involved
- Visibility on the road
- Liable parties’ actions that may have caused the collision
- If distraction, impairment, or fatigue played a role in the collision
Weather conditions are only a small factor that is considered in determining liability in a bad weather car accident claim. At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP we are well-versed in the most complex bad-weather accident cases and understand how to determine liability by conducting a comprehensive investigation into your accident, analyzing evidence, and interviewing key witnesses to build a robust claim.
Accident-related injuries may be severe and require long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, or other financial losses. We fight for the complete compensation you deserve to aid in your recovery and overall well-being after your accident.
Damages You May Recovery in a Bad Weather Accident
Evidence is key in determining negligence in a bad weather accident. Pictures and videos may be able to prove that bad weather was a factor that contributed to the accident and what actions contributed to your injuries and other losses.
Depending on the severity of the collision, you may be able to recover the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Disfigurement, scarring, or disability
The skilled bad-weather accident lawyers at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP are experienced in building robust claims demonstrating driver negligence with persuasive evidence gathered from the scene of the accident, witness testimony, police reports, and weather reports. We fight for the complete compensation you deserve if negligence contributed to your bad-weather accident.
Contact the Experienced Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP
In inclement weather, motorists are expected to adjust their speed, vigilance, and care when sharing the road with others. If you were harmed in a bad-weather accident, you may recover necessary accident-related damages if you demonstrate driver negligence directly caused your injuries and losses.
The legal team at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP provides compassionate and comprehensive legal services, building your robust case by conducting an investigation into your accident, analyzing valuable evidence, and speaking with witnesses to demonstrate liability. Call us at 516-358-6900 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. To find out more information about our experienced car accident attorneys, visit ourYouTube Channel.
