Springtime in Alabama means warmer days but also treacherous roads. Sudden rain and thick fog make accidents more likely, putting drivers at serious risk. Weather-related accidents injure more than 481,000 people and claim nearly 5,000 lives every year in the U.S.

Alabama drivers know all too well how quickly conditions can turn hazardous. A tragic 18-vehicle pileup on I-65 in Butler County, caused by rain from Tropical Storm Claudette, took 10 lives in 2021, including 9 children. And fog is just as deadly, contributing to 38,700 crashes resulting in 600 deaths nationwide annually.

When the weather turns, safe driving is crucial, but not every driver takes the proper precautions. If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence, an Alabama car accident lawyer at our law firm will fight to protect your right to fair compensation.

How Rain and Fog Increase the Risk of Car Accidents

Spring storms and morning fog aren’t just inconveniences but serious dangers on Alabama roads. Wet pavement, poor visibility, and unpredictable traffic make accidents more likely, especially when drivers don’t slow down or keep a safe distance.

Knowing how rain and fog impact road safety can help prevent crashes and hold reckless drivers accountable.

Slippery Roads and Hydroplaning Risks

Rain reduces tire traction, making it harder to stop or steer. Roads are slick in the first 10 minutes of rainfall as water mixes with oil and debris. Prolonged rain can create standing water, increasing the risk of hydroplaning, where tires lose contact with the road and slide uncontrollably.

Hydroplaning can happen as low as 35 mph, leading to crashes and multi-car pile-ups. High-risk areas include bridges, overpasses, low-lying roads, and poorly maintained pavement where water easily accumulates.

Reduced Visibility and Driver Reaction Time

Heavy rain and fog limit visibility, making it harder to see road signs, lane markings, and other vehicles. In downpours, even fast-moving wipers may not clear the windshield effectively.

Fog makes things worse by distorting distances and reflecting headlights. Reduced visibility shortens reaction times, increasing the risk of rear-end and multi-vehicle crashes, especially on highways.

Safe Driving Tips for Rainy and Foggy Conditions

Drivers who fail to adjust for rain or foggy conditions endanger themselves and other road users. Whether you’re caught in a sudden downpour or traveling through thick morning fog, the following precautions can help you stay in control and avoid a crash:

• Adjust Speed and Following Distance: Reduce your speed and leave extra space between your vehicle and the one in front. In rainy conditions, increase your following distance to at least four seconds. In dense fog, leave even more room to compensate for delayed reaction times.
• Brake and Steer Smoothly: Sudden braking or sharp turns on slick roads can cause your vehicle to skid. Instead, slow down gradually and apply steady pressure to the brakes. If you start to slide, steer in the direction of the skid to regain control.
• Keep Your Vehicle in Top Condition: Regularly check your wipers for signs of wear, like streaking or skipping, and replace them as needed. Tires should have around 4⁄32” tread depth to maintain grip on wet roads.
• Use the Right Lights for Visibility: In rain and fog, low-beam headlights and fog lights improve visibility without creating glare. High beams make fog worse by reflecting off water droplets, reducing your ability to see ahead. Turn on your headlights anytime visibility drops, even during the day, so other drivers can see you.
• Stay Alert for Other Drivers: Some drivers may forget to turn on their headlights in fog, making them harder to see. Stay extra cautious at intersections and watch for vehicles merging onto the road. If conditions become too dangerous, pull over to a safe location until visibility improves.

Determining Fault in Weather-Related Car Accidents

Bad weather doesn’t excuse reckless driving. In Alabama, drivers are legally required to adjust their speed and behavior based on road conditions. If a driver causes a crash by speeding, tailgating, failing to use headlights, or losing control due to hydroplaning, they can still be held liable, regardless of rain or fog.

Alabama applies the contributory negligence rule, meaning if a driver is found to be even 1% at fault for a crash, they may be unable to recover damages. This makes proving negligence crucial in weather-related accidents. Insurance companies and legal professionals assess factors like speeding, unsafe lane changes, and failure to maintain control, not just the weather itself.

How The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers Can Help

When bad weather contributes to a crash, proving negligence is crucial for securing compensation. The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers have the experience and resources to build solid cases for Alabama accident victims, even in complex weather-related claims.

Our legal team thoroughly investigates accidents to establish fault. We collect key evidence, such as police reports, traffic camera footage, witness statements, and weather data, to prove the at-fault driver failed to adjust for hazardous conditions.

Whether they were speeding on wet roads, tailgating in fog, or failing to use headlights, we can help you hold a negligent driver accountable.

Insurance companies may try to blame the weather to avoid paying claims. We push back, negotiating aggressively to secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage.

If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by another driver’s reckless actions in rain or fog, The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers is ready to advocate for you.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. You pay nothing upfront. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case.