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334-333-3333Alabama drivers have to contend with challenging weather conditions throughout various points of the year, including heavy rain, tornadoes, flooding, and fog, all creating hazardous roads and heightening the risk of accidents. In 2022, poor weather played a role in tens of thousands of crashes, including nearly 20,000 on wet roads and more than 1,100 in fog, snow, or sleet.
If adverse weather contributed to a collision in which you were injured, you may wonder whether the other driver can still be declared at fault or how to recover compensation for medical expenses and property damage. Understanding what is expected of drivers in poor conditions and how liability is determined can guide you in understanding your options for filing a claim.
Read on to learn how driver responsibility is assessed in dangerous weather conditions and how our Alabama car accident lawyers can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Every driver has a legal duty to operate their vehicle safely, regardless of weather conditions. While rain or fog makes driving harder, the responsibility to drive safely doesn’t change. Instead, drivers have a greater responsibility to drive safely in adverse weather conditions. Steps for safer driving include:
While careful driving is essential, keeping your vehicle in dependable condition is equally important for navigating adverse weather. Poor maintenance can increase the risk of accidents, particularly in challenging conditions. To stay safe, drivers should:
Here’s how each element that may contribute to a crash is assessed when assigning liability after a weather-related collision:
| Factor | Evaluation | Example |
| Driver Behavior | Investigators assess whether the driver adjusted their behavior to account for the weather, such as slowing down or maintaining a greater following distance. Failure to adapt to the conditions can increase their liability. | A driver skids on a wet road because they are speeding, causing a rear-end collision. They are likely at fault. |
| Vehicle Maintenance | Fault is assessed by evaluating the vehicle’s condition, such as whether worn tires or faulty brakes contributed to difficulty managing adverse weather conditions. | A car with worn tires loses traction in the rain, spinning out and colliding with another vehicle. In this scenario, the owner of the poorly maintained car may be held liable. |
| Road Maintenance | Insurers determine whether hazards like poor signage or road design contributed to the crash. Local authorities may share responsibility if they neglected repairs. | A crash occurs on a flooded road lacking warning signs. The city may share liability for failing to address the drainage issue if the road flooding is a known or anticipated issue in heavy rain. |
| Multi-Vehicle Involvement | Each driver’s actions and vehicle condition are evaluated to determine their contribution to the chain reaction. Liability is often distributed among multiple parties. | A driver brakes too late on a foggy highway, causing a pile-up. Their actions may make them partially responsible. |
Adverse weather conditions often result in serious accidents and questions about liability. While drivers can’t control the weather, they are expected to adapt their behavior, such as reducing speed and maintaining control of their vehicles, to ensure safety.
If another driver fails to adjust to hazardous conditions and causes a collision, you have the right to hold them accountable. At The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our experienced car accident attorneys can help you determine fault and collect the evidence needed to prove their negligence.
Contact us today for a free case review to discuss your case and legal options for compensation.
