This summer has brought large amounts of rain and many thunderstorms to Alabama. Wet weather can create hazardous driving conditions and increases the likelihood of being involved in a motor vehicle wreck. This may lead one to wonder if there is a car wreck during bad weather, which driver(s) is legally at fault and how is this determined? And what are some tips to avoid getting into an automobile collision in poor driving conditions in the first place?
WHO IS AT FAULT FOR A CAR WRECK ON WET ROADS?
Driving on wet roads is more dangerous than driving on a typical day with dry roads and clear visibility, but many drivers do not adjust their speed, steering, attentiveness, or braking to compensate. A driver who is inexperienced or reckless is not allowed to use the weather as an excuse for wrecks caused by their careless driving. He or she can be found to be at fault for causing a car wreck since every driver has a duty to drive safely all the time. Alabama uses a system that prevents an injured party from recovering if they contribute to their injury in any meaningful way. The jury may find that you partially contributed to the circumstances that caused your injury. If the jury determines that you are partially at fault then Alabama law is clear that you will not be able to recover any damages for your injury. Therefore, it is important that you practice safe and conservative driving habits so that you cannot be found to have contributed to any wreck you may be involved in.AVOID BEING SWEPT AWAY IN A FLASH FLOOD
Water on the surface of the road often looks much shallower than it actually is. As few as six inches of water can stall your vehicle making you are a sitting duck for other drivers. As few as two feet of water can sweep your vehicle away. Drivers often feels safe in their vehicles during inclement weather, but this is not always the case. To stay safe, remember these two things:DO NOT DRIVE UNTIL THE STORM HAS PASSED
The best thing you can do during bad weather is to avoid driving whenever possible. If you absolutely must be on the road, be extra vigilant. Keep more distance than you typically would between yourself and other vehicles, drive at a slower speed, turn your lights on, keep distractions to a minimum, and pull over and put on your emergency flashers if conditions worsen.DO NOT IGNORE A BARRICADE
Police have blocked the road for a reason. Don’t be tempted to drive past a barricaded area even if your destination is just up the road. Use your GPS or phone to find an alternative safe route. And don’t drive through unmarked low lying areas with swirling water. It is impossible to tell how deep the water might be or how fast it is moving.WE’RE HERE FOR YOU 24/7 If you have been injured in a car wreck during bad weather, or injured at all we are here to help. At Cory Watson Attorneys, we have made it our mission to fight for the rights of injury victims and their families for more than 30 years, and have recovered over 4 Billion for our clients. Call (877) 562-0000 or fill out our online form to arrange for your FREE and CONFIDENTIAL case evaluation.
