Bad Weather Accident Lawyer
Virginia is on the Atlantic Ocean at the bottom of the Chesapeake Bay, meaning the area receives plenty of rain. Occasionally, the temperature is also cold enough for streets to freeze. Cold weather can produce icy roads, which can be especially dangerous. In non-winter weather situations, there is tidal flooding, including flash floods in some areas after rainstorms.
Changing weather variables can make for unsafe roads, increasing the chance for accidents. If you have been injured in a wreck in poor weather conditions, you may wish to speak with a dedicated Virginia car accidents involving bad weather lawyer. Our team of dedicated car wreck attorneys at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers could fight for your right to compensation.
Warning Signs Before a Hazardous Weather Accident
Understanding changing weather patterns and how they may affect traffic conditions is an essential skill for all drivers. If there is heavy rain, a snowstorm, or fog, there might be poor visibility, making car wrecks more likely. If the roads are wet and a driver is going too fast for the conditions, their vehicle could hydroplane.
Similarly, if there is ice on the road, a car’s brakes may not be able to keep the vehicle from sliding. Any of those conditions could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Unfortunately, by the time the driver has noticed some of those things happening, it often is too late to regain control. To stay safe, drivers should drive slowly and defensively in bad weather.
What Steps to Take After an Accident
After being involved in a car collision triggered by severe weather conditions, the first thing the person should do is make sure they are okay when the vehicle has come to a stop. If necessary, and, if they can, they should get out of the vehicle to safety to avoid additional harm. If anyone is injured, a driver should also call 9-1-1 immediately.
Once a driver has received medical treatment, they may wish to consult with a car accidents involving bad weather lawyer in Virginia about filing a claim for compensatory damages. An attorney could begin investigating the circumstances of the accident and determine the potential value of the case.
Assigning Fault in a Bad Weather Accident
Any successful personal injury case hinges on the plaintiff demonstrating that another person or entity’s negligence caused an accident. In a bad weather accident, a plaintiff may be able to demonstrate that another driver did not drive appropriately for the conditions.
Weather forecasting or documentation from the National Weather Service could be used to show what the weather was like at the time of the collision. Photographs taken at the scene showing the weather conditions may also be helpful, in addition to eyewitness testimony.
Recoverable Damages
A person who is injured as a result of another driver’s negligence during a dangerous weather accident in Virginia would be entitled to recover damages for their medical bills, any lost wages as a result of the injuries, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress. A seasoned Virginia lawyer could take care to document an injured driver’s medical bills and other expenses to recover the full cost of their damages.
Contact a Virginia Car Accidents Involving Bad Weather Attorney
The first step a person can take to protect themselves from Virginia accidents involving bad weather is to stay indoors during especially dangerous meteorological events. If the weather is marginal, drivers should still take precautions. For instance, one should drive more slowly than they may under normal conditions, provide more distance from the car in front of them, and not make a sudden lane. Generally, a driver should allow themselves more time to maneuver, and that means keeping more distance between them and other vehicles.
If you were involved in such a car wreck, reach out to a Virginia car accidents involving bad weather lawyer. Let our team help your recovery.
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