Bad weather conditions can make it really tough to drive through cities like Albuquerque. Rain, fog, hail, and snow can all create situations that make it dangerous for vehicles to navigate the city’s infrastructure. Even when drivers are extremely cautious at the wheel, bad weather can contribute to or cause car accidents.
In fact, weather-related car accidents happen more often than you might think. According to data from the Federal Highway Administration, weather contributes to 21 percent of auto accidents and 16 percent of fatal collisions nationwide. If you or a loved one was injured in a weather-related accident, reach out to an Albuquerque, NM car crash lawyer.
How Can Bad Weather Cause a Car Accident?
Statistically speaking, car accidents are more likely to happen when weather conditions are poor.
Most often, this is because:
- Road surfaces become wet, which means vehicles will need more time and distance to come to a complete stop
- It’s more difficult for drivers to see, so they’ll be more likely to miss changes in traffic patterns or movement
- Vehicles are more likely to slide, skid, or hydroplane on slick or frozen road surfaces
- Roadways can flood and become submerged by water from downpours
- Lanes can become obstructed by debris or fallen objects like trees or signs
- Infrastructure can become damaged, creating road defects and hazards that increase the risk of collisions
Drivers have to take these potential dangers into account when driving in bad weather.
Who’s Liable For an Accident In Bad Weather?
Bad weather conditions tend to create situations in which car accidents are more likely to happen. However, drivers must exercise extra care and caution when weather conditions aren’t great.
This means allowing additional space between vehicles, avoiding any and all distractions, and driving at a reasonable speed. Many times, drivers are encouraged to drive below the speed limit to reduce the risk of hydroplaning or losing control of their vehicle.
When a driver decides to ignore the added risks of bad weather, they can be liable if their risks cause a car accident.
Liability will ultimately depend on whose negligence ultimately contributed to the car accident. A thorough investigation into your weather related car accident in Albuquerque can determine if a driver was speeding, distracted, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or was careless or reckless in some other way. The bar is much higher when weather conditions aren’t optimal.
Demand Compensation For All of Your Weather-Related Car Accident Injuries
When another driver ignores the risks posed by downpours, snowstorms, or fog, you deserve to be compensated for any crash-related injuries. Whether you’ve suffered broken bones, a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, or other catastrophic trauma, you’ll have the right to seek compensatory damages through insurance or a car accident lawsuit.
Compensatory damages can help you get money for:
- Disability
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral expenses
Don’t stress out about how to get compensation after a weather-related car accident in Albuquerque. Take this opportunity to focus on your health and trust Singleton Schreiber’s Albuquerque car accident lawyers to fight for you.
We’re award-winning New Mexico trial lawyers who’ve helped clients win billions in settlements and jury verdicts. Put our local lawyers and national resources in your corner by calling our Albuquerque, NM, law office today. Your first consultation is free.
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