Special Weather Considerations And Auto Accident Risks
Each season in Maryland has unique weather conditions that require a shift in driving behaviors for road safety. Should you be involved in an accident caused by a driver who failed to adjust their driving to the weather conditions, talk to an experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyer about your damage recovery options.
Baltimore’s Weather and Seasonal Collision Risks
All four seasons, each bringing distinct weather patterns are experienced in the Baltimore area. In winter, there are cold temperatures, snow, and ice, followed by rain showers and occasional thunderstorms in spring. Then, summer brings high temperatures and humidity while fall ushers in cooler temperatures and increased rainfall.
These weather changes can impact drivers in the following ways.
- Winter in Baltimore often brings snow and ice, and icy roads reduce tire traction, increasing the likelihood of skidding and losing control. There is also the possibility of black ice, Invisible patches of ice can catch drivers off guard, leading to accidents.
- Spring weather can be unpredictable, with frequent rain showers and thunderstorms. Wet roads increase the risk of hydroplaning, where tires lose contact with the road.
- Summer brings high temperatures, and when temperatures are very high it can cause engines to overheat, leading to breakdowns. Plus, summer thunderstorms can reduce visibility and create slick road conditions.
- Fall is characterized by cooler temperatures and increased rainfall. Fallen leaves on the road can become slippery when wet, reducing traction, and cooler temperatures can lead to fog, which limits visibility.
If you’re involved in an accident caused by a driver who failed to adjust their driving behavior to the weather conditions, a lawyer can share damage recovery options with you.
Investigating the Accident and Establishing Negligence
Once you connect with a Baltimore personal injury lawyer following an accident injury sustained during poor conditions, the attorney will begin the process of collecting evidence. This could be a combination of police reports, witness statements, and weather reports to establish the weather conditions at the time of the accident.
Next, if the evidence supports it, legal professionals will work to prove that the other driver was negligent in failing to adjust their driving behavior to the weather, such as driving too fast for the conditions or not using headlights in low visibility. With proof in place, a claim can be filed with the at-fault driver’s insurance company and the negotiation process for fair compensation can begin.
If your claim is denied, a lawyer can challenge the denial. Should it be impossible to reach a just settlement, a lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court. In short, an attorney will seek damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
How did you adjust your driving to conditions in the moments before an accident? Seasonal conditions can present challenges for drivers, increasing the risk of auto accidents. If you were hurt in an accident because another driver behaved recklessly, discuss your compensation options with the experienced attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP. Legal professionals will fight for your recovery each step of the way, simply contact us.
