Car Accidents Caused by Heavy Rain

Most people try to avoid driving when the weather forecast calls for snow or freezing rain, because the road conditions can become extremely hazardous. However, most drivers do not consider the fact that rain can also cause dangerous driving conditions.

Wet, slippery roads and poor visibility can cause serious car accidents involving severe injuries. If you are involved in a car accident that occurred during inclement weather, like heavy rain, you may be eligible for financial compensation. A skilled Baltimore car accident lawyer can walk you through the claims process and recommend the best legal course of action.

Weather Vs. Driver Negligence

It is important to understand that, in order to reach a successful settlement, you must be able to prove that the other driver involved was at fault for the accident. Some drivers assume that they will not be held responsible for an accident if rain, snow, or sleet caused unsafe driving conditions. However, when determining fault, insurance companies believe that it is the driver’s responsibility to use extra caution when driving in the rain.

If a driver was speeding, or weaving in and out of lanes in an attempt to get to their destination and out of the rain, he or she would be considered at fault if the unsafe driving behavior caused an accident.

If another motorist was driving recklessly; or failed to turn on his or her headlights or windshield wipers; and that resulted in a car accident, that person would be considered at fault.

In some cases, both parties share fault for an accident. For example, if both drivers involved in the accident were following the rules of the road, and were using extreme caution due to inclement weather conditions, they would both be considered at fault for the resulting collision.

Collecting Damages

Once the insurance company determines who is at fault for the accident, the at-fault driver will be responsible for paying damages. While the insurance company may consider the weather conditions at the time of the accident, it will not excuse the driver if he or she was clearly at fault. In at-fault states, like Maryland, the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying the victim’s personal injury damages, including medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other costs associated with the accident.

Regardless of the weather outside, motorists should always drive responsibly, follow the rules of the road, and avoid unsafe driving behaviors like drunk driving and distracted driving. However, when the road conditions are wet, slippery, or covered in ice or snow, drivers should use extra caution in order to avoid serious accidents.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Reach Successful Settlements for Car Accident Victims

If you have been injured in a car accident during inclement weather, and the other driver involved was at fault, the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton will protect your rights and secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve. We are skilled at negotiating with insurance companies to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries. We will not stop fighting for you until you are completely satisfied. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.