The Changing of the Seasons Can Lead to Car Accidents

Thursday, October 7, 2021

The Changing of the Seasons Can Lead to Car Accidents

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

With the changing of the seasons often comes different conditions on the road. Spring or fall showers might wash the salt off the road from the winter, but they can also free up oil resting on the road, leading to slickness that can cause accidents. Visibility during rain or snow is reduced, increasing accidents, and the ice and snow of the winter result in a variety of other hazards on the road.

Being in an accident as a result of the conditions of the road can be frustrating, and knowing who is liable for your damages can be difficult to determine. Reaching out to a local Chicago Car Accident Lawyer to discuss your case can help you achieve the best outcome and the maximum damages possible.

Seasonal Issues Impact the Roads and the Level of Safety While Driving

Weather impairs driving in a wide variety of ways. Weather leads to visibility impairments that can affect the capabilities of drivers, as well as vehicle performance, pavement friction, and many factors that affect the overall flow of the road like traffic flow, crash risk, roadway infrastructure, and the ability of government support to function.

In addition, changing sunlight hours can lead drivers to crash more often. There might be glaring sunlight in your eyes on your morning commute, or your evening commute might suddenly be in the dark due to daylight saving.

Weather-Related Crashes Cause Thousands of Deaths and Hundreds of Thousands of Injuries

According to the Department of Transportation, of the average 5,891,000 vehicle crashes that occur each year, 21% of these crashes are weather-related. This means that some 1,235,000 crashes are caused each year by the weather, on average.

A weather-related crash is defined as one that occurs during adverse weather, which includes rain, snow, fog, sleet, severe crosswinds, or blowing sand/snow/debris. Slick pavement caused by weather such as snow, slush, ice, or rain is also considered to be an adverse weather condition. Each year, around 5,000 people are killed in weather-related crashes, and 418,000 people are injured in weather-related crashes.

If you are one of the significant numbers of people injured each year on the roads due to accidents involving snow, rain, sleet, strong winds, changing light, and other weather-related problems, you should understand the value of a car accident attorney following your car accident. The insurance companies and lawyers working for the other drivers use tactics to minimize your settlement and having your own attorney to advocate for your interests will lead to the best outcome in your case.

Contact a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Now

The road conditions change with the seasons, as any driver knows, and as a result of this, drivers must exercise additional caution when on weather-impacted roads. If you have been in an accident as a result of another driver failing to be reasonably cautious on the road through speeding, distracted or impaired driving, and other activities, an attorney knows how to protect your rights.

Connect with a Chicago car accident lawyer from Malman Law to schedule a free case review today.