What you should know about driving in inclement weather in Montgomery County is this: poor weather requires the utmost caution. You must ensure your vehicle is equipped for bad weather and drive in a manner reflective of heightened danger.
Drivers in Montgomery County must be prepared for all kinds of weather
Being in Pennsylvania, Montgomery County experiences a full range of weather conditions. Motorists must be prepared for sun, snow, sleet, hail, and rain. These conditions are particularly dangerous to drivers because they:
- Cause slippery roads
- Cause vehicles to malfunction
- Make it difficult for drivers to see
- Produce extreme danger
Motorists should never drive in inclement weather if they are not confident. If there is any question of whether safe driving is possible, wait until road conditions are safer. If your vehicle is not prepared for a certain weather condition, you must not drive.
The danger of inclement weather is life-threatening
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) explains that weather-related accidents cause 5,000 deaths and more than 418,000 injuries per year. Motorists who fail to exercise necessary caution run the risk of causing injuries and taking lives.
Best practices for driving in inclement weather
Every motorist must know about driving in inclement weather in Montgomery County—including best practices for doing so.
In poor weather conditions, motorists should:
- Reduce their speed
- Increase the distance behind vehicles
- Turn on hazard lights and high beams
- Accelerate slowly
- Refrain from risky driving maneuvers
- Take turns slowly
- Avoid distraction
- Remove any eyewear or obstructions that reduce your visibility
Your vehicle is also a concern. You may drive as cautiously as you possibly can, but an unsafe vehicle can still cause a collision. Before driving in poor weather (or any weather, for that matter), you should:
- Equip any weather-specific equipment, like tire chains
- Fix defects or potential issues that you are aware of
- Ensure that all vehicle components function well enough for poor weather (windshield wipers, headlights, and taillights)
- Ensure your brakes work well
- Check your tires for any signs of wear and tear
You may be liable for any vehicle defects that cause a collision.
Are you liable when weather causes an accident?
Weather does not generally cause an accident on its own. Insurance companies and attorneys will generally tie an accident to a driver’s negligent behavior, even if poor weather contributed to the collision.
Drivers must avoid accidents in the rain, snow, and other inclement conditions. When an accident does happen, a driver may be liable because:
- They were driving too quickly for weather conditions
- They failed to increase their normal distance behind another vehicle, causing a rear-end collision as a result
- They lost control of their vehicle
- A vehicle defect caused their collision
Your lawyer can determine whether someone is liable for your accident. Liability generally affects insurance coverage and may dictate whether you can file a lawsuit.
Can you receive compensation for an accident in poor weather?
You may receive awards for an inclement weather accident in Montgomery County. If another party is liable for your damages, you could receive coverage for:
- Accident-related medical expenses: From diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation, every accident-related healthcare cost may be recoverable.
- Lost income: If your accident causes injuries that require you to miss work, you could be reimbursed for lost income. Other professional damages can also require compensation.
- Pain and suffering: Motor vehicle accidents can cause trauma, pain, and other forms of suffering. Victims may receive compensation for this hardship.
- Vehicle repairs: The liable party could cover all necessary repairs to your vehicle.
Your lawyer will seek coverage for any other losses from your accident.
Should you hire our lawyers for an accident in Montgomery County?
It may be in your interest to hire a lawyer. Accidents involving inclement weather may pose unique challenges, particularly when it comes to liability. Your lawyer may need to prove that a driver caused your accident, rather than weather conditions alone.
In addition to proving liability, your lawyer can:
- Document your damages
- Obtain evidence of negligence
- Handle administrative aspects of your case (paperwork, communications)
- Negotiate a settlement
- Complete a trial
Accident-related lawsuits do not generally require a trial. If one is necessary, though, our firm remains prepared.
What does it cost to hire a lawyer for your case?
You can hire a lawyer for a contingency fee. You only pay this fee if our firm secures compensation for you. Our team requires no upfront fee from you. There are no additional charges when we hire experts, investigators, or other parties to help with your case.
Call Cordisco & Saile LLC today to discuss your car accident case
We fight for the people of Montgomery County that suffer after car accidents. If you or a loved one suffered harm in a motor vehicle accident, Cordisco & Saile LLC could help. Call our team today at (215) 642-2335 for a FREE consultation about your vehicle injury case.
