How Weather Conditions Influence Car Accident Risks and Claims

Weather conditions are crucial for road safety, directly impacting the way cars function and the way drivers behave. Rain, snow, and fog hamper visibility, decrease traction on roads, and increase the likelihood of accidents.

Bakersfield is a city in California that has a suburban charm to it and also attracts several visitors every year to witness the city's art and culture. While Bakersfield does not get any snow or heavy rains, it does get fog, particularly tule fog, during the colder months, making driving a risky task.

Weather conditions also impact insurance claims, from establishing fault to computing loss in Bakersfield. If you're involved in an accident, Jacoby & Meyers Bakersfield car accident lawyers' experience can guide you through the complexities of your claim and protect your rights.

This blog aims to explore how weather conditions can increase risks as well as impact claims.

1. Reduced Visibility in Fog, Rain, and Snow

Poor weather typically restricts sight distance, making it difficult to spot other cars, road signs, or obstacles. Slower reaction increases the risk of accidents. In claims, poor visibility also makes it difficult to ascertain fault since both claimants and defendants might have been unable to see.

2. Slippery Roads Caused by Rain and Ice

Wet or icy roads reduce the traction of tires. This makes the stopping distance longer and the risk of skidding or loss of control greater. Hydroplaning or black ice-related accidents are not uncommon. Insurance companies may take these conditions into account when assessing negligence. But drivers should reduce speed and adjust their driving style accordingly.

3. Effect of Wind on Car Handling

High winds can gust vehicles off the road, even SUVs and trucks. Drivers can find it difficult to stay within lanes or avoid challenges. Wind crashes may also include more than one vehicle, making claims and fault determination more difficult.

4. Rain and Flooding Hazards

Heavy rain can cause localized flooding, submerge roads, or create hidden potholes. Flooding is at great risk of causing engine damage and loss of control, leading to complex insurance claims for car repair and injury.

5. Temperature Extremes Affecting Vehicle Performance

Extreme cold causes mechanical issues like low tire pressure or battery issues, and extreme heat causes blowouts or overheating. These conditions raise accident risks and influence auto maintenance and liability claims.

6. Driver Behavior Changes in Bad Weather

Some drivers become overly cautious, while others will risk it to "beat" the weather. These inconsistent responses often lead to erratic traffic patterns and accidents. These can complicate fault determinations in claims.

7. Insurance Policy Clauses on Weather

Policies also have special provisions for weather damage, such as complete coverage against hail or flood damage. Reading these details makes policyholders aware of what claims are covered in the event of weather-related accidents.

Impact of Weather Conditions on Accident Claims

Dangerous weather conditions are among the many reasons why road accidents occur. However, proving that the accident was caused by the bad weather can get tricky. Insurance companies might argue that the victim was at fault, trying to decrease or deny payouts.

Proving fault after such an accident requires strong evidence that can back up the victim's claim. This can be done by gathering pictures, videos, police reports, official weather reports, etc. Gathering all of this after an accident can be difficult, especially if you are badly hurt, which is why it is best to hire a lawyer who can handle all these aspects and handle all communication with your insurer.

Final Thoughts

Under harsh conditions, it is difficult to prove negligence since everyone is under the same weather. Most of the claims will be based on whether the drivers exercised reasonable care under the conditions prevailing at that time.