Car Accidents Involving Bad Weather in El Centro

In an area like El Centro, where the average annual rainfall is less than three inches, it is more than understandable for local drivers to be unaccustomed to driving in bad weather conditions. However, no matter where you live in California, state law expects you to anticipate every possible hazard while behind the wheel. If you fail to meet that expectation and cause a crash, the courts could hold you civilly liable for the consequences of your actions.

Individuals in car accidents involving bad weather in El Centro need legal help. If you were recently in such a crash, and it was someone else’s fault, you should strongly consider contacting an experienced auto injury lawyer from Walter Clark Legal Group as soon as possible. This type of claim could be more challenging than other types of auto accident litigation, and the support of an experienced legal professional could be critical to achieving the best possible outcome from your lawsuit or settlement demand.

Duty of Care for Drivers in Inclement Weather

Regardless of local conditions, every licensed driver in the Golden State has a duty of care to act lawfully and responsibly behind the wheel at all times. In addition to obeying traffic laws and not driving while drunk or distracted, drivers must adjust their driving behavior to account for unfavorable road conditions, including those caused by rain, fog, or even a dust storm.

Anyone in El Centro who causes a car wreck in bad weather because they failed to account for the loss of visibility, traction, or stability has breached their duty of care, even if they acted within the boundaries of the law. In the same way, anyone who contributed to their own injuries because they, too, failed to account for bad weather may miss out on some compensation due to their comparative fault, an outcome that a seasoned legal professional could work to prevent.

Holding a Vehicle Manufacturer Liable for Injuries

If only one car is involved in an accident in El Centro due to bad weather, there would not be another driver to hold civilly liable for injuries. However, it is sometimes possible in such a situation to seek compensation from someone who was indirectly negligent in relation to the wreck. For example, a company that made and sold a vehicle with a design flaw that made it unreasonably difficult to drive safely during inclement weather.

Likewise, if a crash like this stems partially or primarily from a defect in a specific vehicle component, the manufacturer of that component or the mechanic who installed it in the vehicle may be at fault for crash-related injuries. However, this could be very difficult to prove in a civil court, so it is essential to have assistance from skilled legal counsel.

Learn More From an El Centro Lawyer About Suing Over Car Accidents Involving Bad Weather

Not all streets are created equal, and a perfectly safe speed on a major highway may be very unsafe on a twisty two-lane road. The same principle applies to driving behavior during good weather compared to bad weather. If you were injured by someone else because they failed to consider the change in conditions, you may be able to demand financial restitution from them.

However, filing suit successfully over car accidents involving bad weather in El Centro is not something you want to try handling entirely on your own. Call Walter Clark Legal Group today to schedule a meeting with a knowledgeable auto accident lawyer and learn more about your legal options.