Car Accidents Involving Bad Weather in Rancho Mirage
There is a connection between bad weather and car accidents, but the weather does not cause these wrecks directly. Bad weather can make roadways hazardous, increasing the likelihood of collisions; however, the primary cause is negligent driving. Negligent drivers are those who fail to adjust their driving habits when faced with dust storms, strong winds, or sudden rainfall.
Unfortunately, many drivers do not know how to drive safely in bad weather. Others know what to do but fail to take the proper precautions. If negligence plays a role in car accidents involving bad weather in Rancho Mirage, the wrongdoers may be financially responsible for your injuries.
Common Weather Hazards Leading to Car Accidents
Dust storms are a significant hazardous weather condition in Rancho Mirage that can contribute to automobile crashes. In the desert environment, any instances of strong winds can cause sudden dust storms that drastically reduce visibility. When drivers are unable to see ahead, they may fail to react in time to traffic slowdowns, resulting in rear-end collisions and multi-vehicle pileups.
Windstorms also kick up a huge amount of dust, leading to poor air quality, which can impact visibility and driver awareness. Poor air quality may also contribute to drowsiness or difficulty concentrating while driving.
Not all high winds lead to dust storms, but high winds can cause their own problems by making it difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. High winds can push cars into adjacent lanes, making highway driving particularly dangerous. Larger vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs, may also be more susceptible to tipping or losing control due to wind gusts.
Even though it is in the desert, the area does get some rainfall, and even a light, brief rainfall can create road hazards. Light rain creates the perfect environment for hydroplaning because rainwater mixes with oil and debris on the road, creating a slippery surface. Drivers who are not used to wet roads may underestimate how slick the road surface becomes, leading to loss of traction and control.
Additionally, heavy seasonal rains may lead to flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. Flooded roads may be deceptively deep, causing vehicles to become stranded or swept away. Drivers attempting to make their way through floodwaters risk severe accidents, including loss of control and vehicle submersion.
Liability in Weather-Related Car Accidents
Local weather is usually fantastic, and many drivers take it for granted. As a result, Rancho Mirage drivers might fail to take appropriate precautions when the weather becomes inclement, which could lead to an increased risk of vehicle wrecks.
While bad weather may contribute to accidents, driver negligence often plays a significant role. Drivers are responsible for adjusting their speed, maintaining safe distances, and using caution during hazardous conditions.
Liability may arise if a driver fails to:
- Reduce speed during dust storms or heavy rainfall
- Use headlights when visibility is compromised
- Avoid flooded roadways
- Maintain control of their vehicle during strong winds
- Stay alert despite air quality concerns
Bad weather is not an excuse for accidents. Drivers have a responsibility to mitigate the impact of bad weather on their driving. That could mean anything from reducing speed to pulling over when it is unsafe to drive. Some weather conditions are so severe that no reasonable person would attempt to drive in them, making it negligence for a driver to continue under those circumstances.
Inclement weather could also lead to third-party liability for accidents. For example, if the weather washes out poorly maintained roads, government bodies could be held liable for the resulting injuries. Similarly, third parties could be held liable when bad weather combines with factors such as construction to make wrecks more likely.
Contact a Rancho Mirage Attorney To File a Claim After a Car Accident Involving Adverse Weather
If you have been involved in a car accident involving bad weather in Rancho Mirage, legal assistance is available. Schedule a free consultation with a lawyer from Walter Clark Legal Group to learn more about your legal rights and options.
