Death Tolls Rise in Bad Weather Car Accidents

If you have been driving on the roads in the last few months, you have probably noticed an increased number of car accidents caused by rain and flooding. This year, winter weather has transformed California from a sunny paradise into a rainy mess, with only short reprieves. The Los Angeles Times reported that there were at least five fatalities caused by a storm over one weekend in January. Such heavy rain for ongoing periods damages both the roads and drivers. Extra care must be taken to avoid accidents in this winter weather to avoid painful accidents.

How Winter Weather Reduces Safety

The Federal Highway Administration reports that in the last ten years there were 1.2 million weather-related car crashes, with 445,000 resulting in injuries, and nearly 6,000 deaths. The main causes of accidents include:

• Rain
• Wet, icy and snow-covered pavement
• Fog and low visibility
• Snow and sleet
• Submerged lanes

Except in the mountains, the biggest cause of weather-related car accidents in Southern California is the rain and the low visibility. Even light rain can increase accidents on slick roads. Rain and flooding can not only cause cars to hydroplane, but debris can also accumulate in the roadways causing further accidents. Extended periods of harsh weather can cause damage to roads, such as potholes and cracks in the road, which further increases car accidents.

Protect Yourself from bad weather car accidents

Remember, driving in dangerous weather conditions affects you and other drivers, as well. So while you may personally be driving safely, there is no guarantee that others are. This is why it is important to drive slowly when roads are wet or icy and visibility is low. Being on the lookout can reduce the risk of being involved in an accident that someone else causes. But driving safely is not a guarantee that you will never get in a car accident. When that happens you need a personal injury lawyer on your side.
If you or a loved one was injured in a weather-related car accident, contact a personal injury attorney to help you. Schedule a free initial consultation with a lawyer experienced in car accidents. Contact the Law Offices of Eslamboly Hakim in Los Angeles County. Call 800-LAW-TALK (529-8255) or contact us online.