How Weather Conditions Cause Car Accidents on Orlando Roadways 

Road accidents are common in Florida due to several reasons. Some of the top causes of car accidents include speeding, distracted or reckless driving, and driving under the influence (DUI). Another core reason behind vehicle collisions is unpleasant weather conditions.

Bad weather conditions are one of the most common factors behind car accidents on Florida roadways. Weather conditions are unpredictable. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand how severe weather conditions lead to motor vehicle accidents. The Sunshine State not only boasts its scenic beauty and beaches, but the state also witnesses summer thunderstorms and a terrific hurricane season. 

Florida experiences a diverse range of climate conditions, from torrential rainstorms to scorching heat and heavy rainfall throughout the year. These fluctuating weather conditions present year-round challenges for the drivers. If you have been injured in a similar accident, you must consult an attorney immediately to learn how to restore the accident-related losses. 

An experienced personal injury accident attorney at Injury Assistance Law Firm reviews your case and explains whether you can file a viable claim against an at-fault party in a bad weather crash on roadways. Our car accident attorneys are verified in handling weather-related accident cases and protecting the clients’ rights. The legal team runs a thorough claim investigation after the accident to establish the liability of the negligent parties and recover compensation for the injured victims.  

Common Weather Conditions in Orlando Causing Road Crashes 

Rain is often perceived as a minor inconvenience, but it can cause catastrophic car accidents across the country. Rain is one of the most common causes of motor vehicle crashes on Florida roads and highways. According to statistics, 46% of vehicle crashes occur due to rainfall every year. Other inclement weather conditions include hurricanes, snow, heavy winds, extreme temperatures, fog, and sleet, among others. 

Floridians and those who have spent a good time in the state are aware of the extreme weather conditions of the state. Afternoon thunderstorm is a routine. In some instances, fog forms after a storm that reduces the driver’s visibility. The driver may find it harder to assess the speed of the vehicle or the speed of the vehicles around them. The majority of car accidents and injuries occur in the state due to wet, icy, or slushy pavement. Vehicles with damaged or worn tires are more likely to slide or skid on the road. This condition is known as “hydroplaning.”

A hydroplaning vehicle is dangerous to other cars on the road. It can slide into the path of other vehicles. If you have been involved in a car accident when the weather is not favorable, it’s difficult to determine the liability. However, there are ways to determine liability under certain conditions. Even in a case when a car crash occurs due to another party’s negligence in bad weather conditions, a skilled personal injury accident attorneys argue in the victim’s favor. The legal professional shows that since the weather was bad, the driver couldn’t behave in a reasonable manner, which would have prevented the accident. 

How Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Contribute to Car Accidents 

Rain is one of the most perilous weather conditions for drivers in a city like Orlando. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), rain was the central contributing factor behind 211 deadly car accidents and 1019 crashes that left heavy injuries to the victims. Heavy rain leads to – 

• Hydroplaning – It occurs when the vehicle’s tires lose contact with the road.
• Lesser visibility due to downpours or spray from another car.
• Brake issues, especially in older vehicles, and poor quality and ill-maintained brakes.
• Flooded roads – It increases the risk of losing control. 

Fog and Disturbed Visibility: A Hidden Peril 

Florida houses several lakes and wetlands. Early morning fog is common in these places, including rural inland and panhandle areas. The fog lowers visibility, increases the stopping distance and creates a distraction. It can take lives when one is driving at high speeds. Drivers need to slow down the vehicle or turn on headlights, which they often fail to do. These mistakes lead to a chain reaction, missed turns or dodging traffic signals. The driver fails to react promptly to pedestrians or hazards when necessary.   

High Winds and Their Role in Collisions 

High winds are less visible yet a perilous threat to motor vehicles, such as cars, on the roadways of Orlando. The cars are extremely vulnerable to crosswinds or gusts. Such powerful winds can push the cars off, cause them to sway or tip, or increase the risk of rollovers. Florida’s flat terrain and open highways expose the vehicles to strong blows, especially on bridges and high roads. Regardless of whether they are heavyweight or lightweight, cars are vulnerable to the wind. These car accidents result in debilitating injuries due to loss of control and frequent collisions.   

Extreme Temperatures and Tire Safety 

Florida’s high summer temperatures that often cross 95°F may not seem to be a reason behind a car accident. An increase in temperature increases the risk of tire blowouts. Hot pavement expands the vehicle tires. If the tires are already worn out or underinflated, it can lead to failure. Blowouts at highway speeds may lead to loss of control, rollovers, and collisions with vehicles around. Excessive heat can also put stress on engines, batteries, and the cooling systems, increasing the chance of mechanical failure while driving a car. 

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms: Causing Extreme Hazards 

Hurricanes and tropical storms cause some of the most debilitating weather dangers on Florida roadways. The natural phenomenon leads to heavy floods, wind damage, frequent changes in driving conditions, and fills the highways with debris. During hurricanes or tropical storms, flooded roads and sudden road closures make the situation more troublesome and increase the risks of accidents for drivers. Emergency brakes or evasive forces in such situations make the vehicles out of control and lead to crashes that may involve more than one vehicle.  

How Drivers Can Avoid Accidents in Bad Weather 

The best way to prevent accidents in bad weather is not to drive during this time. Accidents are most likely to occur during disturbing weather conditions. Even if the drivers decide to drive, they must take certain steps to reduce the risks of vehicle collisions.

• Speeding down the vehicle in the bad weather.
• Maintaining a good space from the vehicles to avoid collision in case the car in front suddenly stops 
• Cleaning the windows and keeping the headlights on to improve visibility.
• Following the necessary driving advisories 
• Avoiding distractions 

In case a driver fails to take the steps while driving in a bad condition, it shows the negligence of the driver, which supports the compensation claim. Hence, following these tips is necessary from the driver’s end to prevent such mishaps. 

Weather-related Crashes – An Act of God 

There are times when the weather is the only liable factor for the injuries and damages caused in a car crash. But such cases are rare. These kinds of accidents are also referred to as An Act of God. These kinds of car accidents are entirely out of a driver’s control. One such instance is when lightning strikes a car. Act of God cases don’t come under personal injury cases, as in such cases, the driver could have made every possible effort to stop the car accident. Except for nature, there is no party responsible for the accident. 

How to Determine Liability in A Car Accident due to Bad Weather? 

When a car crash occurs due to bad weather, it’s not apparent whether any of the drivers has also been at fault. Insurance companies and authorities immediately collect as much information as possible about the accident. Legal professionals look into the speed at which the vehicle was traveling or whether the driver was fatigued. They also see whether the driver was on a cellphone or distracted when the crash occurred. 

In cases where the driver runs a stop sign or overlooks a traffic signal, distraction is often the reason behind the car crash. If the accident occurs only due to slippery roads, no one is held liable. If you have been involved in such an accident, you must give a proper statement to a police officer and your personal injury accident lawyer after the car accident. All the evidence and the statement make it easier to prove the liable party in the accident. 

A Few Tips for Safe Driving in Adverse Weather 

It doesn’t need special or advanced skills to be aware of weather conditions, but consistent attention and alertness can help drivers avoid accidents in bad weather conditions. 

Tips to follow when driving in rain

• Speed down the car as wet roads reduce traction. 
• According to Florida Law, drivers must use headlights when using windshield wipers.
• Maintain a safe distance between cars to allow for extra braking time. 
• Avoid using cruise control, as it reduces reaction time and increases the risk of hydroplaning. 
• Drive in the center lanes as outer lanes are flooded during rain. 

Tips to follow when driving in Fog

• Use fog lights or low-beam headlights
• Don’t stop – keep driving slowly and steadily 
• Use road markings to guide your lane position 
• Avoid sudden lane changes

Tips to follow when driving in High Winds

• If possible, don’t bring the car out on the road when there is a forecast of high winds.
• Keep the vehicle speed low.
• If you can find a corner, stop the vehicle at a safe corner and wait for the wind to get over

For the remaining two cases, such as hurricanes and extreme temperatures, it’s best not to take the car out. In case you are out, be cautious. Make sure your vehicle is maintained properly. Tips for vehicle maintenance for weather safety – 

• Check the car tire regularly. 
• Replace your windshield wipers at regular intervals. 
• Make sure the brake systems are responsive and properly maintained.
• Maintain the defrosters and air conditioning systems. 
• Check all lights and replace them when needed.

Win A Weather-related Car Crash Case with Our Personal Injury Attorney 

Are you injured in a car accident where bad weather conditions might have been the reason behind the crash, partially, if not fully? 

After an accident occurs because of bad weather, speak immediately to a vetted personal injury attorney. It’s a must to consult an attorney and gather the important information, as critical evidence can fade with time if not collected promptly. An experienced personal injury accident attorney can communicate with experts who can collect the data and prove your case. 

For further information, reach out to the attorneys at Injury Assistance Law Firm. Our team of expert lawyers holds years of experience in representing clients injured in accidents due to others’ fault. 

Drivers must exercise caution when driving in rain, sleet, fog, and snow. Yet, accidents are unpredictable as always. If you have been injured due to another driver’s negligence, you deserve the full amount of compensation. Contact Injury Assistance Law Firm and get a free evaluation of your case.