When Accidents Happen in Adverse Weather Conditions

It’s a snowy day in Northern Virginia. The schools are closed, and so are both federal and local government offices. You are off from work and think to yourself that it is a great day to take the family out to lunch. You brave the roads in your all- wheel drive vehicle, driving slowly and carefully, only to get hit from behind by another person venturing out in the icy weather. What do you do now?

As you are likely aware, hazardous weather conditions must always be taken into account when operating motor vehicles. When drivers operate their vehicles at highway speeds while the roadways are still wet and the wind is still blowing or the snow is coming down, it is very easy for them to lose control of their vehicles, hydroplane, and collide with other motor vehicles. When large puddles of water collect in low-lying areas, drivers must be especially careful and exercise extreme caution when operating their vehicles. In many cases, the best option is simply to refrain from driving when weather conditions turn ugly. 

Common Causes of Northern Virginia Bad-Weather Accidents 

Most bad-weather accidents occur when drivers are in a hurry, fail to drive in a reasonable manner for the road and weather conditions, and fail to use common sense. 

Reckless, inattentive, and negligent driving, combined with adverse weather conditions, create the perfect storm for serious motor vehicle accidents. If you must operate a motor vehicle during bad weather, it is important to keep the following in mind to minimize the likelihood of a motor vehicle collision:

• Keep your eyes on the road at all times

•Refrain from texting, cell phone use, and other forms of distracted driving

•Obey all roadway signs and signals

•Obey right-of-way laws if traffic signals are not working

•Beware of debris on the road, such as tree limbs or branches

•Drive slowly to prevent hydroplaning, and do not exceed the posted speed limit

•Use your hazard lights, if necessary

•Pull off to the side of the road, if necessary

When Virginia Drivers Drive Negligently in Bad Weather Conditions 

Sometimes, no matter how carefully you drive, motor vehicle accidents will still occur in hazardous weather conditions. When other drivers operate their vehicles in a careless or reckless manner for the weather conditions, they are only making a bad situation worse. 

In order for an injured driver to recover for injuries and damages sustained in a motor vehicle accident that another driver caused or to which he contributed, the injured driver must prove negligence on the part of the other driver. Specifically, the injured driver must prove that the other driver breached the duty to act reasonably and prudently under the circumstances—and that this breach factually and proximately resulted in certain injuries and damages.

In order to prove damages in a bad-weather motor vehicle accident, the injured plaintiff must show that the injuries sustained were causally related to the accident—or that the accident exacerbated a preexisting medical condition or prior injury. Injured motor vehicle accident victims may be able to recover some or all of the following types of economic and non-economic damages.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a bad-weather accident to which a negligent driver may have contributed, you could be entitled to monetary damages under Virginia law. The knowledgeable personal injury lawyers at The Avery Law Firm have the experience and expertise to examine the facts and circumstances of your case, explore your legal options, and maximize the value of your case. 

Have Your Been Injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident?

If you’ve been hit by another driver and/or if you were injured in an accident, investigating the facts and resolving complicated issues on your own can be difficult. Make sure that your legal needs are covered. The attorneys at The Avery Law Firm are ready and willing to represent you in your case today. To schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with a Fairfax personal injury attorney, please call us at 703-462-5050 or contact us online today.