Part of being a responsible driver is staying aware of the conditions around you and adjusting accordingly. The type of driving that is appropriate for a sunny day in June is not the same for an ice storm in February. Even if a motorist is going the speed limit and obeying traffic signals, they can still be cited for careless or reckless driving if their driving is not appropriate for changing weather or road conditions. If you were involved in an accident with such a driver, you may be eligible to recover compensation from them and their insurance company.
The Morris Bart law firm is a personal injury law firm that fights for the rights of car accident victims in the Birmingham, Alabama, area. Our legal team will take on the insurance companies and fight for the monetary compensation you may deserve, whether that comes through an out-of-court settlement or a jury trial verdict. There are no out-of-pocket costs for accident victims. We only get paid if we secure a settlement in your case.
Changing Weather and Road Conditions Can Cause Accidents
There is an old joke in Alabama—if you do not like the weather, wait 15 minutes because it will change. Since weather conditions are far from constant, one’s driving should not be either. Motorists have a duty to adjust their behavior when conditions change. If they fail to do so, they can be cited for a violation or held liable for an accident.
If you were injured in an accident by another driver who failed to heed changing weather or road conditions, contact a Birmingham failure to heed changing weather or road condition lawyer at the Morris Bart law office today. We may be able to hold the at-fault driver accountable and recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that drivers wear their seat belts at all times and drive at a speed that is safe for road and weather conditions. If you were injured in an accident that occurred in any of the following conditions, we want to hear from you and find out how we can help:
Heavy Rain
Heavy rain causes hazardous driving conditions. Slick roads lead to reduced traction. Rain also clouds visibility, especially when it falls in buckets, such as during an intense summer thunderstorm. Even the sound of raindrops pounding on your car can make it more difficult to hear what is going on around you. These challenges put together can increase the chance of an accident, making it critical to adjust behavior when rain starts falling, especially when it is heavy. Slowing down and keeping a proper distance from the vehicle in front of you can help prevent an accident.
If a driver negligently hit you during a rainstorm, we will hold them accountable for their behavior and help you recover compensation.
Snow or Ice
Birmingham is part of the Deep South as well as the “Sun Belt,” an area so called because of its warm weather and the high number of sunny days per year. That does not mean, however, that the area is impervious to winter weather. Snow and ice occasionally fall in Birmingham, often coming down in what is known as a “wintery mix” of ice, snow, sleet, and rain, culminating in a frozen mush that is much more dangerous and difficult to drive on than powdery snow.
When any kind of frozen precipitation is on the road, drivers must slow down and take caution. If you were in an accident because someone did not appropriately adjust their driving behavior to snow, ice, or sleet, we may be able to pursue compensation for damages.
Wind
Heavy gusts of wind are more powerful than most people realize. If a driver is not careful, they can be pushed off the road—or into another vehicle. Let us know if you were in an accident in a windstorm, and we will investigate to help determine if you are eligible for compensation.
Fog
Fog is dangerous because it reduces visibility—sometimes by 100 percent. While it is rare, pileups of 50 or 100 cars have occurred when heavy fog has rolled in suddenly. The Washington Post reported on such a pileup on an Alabama bridge. A driver may cause an accident during these conditions if they did not appropriately adjust for the weather. They may be liable for accidents in these scenarios.
Uneven Pavement
Not all changing road conditions are weather-related. Construction workers may be working on a road project, such as resurfacing, that leads to uneven pavement until it is complete. In such situations, it is imperative to slow down and be careful. A driver who fails to do so may be liable for any accidents they cause.
A Birmingham failure to heed changing weather or road conditions attorney can help if you suffered injuries or lost a loved one.
For a free legal consultation with a Failure to Heed Changing Weather or Road Condition Accident lawyer serving Birmingham, call 800-537-8185
Your Birmingham Car Accident Compensation
If you were injured in a Birmingham car accident caused by a driver who was going too fast or not paying attention to the prevailing road conditions, we can investigate the circumstances of your case and determine a value for damages. Our lawyers may be able to secure compensation for:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost income
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Vehicle replacement or repair
- And more if you qualify
Wrongful Death Damages
If you lost a loved one in an accident, our wrongful death lawyers can help your family seek compensation, as well. Though nothing can replace your family member, a settlement or verdict may help you cope in their absence. Our legal team can go after:
- Your loved one’s medical bills
- Loss of inheritance for the income they provided the household
- Loss of consortium for the companionship they provided
- Funeral and burial services
The Statute of Limitations May Apply to Your Birmingham Failure to Heed Changing Weather and Road Conditions Case
According to Ala. Code § 6-2-38, Alabama has a two-year statute of limitations on car accident lawsuits, although certain factors might make the deadline shorter or longer.
The Morris Bart law firm will evaluate your case and let you know of any restrictions or deadlines for filing. If a deadline is coming up, we can file a quick lawsuit to keep the statute from expiring.
Click to contact our Birmingham Car Accident Lawyers today
Call Today for a Free Birmingham Case Evaluation
The Morris Bart law office is ready to connect you with a Birmingham failure to heed changing weather or road conditions lawyer today. For a free case evaluation with no obligation, call us.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
