Weather-Related Car Accidents in Los Angeles
Los Angeles may be known for having favorable weather most of the year, but there are weather events that can wreak havoc on LA’s roads and driver safety. From sudden rainstorms to smog created by wildfires, drivers in Los Angeles County may encounter many weather-related car accident risks.
If you get involved in a car accident connected to bad weather, contact a car accident attorney in Los Angeles to discuss your legal rights.
Most Dangerous Types of Weather for Drivers in Los Angeles
Los Angeles may not get snow or ice on its roads, but it does see a range of other potentially dangerous weather conditions for drivers. This includes rain, fog, high winds and sun glares.
Even a light rain can make Los Angeles roads slippery and pose a risk of hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning occurs when water comes between the tires and the road, resulting in a loss of traction and vehicle control. Rain against the windshield also reduces a driver’s visibility, making it more difficult for drivers to stay in their lanes and react appropriately to changing roadway situations.
Fog, haze and smog can also pose a risk of automobile accidents by impeding driver visibility. High winds, such as the annual Santa Ana winds that blow through Los Angeles, can cause a loss of vehicle control, especially among high-profile vehicles such as semi-trucks. Finally, in sunny Los Angeles, sun glares reflecting off other drivers’ windows can cause collisions.
Can I Recover Compensation for a Weather-Related Car Accident in Los Angeles?
Yes, you may be entitled to financial compensation as a victim of a weather-related automobile accident in Los Angeles. However, this is a complicated type of case that can come with unique challenges, such as a car insurance company rejecting your claim or trying to blame you for the crash.
When Another Driver Is at Fault
Drivers in California are expected to take preventive actions to avoid accidents in poor weather conditions. If it is raining, for example, drivers must practice due diligence by turning on their headlights, reducing their speeds and increasing following distance between vehicles.
If a driver is driving too fast for conditions, following behind others too closely or guilty of other types of negligence in bad weather, this can place liability (legal and financial responsibility) with that driver for a related auto accident.
Comparative Negligence
One potential challenge that could arise during a weather-related car accident claim is the comparative negligence defense. In California, one driver’s contribution to a car accident can reduce his or her settlement or judgment award by a matching amount (California Civil Code § 1714). If an insurance company attempts to place a percentage of the blame on you for a weather-related car accident, contact an attorney for negotiation assistance.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles Help Me?
An award-winning car accident attorney in Los Angeles can guide you through a weather-related car accident claim while protecting your rights and supporting your best interests. An attorney can investigate to identify all potentially liable parties, for example.
This could be another driver, but it may also be an auto manufacturer if a vehicle defect contributed to the accident, or a government agency for a crash caused by poor road maintenance, such as drainage problems that result in road flooding. You can focus on healing from your injuries and recovering while an attorney deals with car insurance companies and legal processes on your behalf. Contact a lawyer at Rose, Klein & Marias LLP today for a free consultation to learn more.