Bad Weather Car Accidents in Columbia
Bad weather raises the risk of car accidents and is a critical hazard to drivers in Columbia. For example, heavy rain may lead to hydroplaning, making it harder for drivers to control their vehicles. Snow and ice make surfaces slippery, often resulting in skids and loss of control. Fog significantly impedes visibility, and strong winds may cause sudden gusts that blow cars off the road.
When you sustain property damage, injuries, or emotional distress, the outcome of a bad-weather car accident can be difficult to navigate by yourself. A knowledgeable car accident attorney can be invaluable and supportive during trying times.
Liability in Weather-Related Accidents
Weather is rarely the sole cause of a car accident. Driver error or negligence can also play a role in an accident despite adverse weather. If a driver does not take the necessary precautions and an accident occurs, they can be found liable. For example, if the conditions are slippery and a speeding driver rear-ends another vehicle, this is considered negligence.
People who are involved in a car accident in Columbia during bad weather can take several steps to protect their rights when filing a claim. First, they should make sure the scene is safe and call emergency services if someone has been injured. Next, they can document the event by taking photos of the accident and everything around it, such as the road conditions and the weather. Drivers and witnesses should exchange contact information.
All involved drivers should report the accident to their insurance. Do not leave the scene and do not make any declarations to the other driver besides checking that they are not hurt.
Types of Compensation
A car crash means injuries, car repairs, and some missed work to most people. An experienced personal injury attorney understands the damage a bad-weather accident in Columbia can cause. Common types of compensation in car accidents include:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death
- Punitive damages
No chart can measure the emotional trauma and loss of enjoyment of life. An attorney could ensure an injured person gets full compensation in a pain and suffering claim. Pain and suffering refers to the physical and emotional distress experienced by the injured party as a result of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
When the unthinkable happens, and the car accident results in fatalities, an attorney can act with compassion while aggressively pursuing compensation for funeral costs, lost inheritance, and familial losses. Damages collected under a wrongful death case may also include medical bills, loss of companionship, and emotional distress of surviving family members.
Avoiding a Bad-Weather Car Accident
Drivers in Columbia cannot control the weather, but they can take action to prevent bad weather-related accidents. This includes vehicle maintenance like checking brakes and tire pressure to ensure the vehicle is adequately equipped for handling difficult weather. Drivers need to maintain an awareness of local weather conditions and avoid unnecessary travel plans when a storm or bad weather is in the forecast. Motorists should also practice defensive driving, including the appropriate speed, maintaining a safe distance, and focusing their eyes on the road at all times.
Schedule a Consultation After a Bad-Weather Car Accident in Columbia
One small mistake on the road can change everything in an instant. You may be facing pain, emotional turmoil, and financial disaster. You need a strong legal ally to protect your rights and provide caring guidance. If you or a loved one are involved in a bad-weather car accident in Columbia, contact our office. We provide the emotional support and the legal know-how required to see you through these trying times.