Erie Road Closed Due To Flooding

The weather has been creating problems for drivers in Pennsylvania and throughout the United States. From flooding in the west and the east to snow storms and icy roads, Mother Nature is creating terrible driving conditions that cause headaches and traffic accidents. GoErie reported last week that many roads throughout the Erie region were closed due to flooding. With snow showers forecast for most of this week, the driving conditions may continue to be hazardous for drivers.

When we have flooding, fog, and roads that are icy, snowy, or flooded, the risk of traffic accidents increase. However, when a traffic accident occurs under these conditions, who is responsible for the damages?

Traffic Accidents Caused by Bad Weather

It would be nice if everyone could stay at home during bad weather, but this is not possible. Schools don’t always close, and our employers expect us to be at work. Therefore, many of us must brave the conditions by driving during bad weather. Unfortunately, when road conditions are poor due to bad weather, the risk of being in a traffic accident is higher. If you are injured in a car accident caused by another driver during bad weather, is that driver responsible for paying your damages or do they get a “pass” because the accident occurred during bad weather?

The answer depends on many factors; however, in most cases, one driver is usually at fault for an accident even during poor weather conditions.  For example, if a car rear ends you during a rain storm, the other driver is likely to be charged with driving too close for conditions. It is a driver’s responsibility to take certain precautions when the weather makes driving more treacherous. Drivers need to allow additional room between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them to allow for additional stopping distance.

Likewise, drivers should reduce their speed during poor weather. Traveling the speed limit when the roads are covered with ice and snow can be considered traveling too fast for conditions because speed limits are designed for optimal driving conditions, which snow and ice are definitely not.

In addition, drivers who speed, are impaired, or drive while distracted or drowsy are responsible for accidents regardless of the weather or road conditions.

Filing an Accident Claim for A Bad Weather Car Accident

If you are injured in a traffic accident, don’t assume that you cannot recover compensation for your injuries simply because the collision occurred when the weather was bad. Even if the other driver was not charged with a traffic offense, he might still be liable for your damages, losses, and injuries. You need to consult with an experienced Erie car accident attorney to determine if you can recover money for your injuries.

As with any car accident, you should consult with an attorney to determine your rights and your options. Our Erie car accident attorneys offer free case evaluations so that you can get answers to your questions about bad weather car accidents.

Contact The Travis Law Firm by telephone at (800) 401-2066 to schedule a free legal consultation with one of our attorneys.  We provide the support, guidance, and sound legal counsel that you need when you are struggling to recover from injuries sustained in an Erie car accident.