How Severe Weather Complicates Florida Car Accident Cases

From torrential rain and flash flooding to hurricanes and tropical storms, severe weather can significantly affect road safety across the Sunshine State. In Florida, where driving is a daily necessity for many, these conditions often lead to more accidents and more complex personal injury claims.

Talk to a Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer if you’ve been injured in a car accident during or after severe weather.  Weather can change in an instant in Florida, and road safety is never guaranteed, but your right to fair compensation should be.

Why Weather Matters in a Car Accident Case

Insurance companies may use weather as a defense to minimize or deny claims, arguing that the weather, not a driver, was to blame. Without clear documentation or legal support, injured parties may find themselves facing delays, lowball settlement offers, or outright denials.

Some common weather hazards that can complicate claims:

• Heavy rain and flash flooding. Sudden downpours can drastically reduce visibility and increase stopping distance. Hydroplaning accidents are common during these events. If a driver speeds or tailgates during a rainstorm and causes a collision, they may be deemed negligent. Yet proving that their driving, rather than the rain alone, caused the crash can be tricky without strong evidence.
• Hurricane evacuation traffic. During hurricane season, evacuation orders can cause gridlock. Accidents during these times may involve multiple vehicles, out-of-town drivers, and extreme stress. These factors can blur the lines of fault and extend the timeline for resolving claims.
• Downed power lines and debris. Storms often leave behind debris, such as fallen trees, broken street signs, or damaged infrastructure. Drivers may swerve suddenly or brake hard to avoid road obstructions. Determining liability in such scenarios requires a detailed investigation.

It’s important to understand that weather doesn’t automatically absolve drivers of responsibility. Drivers are expected to exercise caution, even in poor conditions. If they fail to slow down during a storm or ignore road warnings due to flooding, they can be held liable.

For example, a Boca Raton driver rear-ended during a tropical storm may be told that it was impossible to stop in time due to slick roads. Yet if that driver can show the other motorist was tailgating or speeding despite the conditions, liability may still rest with the negligent driver.

What to Do After a Weather-Related Accident

Following a collision, move to safety if possible and call for emergency assistance if needed. And if you don’t need urgent medical attention, have your health reviewed by a medical professional soon after the event. Also, take photos of the scene, get a copy of the police report, and make note of weather conditions at the time of the crash. Then, bring all the documentation you have to the attention of a Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer who is familiar with Florida weather-related claims.

Who is assisting you as you move to financially recover from expenses you’ve gathered due to a Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, or Vero Beach weather-related accident? The attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez are available to help. Reach out today, call 561-660-9421.