According to the US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration there were over 5,890,000 vehicle crashes last year. Over 120,000 of those crashes were weather related. Meaning that the weather such as rain, sleet, snow, fog, cross winds and blowing snow or sand or a wet pavement contributed to the collision. According to the same publication nearly 5,000 people were killed and 418,000 were injured in weather related crashes.
Most people would be surprised to know that of those weather related crashes, 70% are the result of wet pavement. Only a small percentage, approximately 18%, occur during snow or sleet and surprisingly only 3% happen in the presence of fog.
If a person is injured in a weather related collision bad weather is not necessarily a defense to another driver’s negligence. Whatever the weather conditions, drivers are required to use reasonable care when operating their vehicles whether they be cars, tractor-trailers or motorcycles. A driver who is operating at a speed which is too fast for conditions and causes a collision can be held responsible for any injuries the other person incurs.
If you are injured in a motor vehicle collision during bad weather and have questions feel free to contact the Law Office of LISKO & ASSOCIATES for a free evaluation of your case.
