Driving In High Winds and Other Inclement Weather

As we recently learned here in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, high winds and rain can cause significant property damage. These inclement weather conditions also lead to treacherous driving conditions. The Federal Highway Administration reports that over 20% of all vehicle accidents are influenced by inclement weather, including high winds. Even though drivers are still expected to drive responsibly regardless of the weather, proving fault can become more challenging when wind is a contributing factor in a collision. Let’s delve into the implications of wind in accidents resulting in injuries, the heightened risks involved, and the impact of windy conditions on determining liability in a car crash.

The Danger of High Winds and their Impact on Driving Conditions

Strong winds not only pose a threat to large commercial trucks, but also standard cars and motorcycles. Powerful gusts of wind might not appear significant initially, but while driving, they have the potential to heighten the chances of accidents in various ways.

• Strong winds can lead to reduced visibility due to blowing debris or dust, making it harder to see the road ahead and increasing the likelihood of collisions.
• Gusty winds can cause vehicles to swerve or lose control, especially larger vehicles like trucks or buses, posing a danger to both the driver and other road users.
• Crosswinds can make it challenging to maintain a straight path, potentially causing cars to drift into other lanes or off the road, resulting in accidents.
• When debris is blown onto the road, it can unexpectedly block the way, causing drivers to quickly change direction and potentially lose control of their cars. Additionally, the wind has the power to transform loose objects into dangerous projectiles, putting other drivers and passengers at risk.

3 Tips for Avoiding Accidents

High winds are classified as winds that blow at speeds of 40 mph or higher. It can be quite challenging to drive in such conditions due to the force of the wind pushing cars on the road. This makes it harder for the driver to keep the vehicle under control.

1. It’s important to keep a safe distance from other cars while driving. If you’re having trouble on the road, chances are other drivers are too. By maintaining a good distance between your vehicle and others, you can reduce the risk of getting into an accident.
2. During a storm, it’s best to avoid driving through water. Even if some areas may seem safe to cross, it’s difficult to accurately judge the depth of the water. This becomes even more challenging when the wind is blowing, making it hard to distinguish where the water starts and ends.
3. Even when the winds calm down, it’s crucial to stay alert while driving. The weather can be unpredictable, and the winds may pick up again unexpectedly. So, it’s important to remain vigilant and adapt your driving pattern accordingly.

Determining Liability to Due High Winds

Determining liability in a car crash can be a complex task for the court. They typically assess negligence by examining whether a driver failed to fulfill their “reasonable duty of care” towards others on the road. However, this becomes more challenging when high winds come into play. For instance, if a sudden gust of wind forcefully pushes a car into another lane, resulting in a collision with another vehicle, it raises the question of whether the driver is at fault for not maintaining control or if they violated their duty of care by not accounting for the wind and leaving more space between their car and others. Similarly, if a gust of wind causes a driver to lose control and collide with another vehicle after an obstacle is blown onto the road, can they be held responsible for any resulting injuries? These scenarios highlight the complexities involved in determining liability when high winds are a contributing factor in a car crash.

Driving in High Winds is Inevitable

High winds are sometimes a factor on the road, and as with other weather conditions, drivers have a responsibility to take those conditions into account when driving. If you’re injured in an accident where the wind is a factor, it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to get compensation for your injuries, but it can make proving fault a little more complex. It’s all the more reason why you need a skilled personal injury attorney in your corner, one who can examine the evidence and the circumstances of the crash to prove liability and help you get the compensation you deserve.

IF YOU’VE BEEN INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO HIGH WINDS OR OTHER BADWEATHER, CONTACT THE LAW OFFICE OF BRIAN BRUNSON TODAY.

Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Dallas personal injury attorney who is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered a car, truck, or motorcycle injury through the negligent or wrongful conduct of other drivers. In addition, his professionalism is unmatched and the firms’ client reviews speak for themselves.

We proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas, our office supports the legal needs of a wide variety of clients. Let the Law Office of Brian Brunson be your advocate in your time of need and help you put your life back together. If we can’t win or settle your case, you don’t pay a dime! We know it can be daunting to take that first step after you’ve been hurt. Contact Brian Brunson today via email or call us toll-free at 1-844-41-WRECK. We can help, when no one else will.