As an Austin car accident lawyer, I know all too well that winter weather plays a role in hundreds of Central Texas car accidents each year. In Austin, we grow accustomed to dry weather and when Mother Nature hands us rain, snow, and ice we get a little confused!
Knowing that the number of car crashes in Austin skyrockets during winter storms, our personal injury lawyers ask that you adjust your driving during wet or snowy weather. Weather and road conditions routinely are a major factor in causing car accidents. Reduced visibility from rain or fog impairs our ability to see the road ahead and changing traffic conditions. Wet or icy payment makes it more difficult to slow down or stop suddenly. Such road conditions also make it very dangerous to navigate our Hill Country roads. It is always important to be aware of the weather and road conditions before you begin your trip so you can have a plan and be able to anticipate potential hazards. The following common sense driving tips can help you arrive at your destination safe and sound, no matter how wet the roads are:
- Leave earlier than you usually would.
- Drive at or below the speed limit.
- Leave extra space around your car so you have room to maneuver if necessary.
- Increase your following distances so you have plenty of room to stop.
- Watch the cars around you carefully for signs of sliding or skidding.
- If it is snowing, use roads that have been cleared if at all possible.
- When roads are icy, avoid driving if possible.
- Always break gently on wet or snowy roads.
The safest choice when bad weather is present is to stay home. But if you have to go out, make sure you take extra precautions to ensure your safety and that of others. If you are involved in a car accident due to someone’s failure to drive safely in bad weather, you may be able to pursue a claim. Most of the time, bad weather is no excuse for causing a wreck. Failing to take the necessary precautions is failing to act in a reasonable and prudent manner. That is negligence under Texas law.
Guajardo Injury Law has decades of experience in representing people who have been injured in a car wreck during bad weather. We hope this information will help keep you safe! But, if you are injured in a car accident, give us a call at (512) 500-2450. The call is free, and we are always ready to help you.