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770-626-7895Weather can play a significant role in causing wrecks across our state. While a clear, sunny day makes for ideal driving conditions, the reality is that nature often has other plans. Rain, wind, ice, and fog frequently lead to perilous roads and highways, increasing the likelihood of weather-related crashes. Our experienced Georgia car accident attorney at Larrison Law Firm have helped countless clients file claims after a weather accident in Georgia. Let’s explore how Georgia’s climate impacts traffic collisions and what you should do if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation.
Georgia’s Climate and Road Conditions
Georgia is known for its humid subtropical climate, especially in the state’s southern regions. This means abundant rainfall, particularly during the summer months when pop-up thunderstorms are a common occurrence. In the northern parts of Georgia, including cities like Athens, wintry weather can also create hazardous driving conditions as temperatures occasionally dip below freezing. Whether it is a heavy downpour or an unexpected patch of black ice, inclement weather requires drivers to stay alert and adjust their habits to avoid a serious car accident.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, around 21% of all vehicle crashes in the United States are weather-related. In Georgia, we see a similar trend, with a significant portion of accidents occurring due to rain, wet pavement, fog, and other environmental factors.
While some collisions are unavoidable, it is crucial for motorists to understand how weather can affect road conditions and what precautions they should take to minimize the risk of a crash.
Rain and Wet Pavement
As we indicated earlier, Georgia experiences a considerable amount of rainfall throughout the year.
When the sky opens up and drenches the roads, it can create a treacherous environment for drivers.
Wet pavement reduces tire traction, making it harder to control your vehicle, especially when braking or turning. Hydroplaning is another serious concern, which occurs when a layer of water builds up between the tires and the road surface, causing the vehicle to lose contact with the pavement. This loss of traction can easily lead to a car accident if the driver is not careful.
To avoid a weather-related crash during rainy conditions, it is essential to slow down and increase your following distance behind other vehicles. Driving at a reduced speed gives you more time to react if your car starts to skid or hydroplane. It is also crucial to ensure that your tires have proper tread depth and are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Worn or underinflated tires are more susceptible to hydroplaning and can increase the likelihood of a car accident in Athens, GA.
Fog and Low Visibility
In addition to wet roads, fog is another weather condition that can significantly impact driving safety in Georgia. Fog is essentially a cloud that forms close to the ground, reducing visibility and making it difficult for drivers to see the road ahead. This low visibility can be especially dangerous during the early morning hours or at night when natural light is limited.
When driving in foggy conditions, it is critical to use your low-beam headlights and reduce your speed. High-beam headlights can actually reflect off the fog, further reducing visibility. It is also a good idea to use your windshield wipers and defroster to keep your windows clear of condensation. If the fog becomes too dense, it may be necessary to pull over to a safe location and wait for conditions to improve before continuing your journey.
Winter Weather Hazards
While Georgia may not experience the same level of snowfall as some northern states, freezing temperatures can still create dangerous road conditions, particularly in the northern regions. Black ice, which is a thin layer of transparent ice that forms on the pavement, is especially hazardous because it is difficult to spot. Bridges and overpasses are prone to developing black ice since cold air can circulate both above and below these structures, causing them to freeze more quickly than other sections of the road.
If you find yourself driving in potentially icy conditions, it is crucial to slow down and avoid sudden movements. Accelerating, braking, and turning too quickly can cause your vehicle to lose traction and spin out of control. It is also a good idea to keep a safe distance from other vehicles and be prepared for longer stopping distances on slick roads. If possible, avoid driving altogether during icy conditions until the roads have been treated or have thawed.
Preventing Weather-Related Car Accidents
While it is impossible to control the bad weather in Georgia, there are several steps drivers can take to reduce the risk of being involved in an accident due to weather conditions:
- Check weather forecasts before heading out and plan your route accordingly
- Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained, including tires, brakes, and windshield wipers
- Reduce your speed and increase your following distance in inclement weather
- Use your headlights and turn signals to improve visibility
- Avoid sudden movements like hard braking or sharp turns on slick roads
- Pull over to a safe location if conditions become too hazardous to continue driving
Keeping these precautions in mind ensures that drivers can help prevent a weather-related car accident in Athens, GA, and stay safer on Georgia’s roads. While these precautions are crucial, it comes to drivers taking responsibility and being more cautious on the roads. Bad weather conditions make reckless driving even more catastrophic, and that should be avoided at all costs.
Filing a Weather Accident Claim Involving Your Car
If you are involved in a weather accident that resulted in a car accident, it is important to understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation. In Georgia, drivers are expected to adjust their behavior according to the prevailing weather conditions. This means that even if poor weather played a role in your accident, the other driver may still be liable if they were not driving safely given the circumstances.
To build a strong case for your weather-related car accident claim, it is crucial to gather as much evidence as possible at the scene. This includes taking photos of the damage to both vehicles, the road conditions, and any visible injuries. It is also essential to obtain contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident occur.
Next, seek medical attention for any injuries you sustained in the crash, even if they seem minor at first. Keeping detailed records of your medical treatment and expenses will be important for your claim.
Finally, contact an experienced Georgia car accident lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. At Larrison Law Firm, our knowledgeable lawyers have successfully handled numerous weather accident cases in Georgia, including those involving crashes in Athens and other parts of the state. We understand the challenges that come with these types of claims and are dedicated to fighting for the maximum compensation our clients deserve.
Get Legal Help Today
Bad weather in Georgia can have a significant impact on car accidents, from heavy rainfall and wet pavement to fog and icy roads. As a driver, it is essential to stay alert and adjust your habits according to the prevailing conditions to minimize the risk of an accident due to weather conditions.
However, if you do find yourself involved in a weather-related accident, know that you have legal options for seeking compensation. The attorneys at Larrison Law Firm are here to help you through this challenging time and ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by bad weather conditions, contact our office today for consultation.
