Inclement weather can drastically increase the risk of accidents on the roads, leading to hazardous driving conditions. In New Jersey, where weather can shift rapidly, drivers often face challenges like icy roads, heavy rain, fog, and snow, which contribute to accidents. These conditions demand heightened vigilance and adherence to safety regulations, yet accidents still occur frequently. For those involved in weather-related accidents, the aftermath can be overwhelming, dealing with both the physical repercussions and the complexities of attributing fault in adverse weather conditions.
At Nagel Rice LLP, our experienced personal injury attorneys specialize in representing victims of inclement weather accidents in New Jersey. With over 30 years of advocacy and a compassionate approach to legal representation, our team has secured over $1 billion in damages for our clients. Operating from our offices in New Jersey & New York, we are committed to achieving justice for those affected by challenging driving conditions, ensuring they receive the compensation needed to recover from their losses.
Common Types of Inclement Weather
While we all know that nasty weather can increase the risk of car accidents, not everyone alters driving habits accordingly. Too many individuals neglect to lower their travel speed, put on their lights during the daytime, or refuse to eliminate distractions in the face of weather that exacerbates normal road hazards. Some even increase the risk exponentially by abusing substances.
Weather conditions that contribute to traffic accidents include:
- Rain and thunderstorms: Weather that is quite routine may still make driving dangerous for short periods of time. Slick roads can cause cars to slide, hydroplane, or even float in spots of unexpected flooding.
- Fog: Although fog is not violent, it can be terribly dangerous. Dense fog can diminish visibility to the point that other cars cannot be seen until they are close to the point of contact, greatly increasing the risk of accidents.
- Snow: Snow need not be categorized as a blizzard to make accidents more likely. Any accumulating snow can interfere with visibility, traction and other aspects of vehicle performance. It can also cover lane markers and road signs. It is easy to skid into another car during even a moderate snowfall.
- Ice: Whether it arrives as sleet in a winter storm or hail during a summer thunderstorm, ice can affect driver vision, make the road slippery, and sometimes damage the windshield, resulting in overwhelming distraction from the task.
- Hurricanes and Nor’easters: While most people take shelter during drastic weather events, not everyone can, either because they are first responders, dealing with a personal emergency, or because the event catches them unawares.
Even on clear days, leftover dangers can exist, such as “black ice” (invisible ice patches on the pavement) or wet leaves, making it difficult to manage a safe turn. Some weather accidents occur as a result of extreme sun glare, as the sun rises or sets below visors and shines directly into drivers’ eyes.
The Takeaway for Drivers
It is always important to be alert when driving, particularly concerning weather conditions. Most inclement weather accidents would not occur if it were not for a negligent or reckless driver failing to take those weather conditions into account. Actions that are more hazardous than ever when driving in bad weather include speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and driving while distracted or impaired.
If the person who caused you harm in an accident during inclement weather was guilty of any of the above actions, Nagel Rice attorneys have the strength and determination to hold that individual accountable in a court of law.
Damages Nagel Rice Will Fight To Win for You After an Inclement Weather Accident
Our firm is familiar with the misery severe personal injury can bring. We know that your recent trauma is very likely not only impacting your physical and emotional well-being but your financial stability as well. For this reason, your initial consultation with us will be free, and we will not charge you any attorney’s fees until we win your case.
We understand that whether your injury is catastrophic, involving paralysis, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or loss of a limb, or you have been incapacitated for up to a year by a severe fracture, neuromuscular damage, or a serious burn, your life has been turned upside down by another driver’s negligence. Whatever the circumstances, we will work tirelessly to bring you a just resolution.
We will fight aggressively to bring you the resources you need to provide you and your family with compensation for whichever of the following apply in your case:
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Psychological counseling
- Property damage
- Loss of income, now and in the future
- Prolonged nursing care
- Household or childcare replacement services
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Permanent disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
At Nagel Rice, our team is on your side. Even if you bear some measure of blame for the car accident — which is not uncommon in weather-related accidents — we will work hard to make sure you receive the compensation you need to restart your life.
Modified Comparative Fault in New Jersey
In New Jersey, you are entitled to damages even if your actions factored into the cause of the collision, as long as you weren’t more than 50 percent responsible. So, if the court assigns you 20 percent of the blame and awards you $1,000,000 in damages, you will receive $800,000 or 80 percent of the settlement.
Contact Our Bad Weather Accident Attorneys in New Jersey & New York
During this difficult time in your life, our efficient and empathic New Jersey lawyers are here to help. Remember, the sooner you contact us, the sooner you will feel the relief of having us manage the logistical matters that overwhelm you and the closer you will be to a brighter future.
Nagel Rice LLP helps its clients with their car accident and injury claims throughout New Jersey, including Roseland, Bergen County, Essex County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Morris County, Passaic County, and Sussex County. We also represent clients in New York.