New Jersey Inclement Weather Accident Attorney

female driving in bad weather

Nagel Rice LLP, a well-respected New Jersey traffic accident law practice, handles many cases in which inclement weather is a factor. This is not surprising since, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, over 20 percent of road accidents are weather-related. A significant number of these accidents are the result of one driver’s lack of caution. 

If you have suffered a serious injury, or tragically lost a loved one, in a bad weather accident that might have been avoided but for another person’s recklessness or negligence, our firm has the well-honed skills to litigate successfully on your behalf. We have over 3 decades of experience and an impressive record of winning millions of dollars for our clients. We would like nothing better than to help you receive the compensation you are entitled to so you can get your life back on track.

Types of Inclement Weather that Contribute to an Accident in New Jersey

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, fail to 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 certainly not violent, it can be terribly dangerous nonetheless. 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 at hand. 
  • Hurricanes and Nor’easters — While most people take shelter during drastic weather events, not everyone is able to, either because they are first-responders, because they are dealing with a personal emergency, or because the event catches them unawares. 

The dangerous winds of these events can blow vehicles so that they are difficult to control and blow large pieces of debris that blind drivers as they travel. Wires (live or not), or branches downed by strong wind or lightning strikes, can also contribute to serious accidents.

Even on clear days, there can be leftover dangers, 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 when there are 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 attorneys’ 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 Nagel Rice and Start the Wheels of Justice Turning

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 their clients with their inclement weather accident claims throughout New Jersey including Bergen County, Essex County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Morris County, Passaic County, and Sussex County.