Car Accidents Due to Weather Conditions in Florida

Living in Florida means enjoying beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, and year-round sunshine.

It also means dealing with unpredictable weather that can make driving a real challenge.

One moment, the sun is shining brilliantly, and the next, you’re caught in a sudden torrential downpour or a dense fog. Car accidents due to weather conditions often lead to serious injuries and significant property damage.

At Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers, our Pensacola car accident lawyers understand the complexities and dangers of car accidents due to weather conditions in Florida. Our goal is to help you understand your rights and the potential for legal recourse if you become a victim of such unpredictable circumstances.

As such, we’ll cover everything you need to know about weather-related accidents, including:

• The common weather conditions leading to car accidents in Florida
• How weather conditions affect driving behavior
• Tips for driving in difficult weather conditions
• The steps to take after a weather-related accident
• Liability in weather-related car accidents

Common Weather Conditions Leading to Car Accidents in Florida

In Florida, several weather conditions can significantly increase the risk of car accidents. The most common weather phenomena that contribute to weather-related accidents include:

• Heavy Rain and Flooding

Florida’s climate can produce extremely heavy rainfall, resulting in slippery roads and reduced visibility. Heavy rain can cause water to accumulate quickly on highways and streets, leading to dangerous hydroplaning, whereby a vehicle’s tires lose contact with the road surface.

• Fog

Foggy conditions are common in Florida, particularly in coastal areas and during early morning hours. Fog can drastically reduce a driver’s visibility and perception of distance, making it harder to see other vehicles, road signs, and traffic signals until they are very close.

• Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

Being a peninsula, Florida is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, which bring strong winds, heavy rains, and flooding. These conditions can create dangerous driving conditions, with debris-laden roads and potential structural damage to roadways.

• Thunderstorms and Lightning

Thunderstorms are frequent in Florida, especially during the summer months. These storms can quickly change driving conditions by wetting the roads and reducing visibility. Lightning from these storms can also be a distraction and might even strike vehicles directly, leading to electrical failures or accidents.

• High Winds

Even outside of tropical storms and hurricanes, Florida can experience high winds that move debris, such as branches and loose objects, onto the roads. These can cause sudden road blockages or damage to vehicles, particularly on highways where speeds are higher.

How Weather Conditions Affect Driver Behavior

Adverse weather conditions can affect how drivers behave on the road. Here’s how weather conditions can influence driving actions:

• Misjudgment of Road Conditions: Drivers may underestimate the severity of weather conditions, leading to inappropriate speeds or maneuvers. For example, driving too fast on slick roads can result in hydroplaning.

• Overreaction to Hazards: Sudden weather changes can cause drivers to panic and overreact by braking too hard or swerving suddenly. These reactions can be just as dangerous as the weather conditions, leading to multi-car pile-ups or rollovers.

• Increased Stress and Fatigue: Driving in bad weather can be mentally exhausting and stressful, increasing the likelihood of errors. Fatigued or stressed drivers may have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and reduced attention to the road.

• Adaptation to Ongoing Conditions: In prolonged adverse weather conditions, some drivers may become complacent, adapting to the reduced safety standards. This can lead to risky behaviors, such as speeding in the rain or not maintaining a safe following distance, becoming normalized.

Tips To Avoid an Accident Due to Weather Conditions

Driving in various weather conditions requires adapting to changing road conditions and adjusting your driving techniques to ensure safety.

Driving in Rainy Weather

Reduce your speed and increase the following distance in rainy weather to avoid hydroplaning. Ensure your headlights are on to improve visibility and be cautious of slippery surfaces, especially during the first few minutes of rain when roads are most slippery due to oil residue.

Driving in Snowy or Icy Conditions

In snowy or icy conditions, drive slowly and accelerate and decelerate gradually to maintain traction. Increase your following distance significantly, as stopping distances are longer on snowy or icy roads. Use snow tires and avoid sudden maneuvers to prevent skidding.

Furthermore, it’s important to clear all windows, lights, and mirrors of snow before driving, not during.

Driving in Fog

Fog presents unique challenges by significantly reducing visibility. To keep yourself safe when it’s foggy, use low-beam headlights or fog lights; this will improve visibility without causing glare. Reduce your speed and use windshield wipers and defrosters to clear your windshield.

Finally, remember to listen for the traffic you cannot see and use road markings and the right edge of the road as a guide.

Driving When It’s Windy

During windy conditions, especially in open areas or near large vehicles, maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel. Anticipate gusts of wind by keeping both hands on the wheel and adjusting your speed to maintain control. Be cautious of debris and objects that may be blown onto the road.

Driving During Thunderstorms, Hurricanes, or Tornadoes

During severe weather conditions, such as thunderstorms, hurricanes, or tornadoes, avoid driving if possible and seek shelter. Your safety is more important than your destination. If you’re caught in these conditions, pull over in a safe area away from trees and power lines, turn on your hazard lights, and wait for the conditions to improve.

And remember to always stay informed about weather forecasts and road conditions before setting off on a trip.

Steps To Take After Weather-Related Car Accidents

If you’re involved in a car accident due to weather conditions, it’s important to take the following steps:

• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get a medical check-up to rule out hidden injuries.

• Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.

• Document the Scene: Take pictures of the accident scene, weather conditions, and any damages.

• Gather Information: Collect contact and insurance information from the other drivers involved.

• Contact an Attorney: Contact Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers to discuss your case and understand your legal options.

Liability in Weather-Related Car Accidents

Weather conditions can influence car accidents, acting as either a direct cause or a contributing factor. When accidents occur, whether due to adverse weather or human error, insurance companies immediately begin their investigation to determine the cause.

This often involves reviewing photographs and other evidence from the accident scene to piece together what happened. Subsequently, the insurance provider may consult the police report and additional evidence to establish negligence.

Determining liability in weather-related car accidents has additional complexities as compared to other collisions. Although poor weather conditions can play a significant role, drivers must adjust their driving behaviors accordingly, including:

• Slowing down
• Using headlights
• Keeping a safe distance from other vehicles

If a driver neglects these safety measures, they may be found liable for the accident.

Isn’t Florida a No-Fault State? 

Yes, Florida is a no-fault state. There are common misconceptions that often surround Florida’s no-fault insurance laws. Many believe that being in a no-fault state means you cannot pursue further compensation beyond your insurance benefits. However, this is not the case. You can seek additional compensation by suing the at-fault driver if the cost of damages exceeds your policy limits.

Contact Our Experienced Pensacola Car Accident Lawyers

Florida’s weather can be unpredictable, and this means that car accidents due to weather conditions can come out of the blue. While you can’t always avoid weather-related accidents, your choice of legal representation is within your control.

With our deep local roots and a dedicated team, Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers is your ally.

Like you, we can’t control the weather, but we can help you manage the aftermath of an accident. Bring your case to us, and we’ll bring it to them—because we love doing just that.

If you’ve been in an accident due to weather conditions in Florida, contact our Pensacola car accident attorneys at 850-444-0000 for a free case consultation.