The Impact of Weather Conditions on Car Accidents in Orem

Snow, rain, and ice can turn Orem’s roads into danger zones. If weather played a role in your crash, contact Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks at (801) 500-4000 to discuss your options for compensation.

Driving in Orem can become dangerous when the weather suddenly changes. A clear morning can quickly turn into heavy rain, snow, or icy roads, making it harder to stop or control your vehicle. In slippery conditions, another driver may lose control, causing a crash that leaves you injured, facing car repairs, and unsure of who is responsible.

Dealing with insurance companies after a weather-related accident can be frustrating, especially when trying to prove who was at fault. You may be worried about medical bills, lost wages, and how to move forward after the crash.

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, our Orem car accident lawyers have helped many clients involved in accidents caused by bad weather. If you are unsure how to prove negligence in a weather-related accident or need help handling insurance claims, we are here for you. 

Keep reading to learn about common weather hazards, how they affect liability, and the steps we take to fight for your best outcome.

Common Weather-Related Hazards in Orem

Orem experiences a range of weather conditions throughout the year, from sunny summers to snowy winters. Unfortunately, certain weather types can increase the likelihood of car accidents if drivers do not adjust their behavior. Here are some of the most frequent weather hazards.

Rain and Wet Roads

Even a mild rain can make the roads slippery, especially if there is oil buildup on the pavement. Drivers might hydroplane if their tires lose contact with the road, causing them to lose control. Heavy rain can reduce visibility, making it harder to see brake lights or lane markers. 

When the rain turns into a downpour, standing water can form, further increasing the risk of skidding.

Snow and Ice

Winters in Orem can bring snowstorms and icy roads. Snow can pile up on highways and local streets, forcing drivers to slow down and keep a longer following distance. 

Black ice, which is a thin layer of ice that blends with the road, is particularly dangerous because drivers might not notice it until they start to slide. It is important to drive with caution, maintain working windshield wipers, and ensure your tires have good tread.

Fog and Limited Visibility

Fog can roll in unexpectedly, especially during cooler months or near bodies of water. Thick fog drastically reduces visibility. 

Drivers might fail to see hazards or other vehicles until it is too late to stop. In these conditions, it is crucial to use low-beam headlights (not high beams) and drive slower than usual.

High Winds

Strong winds can push vehicles off course, making it harder to stay in your lane. This issue affects large trucks more severely, but even smaller cars can feel the force of a gust. High winds can also carry debris onto the road, creating unexpected obstacles.

Extreme Heat

Although not always seen as a direct threat, extreme heat can stress your car’s engine and tires. Overheated engines can break down unexpectedly. Tire blowouts can occur if they are worn out or underinflated. While heat may not be the main cause of a collision, it can contribute to mechanical failures.

Dust and Sand Storms

On rare occasions, high winds might kick up dust or sand, reducing visibility in certain areas near Orem. Driving in dust storms is risky because you may not see other vehicles, and the strong winds can cause sudden steering corrections. It is best to pull over if conditions become too severe.

Overall, weather hazards require drivers to adjust their speed, maintain their vehicles, and stay alert to changing conditions. Many accidents happen not because of the weather itself, but because drivers do not adapt. 

They might continue at normal speeds on icy roads, or fail to use headlights in fog. Understanding these hazards is the first step toward safer driving, but accidents can still occur. If you find yourself in a weather-related crash, knowing how to handle liability can make a big difference in your claim.

How Weather Conditions Affect Liability and Negligence

When a crash happens in bad weather, many people blame the weather itself. However, the law expects drivers to adjust their driving based on road and weather conditions. This means:

• Slowing down
• Using the right lights
• Leaving extra space between vehicles

If a driver fails to take these precautions and causes an accident, they can still be held responsible, even if bad weather was a factor.

What Is Negligence?

Negligence means not being as careful as a reasonable person would be in a similar situation. For example, when it’s snowing or raining, a reasonable driver would:

• Drive slower
• Check their brakes
• Watch out for slippery roads

If someone ignores these safety steps and causes a crash, they could be found at fault.

Examples of Weather-Related Negligence

Let’s look at two examples of how bad weather can play a role in accidents:

1. Speeding on a Snowy Road
   • A driver in Orem is going too fast on a snowy road.
   • They lose control and hit another car from behind.
   • Even though the road was slippery, the crash was their fault because they were going too fast for the conditions.
2. Not Using Headlights in Fog
   • A driver forgets to turn on their headlights in heavy fog.
   • Another car doesn’t see them in time and crashes into them.
   • The first driver could be held responsible because they failed to take a basic safety step.

Proving Fault in Bad Weather

Weather can make it harder to prove who is at fault in an accident. Sometimes, insurance companies or lawyers will argue that the accident was “unavoidable” due to bad weather. They might say both drivers were being careful, but the crash still happened.

To prove negligence, investigators look at:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Video footage (if available)

This evidence can help determine if a driver was being reckless for the weather conditions.

Utah’s Modified Comparative Negligence Law

Utah follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means:

• If you are partly at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of blame.
• If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot collect damages.

For example:

• You were driving a little too fast in the rain.
• The other driver was texting while driving.
• You both share fault, so your compensation may be reduced based on your level of responsibility.

Gathering Evidence in Weather-Related Accidents

Evidence is crucial in any car accident claim, but it becomes especially important when weather plays a role. A clear, sunny day makes it easier to see who might have run a red light, but rain or snow can obscure visibility and leave behind fewer obvious clues. Below are ways to collect and use evidence effectively in weather-related accidents.

Police Reports

Always call the police if you can. The officer who arrives will note the weather conditions, road surface conditions, and any statements from the drivers or witnesses. 

If the officer notices that one driver was going too fast for the conditions, that might appear in the report. This official document can be very persuasive when dealing with insurance companies or in court.

Photos and Videos

Use your phone to take pictures or videos of the scene, if you can do so safely. Capture the road conditions, such as patches of ice, puddles, or snow piles. Photograph the damage to all vehicles involved, as well as any signs, traffic lights, or relevant landmarks. 

If you spot skid marks in the snow or slush, take a picture before they melt away. Documenting weather and roadway details can help show that one driver failed to adjust accordingly.

Witness Statements

If other people saw the accident or the driving behavior leading up to it, ask for their contact information. 

Witnesses might say they saw the at-fault driver speeding in a rainstorm or turning without using lights in fog. A statement from a neutral observer can carry significant weight. It provides a firsthand account of the conditions that led to the crash.

Vehicle Data

Some newer cars have onboard systems that record speed, braking patterns, and other data. If you believe the other driver was speeding or braking abruptly, you can request these details as part of the discovery process in a legal case. This information can confirm whether the driver responded to weather conditions appropriately.

Expert Opinions

In more complex cases, an accident reconstruction expert might be hired. They analyze everything from road friction levels to vehicle angles. 

Their work can show that the at-fault driver was traveling too fast for snowy conditions or made an unsafe maneuver in limited visibility. Experts can also create simulations that demonstrate how the accident happened, making it easier for judges or juries to grasp.

Medical Records

Do not forget to keep track of your injuries. If you receive treatment for whiplash, broken bones, or other harm, keep your medical bills and doctor’s notes. These records confirm the severity of your injuries and link them directly to the accident. Insurance companies might claim your injuries are minor or unrelated, so medical documents are a key part of proving your losses.

All of these forms of evidence come together to form a clear picture of the accident. In weather-related incidents, every detail helps, from the precise nature of your injuries to the status of the road and the actions of each driver. A well-documented case can make it much easier to negotiate a fair settlement or win a favorable court verdict.

How Our Firm Handles Weather-Related Car Accident Cases

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we recognize that weather-related accidents can be complicated. While it might seem obvious that bad weather contributed, establishing fault often requires detailed evidence and careful legal argument. 

Our team is here to support you every step of the way, from investigating the scene to negotiating with insurance companies.

Listening to Your Experience

Before anything else, we want to understand your story. How did the weather impact your driving? Were you following safety guidelines but still hit by another car? 

Did the other driver speed through icy roads or fail to clear snow from their windshield? By hearing your side in detail, we can begin piecing together a plan to prove you were not at fault.

Investigating Thoroughly

Once we agree to take your case, our Orem car accident attorneys collect crucial evidence. We obtain police reports, gather medical records, and look for any photos or videos of the accident scene. 

If needed, we consult weather data and accident reconstruction experts to determine if the other driver acted responsibly given the road conditions. Our goal is to show, through solid evidence, exactly how negligence led to your injuries.

Navigating Comparative Negligence

Utah’s comparative negligence rules mean that multiple parties might share blame. We carefully evaluate whether the other driver is wholly or mostly responsible. We may need to defend against insurance company claims that you did not drive carefully enough in poor weather.

Using detailed reports and expert opinions, we work to reduce any percentage of fault assigned to you. That way, you keep as much of your potential compensation as possible.

Negotiating with Insurers

Insurance adjusters often try to blame the weather, stating that the crash was “unavoidable.” Or they might argue that you bear some responsibility for failing to brake sooner or slow down enough. Our team anticipates these tactics. 

We use evidence, such as witness statements and data about driving speeds, to push back on low settlement offers. We aim to secure a fair amount that covers your medical bills, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Taking Cases to Court

If the insurance company refuses a fair settlement, we are prepared to go to trial. Our attorneys have courtroom experience in personal injury matters, including those involving severe weather. We present your case in clear, understandable terms, ensuring the judge or jury sees how the other driver’s actions led to your injuries. By building a solid argument, we increase your chances of receiving the compensation you need.

Providing Compassionate Support

Throughout the process, we keep you updated, answering your questions and guiding you on important decisions. We understand that a car accident can leave you feeling anxious, especially if you are also recovering from injuries. Our firm’s history of notable settlements, from multi-million dollar wrongful death awards to major personal injury cases, shows our dedication to achieving real results for our clients. We are confident we will help you get the compensation you deserve.

If weather conditions played a role in your accident, do not hesitate to seek legal help. Even if the insurance company tries to brush off your claim, our team is ready to fight for you.