Car accidents can bring your life to a standstill in an instant. While you may recover compensation if someone else is to blame for the crash, accidents involving inclement weather present unique challenges, especially concerning fault. Understanding what to do and who to hold accountable in these situations requires significant legal expertise.
At our firm, the Bellaire car accident lawyers are available to discuss car accidents involving bad weather in Bellaire. We do not collect attorneys’ fees until you receive payment, and all our consultations are free, allowing you to discuss your case in detail. Call us today to schedule a meeting with our team.
Fault in Car Accidents Involving Bad Weather
Liability in car accidents involving bad weather in Bellaire is often a contentious issue. While weather conditions cannot be held responsible for a crash, understanding how fault is determined is critical in establishing who should be held accountable. Since negligence often plays a role in these cases, identifying the parties responsible for the accident is usually more straightforward. To establish fault, you must demonstrate the following:
- A duty of care existed
- The duty was breached
- Causation
- Damages
From these elements, multiple parties may be found at fault, including:
- Vehicle manufacturers for unsafe designs and faulty systems
- Individual drivers for negligent driving
- Vehicle owners for hiring negligent drivers
- Construction companies for unsafe road designs
- State agencies for improper road maintenance
Understanding the intricacies of liability and comparative fault laws in car accidents involving bad weather is complex. You need the counsel of a seasoned attorney who is well-versed in state laws regarding shared fault and negligence.
For a free legal consultation with a bad weather car accident lawyer serving Bellaire, call (832) 449-8230
Steps to Take Following a Car Accident
When you are involved in a car crash in Bellaire during bad weather, the steps you take can significantly impact your well-being and your eligibility for compensation. Since each accident is unique, it is essential to stay alert and observant at the scene. Here are some critical steps to protect yourself:
Stop & Stay at the Scene
Texas traffic laws require all parties involved in an auto accident to stop and remain at the scene. Fleeing the scene is a punishable offense. You should stop and provide necessary assistance to anyone injured. Additionally, all parties must exchange contact and insurance information. Leaving the scene prematurely may imply an admission of guilt. To comply with the law, always stop and ensure your safety until the authorities arrive.
Call the Police
Making your accident a matter of public record is important. Call 911 to report the accident, providing details about the parties involved, the accident’s location, and any other information the operator may request. A team will be dispatched to help with investigations and secure the scene. Don’t forget to obtain a copy of the final police report, as it will be crucial in supporting your car accident claim.
Talk to Witnesses
Eyewitnesses play an integral role in personal injury law. Before leaving the scene, talk to as many witnesses as possible and record their statements. Their accounts of the events leading to the crash may help prove that the accident was not solely due to poor weather but also the negligence of another party. Write down their contact information, including names and addresses, to make it easier for your attorney to reach them when filing a case.
Check Yourself for Injuries
One of the most crucial steps you must take at any accident scene is checking yourself for injuries. While some injuries may be easily identifiable, others may require further medical evaluation. Internal injuries may not be immediately apparent and can worsen quickly. Proper documentation of your injuries and treatment is essential in supporting your claim, particularly when proving causation and damages.
Notify Your Insurance Company
If you have insurance coverage, report your accident as soon as possible, as required by your policy. Whether or not you intend to pursue compensation, you should fulfill your insurance company’s requirements when an insured risk occurs. This allows them to prepare for settlement when necessary.
Bellaire Bad Weather Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (832) 449-8230
Call a Bellaire Attorney After a Car Accident Involving Bad Weather
Car accidents involving bad weather in Bellaire can be challenging to navigate. Besides the question of fault, you will encounter various legal hurdles that only a qualified attorney can handle. Hiring a seasoned auto wreck attorney will level the playing field when negotiating a settlement or fighting for your rights in court. Call Lone Star Injury Attorneys today for assistance with your case.
Call or text (832) 449-8230 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form