From blistering summer heatwaves and rainstorms to heavy snowfall and icy conditions in the winter, changes in weather conditions can lead to a significant increase in the cause of car accidents in Illinois. If you’ve been a victim of a weather-related car accident in Chicago, Roger D. Rudich, Ltd., an accident attorney in North Center Chicago is here to help you seek rightful compensation for your injuries.
Weather Conditions in Chicago
Different weather conditions in Chicago can significantly impact the safety of the roads. Here’s how specific weather events contribute to accidents:
- Rain: Even moderate rain reduces visibility for drivers. When heavy rain combines with oil and grime from the roads, surfaces become extremely slick. This can make quick reactions, like sudden stops, incredibly dangerous.
- Snow and Ice: Chicago winters are a challenge for even experienced drivers. Snow can obscure lane markings and reduce visibility while also making it harder for tires to get a solid grip on the road.
Ice is the worst offender, creating a treacherously slick surface. These conditions make it difficult to stop, steer, and accelerate effectively.
- Fog: Thick fog acts like a curtain descending over roads, severely limiting how far ahead drivers can see. This makes judging the speed and distance of other vehicles a risky guessing game. In heavy fog, it’s easy for misjudgments to occur, leading to the infamous chain-reaction collisions, where multiple cars become involved due to limited reaction time.
- High Winds: Open areas and highways around Chicago become hazardous in strong winds. Vehicles, including large trucks and SUVs, can become unstable in strong gusts. Unexpected crosswinds can shove cars into other lanes, leading to sideswipes or worse.
Every driver has an increased responsibility to practice caution when Chicago’s weather turns treacherous. Sadly, even with precautions, car accidents happen.
Car Accidents Caused by Weather Conditions
Weather-related car accidents in Chicago come in many forms, from fender benders to catastrophic collisions. Here are the common types of accidents seen in weather-induced crashes:
- Rear-End Collisions: Slippery roads, whether from rain, ice, or snow, significantly increase a vehicle’s stopping distance. Add to that the reduced visibility that often comes with inclement weather, and it’s easy to see why rear-end collisions are the most prevalent type of weather-related crash.
- Hydroplaning: When a layer of water builds up on the road faster than tires can push it away, a car can hydroplane. It essentially loses all traction, becoming unresponsive to the driver’s input. Hydroplaning often leads to loss of control as the car can suddenly veer in any direction.
- Sideswipe Accidents: Changing lanes becomes a high-risk maneuver in poor visibility or on slippery roads. Rain, fog, or snow can make it difficult to judge if a lane is truly clear. Even a slight error in timing when merging, combined with slick roads, can lead to a sideswipe accident.
- Rollover Accidents: Cars, aside from SUVs and trucks, can also be susceptible to rollovers when faced with strong winds or when taking corners too fast on slick surfaces. A rollover involves violent forces and is among the most dangerous types of Chicago car accidents.
Weather plays a powerful role in road safety. Understanding the unique risks associated with different conditions can help drivers make smarter decisions and hopefully reduce the number of accidents they are involved in.
Liability in Weather-Related Car Accidents
Determining liability in car accidents caused by weather conditions isn’t always straightforward. While weather certainly plays a role, drivers are still expected to exercise caution and adjust their driving according to the conditions.
Here are some potential scenarios where a driver may be held liable:
- Driving Too Fast: Speed limits are designed for ideal conditions. During rain, snow, fog, or wind, every driver is obligated to slow down, even if it’s below the posted limit. Failing to adjust speed appropriately is considered negligence.
- Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance: While no car handles perfectly in extreme weather, poorly maintained vehicles are a disaster waiting to happen. Worn tires have less grip on slick roads. Bad brakes drastically increase stopping distance.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, eating – all these things take a driver’s focus away from the road. This is always dangerous, but it’s incredibly reckless in bad weather. Reduced visibility and slick roads require heightened attention.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident caused by weather conditions in Chicago, it’s crucial to seek guidance from an experienced car accident attorney in Chicago. At Roger D. Rudich, Ltd., we understand the complexities of weather-related car accidents and will help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
