Kent Accidents Caused by Negligent Drivers in Inclement & Unsafe Weather Lawyer
- The Dangers of Inclement and Unsafe Weather
- Negligence and Liability in an Inclement Weather Accident in Kent
- Recoverable Damages in an Inclement Weather Accident
- How a Kent Injury Attorney Can Help After an Accident in Unsafe Weather
- File Your Lawsuit Against a Negligent Driver Before Time Runs Out
- See How a Lawyer Can Help You After an Accident in Unsafe or Inclement Weather
Driving is inherently risky but driving in inclement and unsafe weather is even riskier. According to the American Meteorological Society, poor weather conditions factor into 28% of all accidents and 19% of fatal accidents. With more rainy days than sunny ones each year and an average rainfall of roughly 43 inches, Kent, Washington is prone to wet pavement and slick roadways. Drivers must slow down in the rain.
While rain is the most common source of unsafe weather in Kent, it’s not the only source. Drivers must be mindful of current weather conditions and drive more carefully in the rain, snow, sleet, hail, and high winds. It is all too easy to spin out, slide off the road, veer into another lane, and cause an accident with one or more other vehicles. Here are some precautions drivers can take:
- Slow down: No matter what the posted speed limit is, you must slow down in bad weather. Driving too fast for current weather conditions constitutes negligence. Cars going the speed limit on slick or icy roads may not be able to stop in time to avoid an accident.
- Turn on your headlights: Headlights help you see and help other cars see you. Increased visibility in the rain, snow, or fog can prevent an accident.
- Leave early: Expect delays when driving in inclement weather. You may be more inclined to drive quickly if you’re running late, so give yourself plenty of time in case roads are bad or you get stuck behind an accident.
- Give other drivers space: It’s hard to stop fast on wet pavement safely, so leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you.
All drivers owe other drivers, pedestrians, and anyone else on the road a duty of care, or an obligation to avoid putting them in harm’s way. Drivers who breach this duty by driving carelessly or recklessly commit negligence. If that negligence leads to an accident, they are responsible for it and any related expenses.
In inclement weather, drivers who ignore current conditions and fail to adjust their driving are negligent. For example, drivers may follow too closely or drive too fast for the current weather, causing them to lose control of their vehicle and hit someone else. They bear the responsibility for the accident even though it is weather-related.
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“Herschensohn Law worked by my side for almost four years when I was in an auto accident and were outstanding in everything they did! They went above and beyond to make my lawsuit as easy and stress free as possible for me while consistently showing genuine care for my wellbeing. They even recommended amazing health care professionals for my injuries! Anything/everything I may have been confused/concerned about was addressed/explained so I felt comfortable with each move made in my lawsuit. Professional, courteous and attentive are just a few words I would use to describe this law firm and although I hope to never be in a similar situation again - if I do, Herschensohn Law will be my first call!”
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Your lawyer can estimate the value of your damages from your inclement weather accident, including:
Economic Damages in an Inclement Weather Accident
Economic damages cover tangible losses such as:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Loss of income (including salary, wages, tips, and benefits)
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages in an Inclement Weather Accident
Non-economic damages cover intangible losses such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Mental health conditions stemming from the accident
- Reduced quality of life
Wrongful Death Damages in an Inclement Weather Accident
If you lost a family member in the accident, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills for accident-related treatment
- Loss of financial support and household services
- Loss of love, care, affection, and companionship
Your lawyer can handle all the legal “heavy lifting” after an accident in unsafe and inclement weather, while you recover. Your lawyer could:
- Investigate your accident, speak to witnesses, and compile evidence of negligence by the other driver
- Gather your medical records from every provider who treated you
- Estimate the full value of your losses
- File an insurance claim for you and submit supporting documents
- Negotiate an out-of-court settlement with the insurance company
- File a lawsuit against the at-fault driver and represent you in court if necessary
Suing the at-fault party can allow you to reclaim your financial losses while holding the driver accountable for his or her negligence. It can also help you put the accident behind you and move on with your life. However, you must act quickly, as the state of Washington limits how much time you have to sue the responsible party after an accident.
RCW § 4.16.080 sets the statute of limitations for personal injury at three years, meaning you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. RCW § 4.16.080 also sets the statute of limitations for wrongful death at three years, meaning you have three years from the date your loved one passed away to file a lawsuit. Your lawyer can determine how these statutes affect your case.
“Zach will always take time and give you quality advice that you can trust. Highly recommended!”
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence during inclement and unsafe weather, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
Our accident lawyers at Herschensohn Law can help you pursue damages for medical bills, loss of income, pain and suffering, and more. Call us today at (206) 588-4344 to schedule your case evaluation.
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