Do Environmental Factors Cause Car Accidents?
Posted in Motor Vehicle Accidents on May 10, 2022
There are a number of factors that contribute to vehicle accidents in Seattle. Often, these incidents are caused by the careless or negligent actions of drivers on the roadway. However, there are times when environmental factors can lead to car accident collisions on our roadways. Here, our team of personal injury lawyers in Seattle want to examine some of the main environmental conditions that can play a role in vehicle accidents.
1. Water on the Roadway
Seattle is no stranger to rain, and this can lead to dangerous situations on the roadway. Driving on roadways slick with water, particularly during or right after a heavy storm, can lead to multiple dangerous factors. This includes low visibility, slippery roadways, and heavy winds that could push the vehicle into another lane.
Perhaps the most dangerous factor associated with heavy rain is water on the roadway, which can cause a driver to hydroplane and lose control of their vehicle.
2. Slick or Icy Roads
Even though Seattle does not receive as much snowfall as other areas throughout the country, it still happens. Snowfall and cold conditions could lead to slick and icy road surfaces. Most individuals simply do not understand how to safely drive on slick roadway surfaces, and this could lead to sliding, trouble breaking, and collisions with other vehicles or objects.
3. Poor Visibility
Poor visibility is a concern when there is fog, during rainstorms, and if it is snowing out. It is imperative for individuals to keep their eye on the road and practice defensive driving if visibility is limited. Individuals are much more likely to be involved in vehicle accidents if they cannot see their surroundings. However, individuals should never use their high beams in these situations, as the bright light could magnify the glare for other drivers.
4. Objects on the Roadway
There are certainly times when objects in the roadway to dangerous situations. This could include dead animals, trees or other natural debris, objects that have fallen off of other vehicles, commercial truck cargo, and more. Unexpected objects in the roadway can lead to swerving or sudden stops, and this can cause serious accidents.
5. Obstructed Views
There may be times when a driver’s view becomes obstructed by other vehicles on the roadway, construction, or objects that have fallen on the street. Additionally, it is not uncommon to encounter obstructed views caused by overgrown bushes or trees on the roadside, and this is particularly an issue if you have come to a move to another lane or intersection without having clear visibility around a curve.
6. Glare
One of the most common environmental factors related to collisions is glare from the sun, lights on other vehicles, or lights on buildings. Glare can significantly reduce roadway visibility, leading to dangerous situations. Anytime a person is in a situation where glare is causing them to lose visibility, they need to decrease their speed and lengthen the distance between themselves and other vehicles on the roadway.
Work With an Attorney
If you or somebody you care about has been injured or sustained property damage in a vehicle accident caused by another driver, reach out to a Seattle car accident attorney immediately. Even though an environmental factor may be to blame for the incident, you may still be able to recover compensation from another driver.