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Heavy rain, flash flooding, dense fog, ice, and high winds can make North Mississippi roads a serious danger to drivers in a matter of minutes. Drivers lose visibility, tires lose traction, and standing water can cause sudden hydroplaning.
However, while these conditions significantly increase accident risk, that doesn’t excuse negligent drivers who contribute to a crash. Drivers must adjust to weather conditions by slowing down and increasing following distance. When they fail to do that and cause someone harm, they may face liability in a personal injury claim.
If you’ve suffered injuries in a severe weather crash, take the following steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
Call 911 and Report the Crash
Always call 911 after a weather-related collision. The responding officer can secure the scene and prevent further accidents. They will also create an official accident report containing key details that your attorney can use to build your personal injury claim.
Seek Prompt Medical Attention
Severe weather crashes often result in serious injuries. However, not all injuries immediately show symptoms. For example, whiplash or internal damage might go undetected for hours or days after a collision. That’s why it’s critical to seek medical attention even if you seem unharmed.
Seeing a healthcare provider not only protects your health but also creates critical documentation linking the accident to your injuries. Insurance companies often use delays in care to argue that your injuries were not caused by the at-fault party. Protect your rights by seeing a doctor right away.
Take Photos and Videos of the Accident Scene
If you can do so safely, gather evidence by documenting the accident scene before conditions change. Take photos and videos of:
- Vehicle damage
- Accident debris
- Skid marks
- Traffic signs and signals
- Weather conditions
- Hazards that may have contributed to the crash
- The surrounding area
- Visible injuries
Visual confirmation of your version of events can provide strong evidence to support your claim. Remember that this evidence will be difficult or impossible to gather after the accident scene is cleared and the weather conditions have cleared up.
Be Cautious When Speaking with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters often employ various tactics to weaken your claim and minimize your payout. Those tactics include:
- Requesting recorded statements to use against you
- Requesting medical records to search for preexisting conditions
- Blaming the weather rather than their insured drivers
- Offering quick, lowball settlements before you know the full extent of your injuries
If an insurance company reaches out to you, refer them to your attorney whenever possible. If you must speak with them, only offer basic facts, never admit fault, never speculate, and never accept a settlement without seeking legal advice.
Speak with an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
Severe weather crashes often complicate personal injury claims, making them exceptionally difficult to pursue on your own. An experienced car accident attorney can:
- Investigate whether the other driver adjusted properly to the weather conditions
- Preserve and obtain critical evidence before it’s lost or destroyed
- Work with medical and financial experts to determine the full value of your claim
- Utilize accident reconstruction specialists to establish liability
- Handle insurance company communications to protect your rights
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- Represent you in court, if necessary
The sooner you speak with an attorney, the stronger your case can be. Contact one as soon as possible.
Contact Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman PLLC Today
A storm doesn’t excuse dangerous driving. When another driver causes you harm because they failed to adjust to severe weather conditions, the team at Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman PLLC can help you hold them accountable. We’ll fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery. Contact us today for your free consultation.
