Missouri’s weather can present unique challenges for drivers at different times of the year. In the winter, drivers must contend with snow and ice. The spring and summer bring heavy rainfall. And in the fall, roads can be covered by slippery leaves and hidden by fog. Understanding the risks posed by Missouri’s weather can help drivers stay safe on the roads and determine who’s liable after an accident.
Winter Weather Risks: Snow and Ice
Winter in Missouri often brings snow, freezing rain, and black ice, which can increase the risk of an accident. Even a thin layer of ice can cause vehicles to lose traction, making it harder for drivers to stop or maintain control. Slippery surfaces often lead to rear-end collisions and single-vehicle accidents.
High-speed roads like I-70, I-44, I-55, and I-64 are some of the most dangerous roads in winter weather. When traveling at speed, drivers have less time to react, and slippery surfaces can send them sliding into other vehicles before they realize what’s happening.
Spring and Summer Risks: Rain and Flooding
Late spring into early summer is the rainiest part of the year in Missouri. One of the primary risks of rain is hydroplaning, which occurs when a vehicle loses traction due to water getting between its tires and the road surface. Heavy rain can also lead to flooding, which may obscure potholes, road lines, and debris on the road, leading to higher rates of accidents.
Fall Risks: Leaves, Fog, and Frost
With the fall comes several risks for drivers, including leaves, fog, and frost. While less of an issue on major highways, back roads can become covered in slippery leaves, which may contribute to accidents. Early morning fog can also make it harder to see obstacles in the road. And as the temperature drops as winter approaches, frost can make road surfaces unexpectedly slick.
Proving Fault After a Missouri Car Accident Caused by Seasonal Weather
It can be challenging to prove fault for an accident caused by seasonal weather conditions. However, it’s not impossible, and depending on the circumstances of the accident, various parties could be liable for your damages.
For example, a driver who doesn’t slow down in slippery conditions caused by rain or snow may be driving too fast for the conditions. If they lose control of their vehicle and collide with you, they could be at fault even if they were traveling at the speed limit.
Additionally, if snow or flooding contributed to your accident, the government entity responsible for maintaining the road could be at fault. To sue the government, you’ll need to show it knew or should have known about the road hazard, such as if it didn’t clear snow promptly or knew a particular road was prone to flooding.
Contact Our Missouri Car Accident Lawyers
If you were injured in a Missouri car accident caused by poor weather conditions, contact Holland Injury Law, LLC, for a free consultation with a trusted car accident lawyer. Our firm has recovered over $300 Million for our 7,000+ clients and has received 1000+ 5-star reviews. We look forward to putting our knowledge and experience to work for you.