Generally speaking, personal injuries mostly happen because of other people’s negligence – such as when slip-and-falls happen because of a property owner’s negligence or when car crashes occur due to a driver’s carelessness. However, sometimes personal injuries do not occur as the result of someone else’s negligence, but occur due to severe or inclement weather Furthermore, personal injuries can be the result of a combination of negligence and bad weather.
The weather usually changes how safe our roads, sidewalks, and everyday activities are. Even the smallest mishap while driving might result in an accident if the road is wet or slippery. It’s important for victims to understand weather-related risks and how they contribute to injuries so they can protect their rights more effectively.
How Does Weather Impact Road Safety?
Weather can change road safety in the blink of an eye. It influences the conditions of roads and visibility among other things. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving on a highway or walking in an urban area, weather-related injuries can strike when you least expect. In particular, cold weather injury risks spike when there are icy roads which can lead to skidding and sometimes car accidents.
Similarly, weather in reference to highway or urban pedestrian crashes reveals that poor visibility in fog, rain, or snow can increase the potential for serious injury. Pedestrians are harder to see, and drivers may struggle with longer stopping distances or sudden hazards.
Even hot weather injuries—yes, heat-related issues—can affect brain function, leading to poor decision-making and slower reflexes, which can make driving more dangerous.
Common Types of Injuries Linked to Weather Conditions
In the experience of New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyers, some cases are closely linked to weather-related accidents. In order for victims to properly protect themselves, it’s important to understand the most common injuries happening because of the weather conditions.
- Slips and Falls: Icy sidewalks, wet pavement, and snowy stairs most frequently cause slip-and-fall accidents. These accidents can happen because of minor missteps but still lead to broken bones, back injuries, and even concussions.
- Vehicle Crashes: Rain, fog, and icy roads are common culprits behind weather-related car crashes. Car and truck crashes can result in life-altering injuries that affect the victims’ quality of life for years.
- Heat-Related Health Issues: You might not think of hot weather injuries when considering weather-related accidents, but heatstroke, dehydration, and fatigue can impair a driver’s ability to focus. In extreme cases, overheating can lead to brain inflammation or fainting, which could result in crashes or dangerous pedestrian mishaps.
Snowy Conditions and What to Expect
Hazardous conditions increase when winter arrives – snowfall creates slippery streets and sidewalks that are almost impossible to navigate safely at times. Black ice, in particular, is treacherous because it’s nearly invisible.
Winter weather means poor tire traction and a higher risk of losing control for drivers, especially in high-traffic areas or during sudden temperature drops. Pedestrians walking in urban settings also face risks as untreated sidewalks become danger zones for slips and falls.
Even if you take precautions, accidents caused by other drivers who haven’t adjusted their speed or who are distracted can lead to severe injuries. The risk of cold weather injury increases drastically during snowstorms when emergency response times are delayed, meaning that injured individuals may not get immediate help.
Role of Climate Change in Injury Risks
It’s impossible to ignore how climate change has intensified extreme weather events. Fast fluctuations between extreme cold and heat, along with unseasonal storms, often catch drivers and pedestrians off guard, making it harder for them to maneuver and avoid danger.
For example, heatwaves can increase the likelihood of brain injury and hot weather complications, as people working outdoors or driving long distances may suffer from heat exhaustion. Meanwhile, sudden flash freezes in what would normally be mild weather can lead to unexpected icy roads and higher crash rates.
Statistics on Weather-Related Injuries
There’s no better way to get an idea of the issue than to look at the actual numbers:
- According to the Federal Highway Administration, weather-related crashes account for nearly 1.2 million crashes annually in the U.S.
- Icy pavement is responsible for 13% of weather-related crashes, while rain accounts for about 46%.
- Pedestrian injuries tend to spike in urban areas during rain or snowstorms due to poor visibility and reduced traction.
- Certain studies show that long-term exposure to high heat impacts cognitive function – this might explain some hot weather injury accidents caused by poor decision-making behind the wheel.
Looking at these numbers helps you understand just how much weather influences accident frequency (and why understanding these conditions could literally be a lifesaver).
Contact an Attorney for Legal Help
One of the first and most important recovery steps after an accident is adequate compensation. This is exactly why most injury victims choose to file a claim and pursue justice, so they can confidently move on from the injury. However, navigating the legal system when you’re already dealing with a traumatic injury can be overwhelming, even for someone familiar with the law. This is exactly where the services of a skilled lawyer come in.
Weather-related injury claims require a detailed understanding of how the conditions played a role in the incident. The experienced legal team at Omni Injury and Accident Law, P.C. helps victims every step of the way – from gathering evidence to representing them in court, if necessary.
If you’ve just been involved in an accident, don’t wait too long to seek help. Reach out to Omni Injury at +1 (646) 503-0404 and let our skilled attorneys help you take the first steps toward recovery.