Las Vegas residents appreciate Nevada’s abundant sunshine and the dry climate. With the changing seasons, however, inclement weather sets in. Depending on the area in the state, you can experience fog, snow and ice, dust storms, and thunderstorms.
When the snow and ice hits some places in the winter, driving on the roadways becomes hazardous and can lead to car accidents.
Some motorists fail to account for the conditions and continue driving at normal or excessive speeds. Slowing down in harsh conditions is vital to prevent a more dangerous situation. Visit – Vehicle Safety – for tips on vehicle safety.
Inclement Weather Can Result in Car Accidents in Nevada
Nevada is among the driest states in the US. This climate makes the ideal conditions for flash floods, especially when summer brings intense thunderstorms. Less than an inch of water can lead to motorists losing control of a vehicle; roughly half of flash flood fatalities result from car accidents.
USA today reports that Nevada has among the highest fatality rate due to weather in the country, including extreme temperatures. While most weather-related accidents happen in rain when roads are slippery, other types of harsh weather contributes to auto accidents.
Rainfall is followed by ice and snow for the most prevalent crashes related to weather and then fog. Motorists in the state are expected to obey the state’s laws and safely operate their vehicles in any type of weather. This means using windshield wipers and adjusting for poor road conditions.
Further, Drivers are legally mandated to use headlights half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise and when visibility falls to less than 1000 feet. This emphasizes the importance of using safety features in poor conditions to ensure adequate vehicle visibility for those surrounding you.
Driving the posted speed limit could contribute to a serious accident depending on the road conditions. Motorists are required to reduce speed according to the weather for their safety and those around them. Go here to learn safe weather-related safe driving guidelines.
Consider the most common weather conditions that can lead to car crashes in Nevada.
- Dust/fog: Blowing dust and fog hinders motorists from seeing what’s in front of them making it challenging to identify other vehicles. An inability to see can lead to rear-end accidents.
- Rain: Precipitation creates poor road conditions and hinders visibility. Vehicles can lose traction on wet and slippery roadways. When cars start to hydroplane, they can spin out of control, leading to a collision with another auto.
- Strong winds: Nevada experiences high winds sweeping across its desert, sometimes with resultant flying debris and downed powerlines. This can present hazardous driving conditions if motorists don’t take the necessary cautionary measures.
They may lose control, potentially colliding with other drivers or the debris in the roadways.
- Ice/snow: The FHA reports that roughly 70 percent of the US roadways expect to be covered by snowfall each year, including some in Nevada. Because motorists have the likelihood for losing traction these conditions are extremely dangerous.
Drivers are expected to adjust their driving, including reducing speed to navigate their treacherous path. Motorists are encouraged to use studded tires from October through April.
While inclement weather contributes to collisions, motorist negligence also plays a role.
Distracted drivers or those maintaining or exceeding posted speeds, which are too great for harsh conditions, and those with a blatant disregard for rules that apply in inclement weather ultimately cause car crashes.
Legal Considerations When Driving in Harsh Weather
Legal counsel will assess whether motorists acted prudently considering the weather conditions if an accident occurs.
Knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with Friedman Injury Law examine the facts to discern if drivers adjusted, such as reducing their speed for poor road conditions, maintaining a safe distance, and using proper safety features.
Failing to meet these standards can lead to a motorist being found liable or negligent for damages in the accident.
A Las Vegas accident lawyer with a focus on weather-related car crashes plays a critical role in compiling evidence, including witness statements, weather reports, and expert testimonies to determine how the hazardous conditions led to the accident and whether the motorists met their legal obligations.
This expertise is integral in helping the injured parties to receive fair and reasonable compensation for their losses.
Final Thought
The Nevada weather can be unpredictable, demanding that motorists adjust accordingly ad be vigilant.
Drivers can have peace of mind and a greater sense of confidence by hiring an accident attorney if a crash occurs. The professional offers incredible support, a wealth of knowledge, and dedication to their clients’’ welfare.
For those who are affected by a loss, it’s important to reach out to a trusted attorney who can secure your rights and pursue as prompt of a settlement as possible so you can continue to recover.
The legal advocate is committed to delivering a compassionate and comprehensive service in a most challenging time.