Unfortunately, many Portland car accidents involve bad weather, particularly in the winter months. It is not uncommon for ice to accumulate on the roads and for snow to make driving and visibility difficult.
When you are in a vehicle wreck that results in severe injuries and property damage, do not hesitate to contact our legal team for support. A seasoned car collision attorney with Gideon Asen, LLC can help you build a solid case for compensation.
How to Avoid a Weather-Related Crash
Drivers who choose to operate their vehicles in dangerous weather should be aware of the potential hazards and consequences. However, when a motorist is having trouble breaking, navigating, or seeing the road in front of them, these are signs that they should not be driving in the first place.
In the event of a sudden storm, such as hail, rain, or snow, drivers should find a place to pull over and wait until the poor weather subsides.
Injuries Involved in Bad Weather Accidents
When hazardous weather causes motorists to collide with another vehicle or object or flip over, this can result in moderate to severe injuries, such as:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Whiplash
- Spinal damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Death
A Portland lawyer can help a client take the necessary steps to document their injuries after a poor weather-related car wreck. Having proof of damages is essential in pursuing compensation.
Steps to Take After a Collision Caused By Weather
When a person in Portland is in a bad weather car crash, they must first call the police. They should also examine themselves for injuries and check on other parties involved to make sure they are okay. If someone is seriously harmed, it may be necessary to call an ambulance.
Once the initial steps are taken care of, individuals should contact legal counsel. An attorney can assist their client with negotiations between insurance companies and collecting evidence of fault.
What if No Other Vehicle Were Involved in the Accident?
If a vehicle driver is in a single-car wreck, they may not have a claim to bring because there would be no defendant. However, depending on the reasons that they crashed, other parties could be held liable.
For example, if a vehicle malfunction, such as a braking or steering wheel defect, prevented a driver from slowing down on black ice, the manufacturer could be held accountable. In addition, a passenger in a single-car accident may have a claim against the driver if they incurred injuries from the incident.
Recoverable Damages in a Bad Weather Car Collision
Various forms of compensation for a personal injury can be recovered depending on the circumstances. Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, and a loss of working capacity. In addition, non-economic damages may be available, including pain and suffering, permanent impairment, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish.
In rare scenarios, punitive damages may be assigned. These are designed to punish the defendant for extremely harmful behavior and prevent these actions from being repeated in the future. A Portland lawyer can help calculate damages for their client’s hazardous weather car crash case.
Reach Out to a Portland Attorney to Discuss Car Accidents Involving Bad Weather
If you were in a Portland car accident involving bad weather conditions and somebody else was responsible for the wreck, speak with a lawyer about pursuing damages. You deserve compensation for the harm you endured because of another person’s reckless actions.
Our dedicated personal injury attorneys can collect the necessary documentation and evidence to prove the at-fault party’s negligence. Call Gideon Asen, LLC today to discuss your case.
