Weather-Related Accidents in Pittsburgh

When bad weather strikes in Pittsburgh, the roads and highways can become danger zones. Every motor vehicle driver has a responsibility to adapt to poor weather conditions and safely navigate the roads in rain, snow, sleet, wind or fog as much as possible. If a driver fails to drive responsibly in inclement weather, he or she could be held legally responsible for a related crash. 

What Is the Most Dangerous Weather for Drivers in Pittsburgh? 

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania sees many severe weather events annually, including winter snowstorms, hard freezes, flooding and tornadoes. According to the Federal Highway Administration, “rain or mist” is the most common adverse atmospheric condition connected to motor vehicle accidents, followed by freezing precipitation and low visibility.

What Are a Driver’s Responsibilities in Inclement Weather? 

Drivers in Pittsburgh must plan for and prepare to drive in inclement weather to the best of their abilities. If a driver doesn’t feel comfortable driving in poor weather conditions, he or she has a responsibility to stay home. Otherwise, the driver should adapt his or her driving techniques according to the conditions to improve safety. 

Drivers have a duty of care to operate their vehicles in a manner that a reasonable and prudent person would in similar conditions. In inclement weather, this typically means reduced vehicle speeds, increased following distances and close attention to the road. If a driver fails to meet the required duty of care, he or she can be held responsible for a related automobile accident in Pittsburgh.

Who Pays Under Pennsylvania’s No-Fault Laws? 

Pennsylvania is unique in that it uses a “choice no-fault” law when it comes to determining who is liable or financially responsible for an automobile accident. When a crash is caused by bad weather, this law means most drivers can file claims with their own insurance companies for coverage without having to prove fault. 

If you sustained serious injuries or you have full tort insurance, however, you may have grounds to bring a claim against another driver for causing or contributing to your crash. Although bad weather may have also contributed, the other driver could be held accountable for acts of negligence that increased the odds of a collision, such as speeding or tailgating.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Inclement Weather 

If you get into a car accident during a bout of bad weather in Pittsburgh, take the following steps and actions to protect yourself as much as possible: 

1. Pull off the road, away from traffic, to prevent additional collisions.
2. Remain in your car until it is safe to exit.
3. Call 911 to notify law enforcement and request a crash report.
4. Exchange information with the other driver, but do not admit fault.
5. Take pictures of the crash scene and weather conditions.
6. If there are any eyewitnesses, write down their information.
7. Call your own car insurance provider to report the accident.
8. Contact a car accident attorney in Pittsburgh for claims assistance.

Always put your health and safety first. Then, when you are ready to seek financial compensation for your crash, consult with an attorney before accepting a settlement.

How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help With Your Case in Pittsburgh 

Dangerous weather can make a car accident claim in Pittsburgh more complicated than usual. An insurance company may attempt to blame the accident on an “act of God,” for example, and deny liability for your losses. If you were injured in a single-vehicle accident in bad weather, your insurance company may try to blame you.

It is important to know when to contact a car accident attorney to assist you with the claims process. If your case involves challenges such as catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, a liability dispute or bad weather, an experienced personal injury lawyer in Pittsburgh will be able to guide you through the claim. A top-rated Pittsburgh attorney for injury claims can increase your odds of success with personalized legal advice and aggressive representation.