We’d all love ideal conditions when we get out on the roadway, but that doesn’t always happen on Florida roadways. Bad weather is more than just an inconvenience sometimes. Adverse weather conditions on the roadways can lead to a range of types of collisions, including collisions between multiple vehicles and even single vehicle collisions. Here, we want to discuss some of the implications of car accidents that occur during bad weather in Florida.
How Does Bad Weather Cause Vehicle Collisions in Florida?
Florida unpredictable weather. With heavy rain, tropical storms, and even hurricanes regularly affecting the state’s roads, these bad weather conditions can dramatically increase the risk of car accidents. Some of the most common ways weather causes vehicle collisions include:
- Reduced visibility. Heavy rain, fog, and even high winds can reduce a driver’s ability to see clearly. Poor visibility makes it difficult to judge distances, identify hazards, or react to other vehicles, leading to an increased likelihood of collisions.
- Slippery road surfaces. Wet, icy, or slick roads can cause tires to lose traction, making it harder to stop or control a vehicle. Hydroplaning, which occurs when tires ride on top of water rather than gripping the road, is a common problem during rainstorms and can result in drivers losing control and crashing.
- Increased stopping distance. In bad weather, vehicles require a longer distance to come to a complete stop.
- High winds. Strong winds can push vehicles, especially large trucks, into other lanes of traffic, leading to head-on or side-impact collisions. Winds can also cause debris to fly into the road, creating unexpected hazards for drivers.
- Standing water and flooding. Florida is prone to flash flooding, and standing water on the roads can cause vehicles to stall, hydroplane, or be swept away. Drivers who attempt to drive through flooded areas may be at risk of serious accidents.
Will Your Insurance Pay for Damages?
In Florida, the no-fault insurance system plays a major role after vehicle collisions in Florida, even those involving bad weather. Under state law, all drivers must have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which covers their own medical costs related to the crash and some lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. This means that if you are involved in a car accident during bad weather, your own insurance carrier will pay (usually) the bulk of the expenses.
PIP insurance typically covers:
- Up to 80% of medical expenses related to the accident, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and prescriptions.
- Up to 60% of lost wages if the injuries from the accident keep you from handling job duties.
- A small death benefit if the accident results in a fatality.
The maximum amount of compensation available under PIP is $10,000. Additionally, PIP doesn’t cover pain and suffering or non-economic damages.
Can You File a Lawsuit After a Bad Weather Car Accident?
Even though Florida is a no-fault state, you may still be able to file a lawsuit against another driver if your injuries meet certain criteria. In order to step outside the no-fault insurance system and file a civil claim against the at-fault party, your injuries must be considered serious under Florida law. Serious injuries are defined as:
- Permanent injury
- Significant and permanent disfigurement or scarring
- Significant and permanent loss of a bodily function
- Fatality
A West Palm Beach car accident attorney can help you determine whether your injuries meet the legal threshold (as established under state law) for filing a lawsuit and guide you through the process of pursuing a claim against the at-fault driver.
