Car Accidents Involving Bad Weather in Little Rock

Poor weather, such as rain, fog, thunderstorms, ice, or snow, frequently contributes to wrecks in the state, but it does not excuse driver negligence. Arkansas is an at-fault insurance state, which means that the motorist responsible for causing the collision is liable for covering the damages for themselves and everyone else involved.

You could be eligible for a payout from the at-fault party if their recklessness caused a preventable traffic incident, regardless of the forecast. Call our office to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable auto wreck lawyer for help after car accidents involving bad weather in Little Rock.

Safe Driving During Inclement Weather

Drivers have a legal obligation, called a duty of care, to operate their cars reasonably under existing conditions, which means taking inclement weather into account. Steps to take when necessary include the following:

• Reduce speed, even below the posted speed limit, if necessary for safe traveling
• Increasing the distance between their vehicle and the one in front of them
• Using headlights and windshield wipers when needed and appropriate
• Use caution and avoid sudden maneuvers

Neglecting to adjust speed or make other accommodations for the current weather conditions can constitute negligence, even if the weather played a substantial role in causing the auto collision in Little Rock. The courts focus on whether the driver’s actions were appropriate and if another reasonable motorist would have driven differently in the same or a similar situation. Our accomplished attorneys can investigate the wreck to determine the cause and work to prove the other driver’s fault and liability.

What Types of Wrecks Involving Bad Weather Are Common?

Crashes can happen in any situation, but especially during poor weather. Examples of common types of car crashes involving bad weather in Little Rock include the following:

• Rear-end crashes, also called fender-benders, can have chain reactions leading to pile-ups on interstates because of fog, slick roads, and motorists failing to slow down
• Hydroplaning wrecks, typically resulting from excessive speed on wet or icy roads, lead to loss of control of vehicles
• Jackknife commercial truck collisions on ice or snowy roads
• Single-vehicle wrecks, caused by running off the road or highway, often hit guardrails or trees after speeding, overcorrecting, or both

Our attorneys, seasoned in handling these claims, prove fault after carefully analyzing critical evidence, such as officer accident reports, vehicle data (e.g., black boxes when trucks are involved), and, if necessary, accident reconstruction, to show the defendant failed to adapt to poor weather conditions.

Negligence Per Se

Negligence per se applies to automobile collisions caused by a driver traveling at an unsafe speed for the conditions. Specifically, legislation requires that all licensed drivers in the state proceed in a safe and cautious manner, focusing on preventing collisions with other vehicles on the roadways. Under Arkansas Code § 27-51-201, state traffic laws prohibit motorists from traveling at speeds greater than what is reasonable for the current weather conditions when hazardous conditions are present.

When an individual violates a statute or safety rule without a valid reason or excuse, they are automatically in violation, constituting a breach of their duty of care. After car accidents involving inclement weather in Little Rock, our skilled lawyers gather police reports, witness statements, and, if necessary, speak to experts to determine and establish liability.

Speak to an Attorney About Car Wrecks in Little Rock Involving Bad Weather

All drivers have a legal obligation to proceed with caution and act reasonably to prevent causing wrecks, even if that means slowing below the posted speed limit. While rain, ice, or other conditions may contribute to a traffic incident, driver negligence is almost always a factor as well.

Determining and then proving liability is complex, requiring experience with careful investigation and review. Call our office soon to meet with an experienced lawyer and learn more about car accidents involving bad weather in Little Rock.