When you’re riding a motorcycle, the open road can feel thrilling. However, it also comes with risks, especially when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Rain, fog, wind, and even extreme heat can all play a part in motorcycle accidents.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident that was a result of inclement weather conditions, it is crucial to understand how this may impact your personal injury claim. At Kreger Brodish, we are here to help you figure it all out. As trusted North Carolina motorcycle accident lawyers, we can guide you through the process of seeking the compensation you need to move forward.
Common Weather Conditions That Contribute to Motorcycle Accidents
Certain weather conditions are more likely to cause accidents because they make it harder to see, stop, or stay in control. Here are some of the most challenging conditions:
Rain
Wet roads become slippery, making it harder for motorcycle riders to stop quickly or keep stable traction. Heavy rain also reduces visibility for everyone on the road, increasing the risk of collisions. Riders need to slow down and be extra wary of other drivers in rainy weather.
Fog
Fog drastically reduces visibility, making it challenging for drivers to spot motorcyclists, road signs, or hazards ahead. This increases the chance of accidents, especially in areas with sharp turns or heavy traffic.
Wind
Strong winds can push a motorcycle or small car off course, particularly on open roads or bridges. Riders must constantly be alert in strong or gusty winds, not only to keep themselves on the road but also to accommodate drivers who may have little control over their vehicles.
Ice or Snow
Winter weather makes roads slick, posing significant risks. Even small patches of ice can cause a driver to lose control and crash into a nearby motorcyclist.
Heat
Extreme heat might not seem dangerous, but it can cause fatigue, dehydration, and even tire blowouts. These factors make it harder for drivers to stay alert and in control.
Any type of inclement weather may impact a driver’s ability to control their vehicle, which can result in motorcycle accidents and serious injuries.
How Do Weather Conditions Impact Liability?
When bad weather contributes to a motorcycle accident, determining who is responsible isn’t always straightforward. Liability depends on several factors, including:
- Driver Behavior – Even in harsh weather conditions, drivers are expected to adjust how they drive. For example, if a driver tailgates a motorcycle in the rain and causes a crash, they could still be held accountable for their reckless actions.
- Road Maintenance – Neglected or poorly maintained roads may have potholes or inadequate drainage. This can worsen weather-related dangers, especially for motorcyclists. In case of an accident, a local municipality or agency might share some of the blame.
- Vehicle Maintenance – Proper vehicle maintenance is crucial for driving, especially in bad weather. If a car’s worn tires or faulty brakes contributed to the accident by making it harder to stop or maintain control, potentially drifting into oncoming traffic, this could affect liability.
Working with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Charlotte, NC, can help you sort through these issues and understand how liability applies in your situation.
Proving Weather’s Role in an Accident Claim
Your lawyer will gather evidence to show how weather conditions contributed to the crash. Some of the evidence that may help includes:
- Photos or Videos – Pictures or videos of the accident scene can capture critical details like wet roads, poor visibility, or debris caused by wind.
- Weather Reports – Official records of rain, fog, snow, or high winds during the accident can confirm the challenging environment.
- Eyewitness Accounts – Statements from witnesses can describe how weather conditions affected visibility, road traction, or driver behavior.
- Police Reports – Police often document weather conditions in their reports, which can serve as key evidence to back your claim.
Steps to Take After a Bad Weather Motorcycle Accident
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident during bad weather, here are some steps to protect yourself and your claim:
Get to Safety
If possible, move yourself and your bike to a safe spot, like the shoulder of the road, to avoid further accidents. In bad weather, visibility is often poor, making it even more dangerous to stay in traffic.
Call 911
Always report the accident to the authorities, even if it seems minor. Inform the dispatcher about any injuries and hazardous weather conditions. A police report will document the situation and the weather, which could be vital for your claim.
Document the Scene
While at the scene, take pictures or videos of everything you can. This includes your bike, the other vehicle, road conditions, and the weather at the time. Capturing details like rain puddles, fog, or icy patches can help show how bad weather contributed to the crash.
Exchange Information
Share your name, contact info, and insurance details with the other driver, and be sure to get their contact and insurance details. Note their description of the accident, especially if they admit the weather affected their ability to drive safely.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as possible. Wet or slippery roads can cause high-impact crashes, and some injuries, like concussions, may not show symptoms right away. A medical record will also link your injuries to the accident.
Finally, you need to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Charlotte, NC, can evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process. They will gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Damages Recoverable in Weather-Related Motorcycle Accident Claims
It is undeniable that motor vehicle accidents often cause significant financial burdens that make it difficult for victims to get the care they need and focus on recovering. A personal injury claim is the best method to recover compensation for the losses and expenses you face moving forward. After a motorcycle accident in bad weather, you may be able to recover compensation for:
The Resulting Medical Expenses
Motorcycle accidents often result in far more severe injuries than those occurring in car-on-car accidents. These injuries often require both immediate and long-term medical care. A personal injury claim can seek to recover the money you need to cover these costs so that you can focus on getting better.
Lost Wages
If you need to take time off work to recover, attend medical appointments, or for other reasons related to your accident, you can recover compensation for your lost wages. If the injuries you suffer are so severe that you are unable to work for the rest of your life, you can seek compensation for lost earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
Motorcycle accidents cause significant physical pain and suffering. They also cause overwhelming mental and emotional suffering. Injured victims have a right to demand compensation for the resulting pain and suffering. For your case, you can demand compensation that reflects the impact that your injuries have on your life and the pain and suffering you endure.
Property Damage
You have a right to seek compensation for the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal items damaged or ruined in the crash. This helps you get back on the road after your accident so that you can get to work or take care of things outside the home.
Why Legal Representation is Crucial for Weather-Related Claims
Filing a motorcycle accident claim when weather is a factor can be complicated. Insurance companies might try to downplay your injuries or argue that bad weather, not another party’s negligence, was the primary cause of the crash. An experienced lawyer can push back against these tactics, ensuring your side of the story is heard.
Why Choose Kreger Brodish?
At Kreger Brodish LLP, we’re not just here to handle your motorcycle accident claim. We are here to support you. We know how overwhelming it can be to go through the legal process. For this reason, we are committed to taking the stress off your shoulders.
Our team believes in open communication, so you will always have direct access to your attorney and paralegal through email, phone, or text. We’ll make it convenient for you whether you prefer to meet virtually or in person.
We also offer free consultations so you can discuss your case and learn about your options without any pressure or upfront costs. Our fees are fair and transparent, so you will know exactly what to expect. At Kreger Brodish, our goal is to secure the results you deserve while providing the personalized care you need.
Contact Our North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Attorneys for Help
If you got hurt in a motorcycle accident that happened because bad weather affected another driver, you do not have to go through the legal process alone. Kreger Brodish can explain your rights and pursue the compensation you need to get back on track. Contact our office today to get started with a consultation with our North Carolina motorcycle accident lawyer so that we can help you seek justice.
