Driven To Protect Your Best Interests

Can Environmental Factors Contribute To A Crash?

On Behalf of | May 13, 2020 | Car Accidents

Sioux Falls drivers sometimes face unexpected conditions that can put a damper on their travel. Conditions that are unfavorable for driving can potentially lead to crashes when drivers fail to prepare and use caution. These are called environmental factors and usually include:

  • Adverse weather conditions: Rain, snow, ice, sleet, and strong wind
  • Road defects: Debris, downed trees, potholes, large cracks, and blocked or missing signs
  • Unfavorable traffic conditions: Traffic jams, construction zones, and congestion
  • Road infrastructure: Complex intersections, frequent curves, and steep downgrades

Can Crashes Be Caused By Environmental Factors?

Crashes aren’t usually caused by environmental factors, but rather, human error. Here are some examples why:

  • A driver may cause a crash while driving too fast for conditions on a slick road surface.
  • A distracted driver may cause a rear-end collision at a construction zone.
  • A driver may swerve to avoid hitting a pothole and cause a head-on collision.

Environmental factors can only create the conditions that can lead to crashes if drivers don’t use caution and skill to handle them.

Human Error Is The Leading Cause Of Car Accidents

Drivers who exceed the speed limit during normal conditions have less control of their car and require more time and distance to stop to avoid a crash. During hazardous conditions, the risk of a crash increases exponentially for speeders.

Distracted driving has become a growing public safety concern since the advent of cellphones. The urge to pick up a cellphone while driving has become commonplace in our driving culture. The risk of a crash increases significantly when distracted driving is combined with environmental factors.

When someone’s negligence causes a crash during inclement weather or other hazardous conditions, the insurance companies may attempt to downplay human error. For example, if you were involved in a crash with someone who was speeding on a wet road, the insurance company may blame the crash on the wet road rather than speeding.

How Can A Car Accident Attorney Help Me?

Insurance companies are notorious for using persuasive tricks to avoid compensating crash victims. Instead of speaking to the at-fault driver’s insurance company, you should consult with an experienced Sioux Falls car accident attorney who can negotiate on your behalf.

Northern Plains Justice, LLP can help you get the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, wage loss, pain, suffering, and other damages associated with your crash. We have developed a reputation for taking an inclusive approach to each case we handle and employing a winning legal strategy in court.

To schedule your free consultation, contact our firm online.

Archives