The environmental factors drivers face each day aren’t always favorable. Drivers may encounter frequent curves, slippery road conditions, thick fog, or potholes. These environmental factors are often unavoidable and contribute to many Ohio crashes.
CAN ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS BE BLAMED FOR CAR ACCIDENTS?
Can we truly blame the cause of crashes on these environmental factors? We can to some degree. For example, crashes on roadways with frequent potholes and poorly maintained surfaces may be the fault of a local municipality or the state for failing to address the hazard.
In most other cases, environmental factors are nothing more than contributors, rather than causes. The way drivers navigate these environmental factors usually determines the cause of a crash. Some examples include drivers:
- Speeding on slippery road surfaces or during conditions of poor visibility
- Using cellphones when approaching intersections or areas with where pedestrians are present
- Behaving aggressively during rush hour traffic
Right-of-way at intersections
Some intersections can be tricky to navigate, especially when several drivers, truckers, and other road users are packed into multiple lanes. Left turns at intersections and navigating the right-of-way can be confusing, but we can’t blame the design of a signalized intersection exclusively for the cause of a crash.
In many cases, drivers will turn when they don’t have the right-of-way and get broadsided by another driver. In other cases, drivers blow through red lights and cause serious, high-impact crashes.
Intersection crashes are often caused by:
- Speeding
- Reckless lane changing
- Distracted driving
- Making improper U-turns
Can environmental factors affect my car accident claim?
While drivers can’t avoid the environmental factors they face, they can avoid behaving recklessly and endangering others. When approaching unfavorable conditions, crashes can be prevented simply by slowing down and staying attentive.
If you were hurt in a crash as a result of someone else’s negligent actions, it’s critical that you consult with an experienced Ohio car accident attorney. Car accident claims involving environmental factors can be highly complex. That’s because the at-fault driver’s insurance company may argue that nobody was at fault due to the conditions of the road. They may also try to shift the blame onto you.
Your attorney can investigate, gather the facts, and argue otherwise. Michael D. Christensen Law Offices LLC has been advocating for injured motorists throughout the greater Columbus area for nearly two decades.
To find out how we can help you get the compensation you need, contact us online or call us at 866-408-8191. Our firm offers free case evaluations and will not charge a fee unless we win your case.