Driving while weather conditions are dangerous can be very risky, regardless of the type of vehicle you drive. If you have been in an auto accident during bad weather and it was not your fault, then you are potentially eligible for compensation to take care of medical bills and your family.
Why it is dangerous to drive on wet roads?
Bad weather can occur anytime during the year, but it can be especially dangerous during the winter months. Snow, ice, and freezing rain can make roads into death traps. When weather affects roads like this, it is best to call out of work or to remain at home, as to reduce the likelihood of injury or even death.
Bad weather can also affect visibility. In some conditions, you will only be able to see a few feet in front of you, which can easily result in an accident. Even if you think that you are a skilled and competent driver, remember that you don’t have control of other drivers. That means that even if you don’t hit anyone, it doesn’t mean someone else won’t hit you.
Missouri’s rate of accidents due to inclement weather is higher than the national average. Wet roads create many hazards for drivers. Obviously if it freezes it can be hazardous, but even water itself will reduce the grip between your vehicle’s tires and the road. So, if you do happen to be driving on wet roads, slow down and be cautious. For a vehicle’s brakes to properly work there needs to be friction between the road and the tire, and a slick road will increase the distance it takes to come to a stop.
Poor weather conditions include rain, storms with strong winds, and snow. Therefore, you need to keep updated of any weather reports warning about these conditions before you get on the road, whether it be across town or just down the street. For the safety of yourself and other try to stay off the road. If leaving your home isn’t vital, such as in some time sensitive emergency, do yourself a favor and wait the storm out. Few things are worth endangering your life and/or the lives of others
If you must travel and become involved in an accident, make sure to call 911 so that you can receive any medical attention you need and to file a police report. The CDC, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, has reported, that in Missouri, 1 out of 5 people killed in an accident were involved in wrecks due to inclement weather conditions. While many wrecks are due to distracted or drunk driving, bad weather conditions are still a major role in the injury and death of many motorists.
Why to hire a personal injury lawyer in Missouri?
If you have suffered injuries from an auto accident, then you will want to hire a good personal injury lawyer. Having knowledgeable assistance will make a difficult matter much easier. This is especially true if you have been severely injured and are unable to work or care for your family. A skilled lawyer will help you receive the monetary compensation that you need to pay bills and put food on the table.
With access to the internet, you will be able to find many lawyers who may have experience in personal injury law, but having an abundance of choices doesn’t make it easier. Unless you have used a lawyer before or know someone who has used one, it may take some time to choose an experienced lawyer to represent you.
The first thing to look for is their experience. See if they have taken many personal injury cases, and if they prevailed in them. If not, you may want to move on. An experienced attorney knows how to speak to all different types of people. When dealing with the court and insurance companies it is important that a lawyer can deal with individuals from different backgrounds. They should also have people who can help expedite paperwork so that the client will only have to deal with a minimum amount of financial and mental pressure.
Efficiency is an important factor. Unless a lawyer strictly takes on personal injury cases, they may not be able to assist you immediately. Since the client will most likely be under stress from medical bills piling up, day to day expenses, as well as physical pain, they may be unable to take care of necessary aspects of their case in an effective time frame. Missouri has many skilled and qualified personal injury lawyers, and it doesn’t hurt to go to their websites to find out more about them.
Another aspect to take not of is the lawyer’s fees. A skilled professional lawyer will not be after your money, but instead will work to get money for you. Most law firms will understand that you are in a difficult situation and will be willing to wait until after the settlement to take payment.
When you think that you have found the right lawyer, before hiring them, use reliable online sources to research them. You may find blogs or forums that have information and reviews from previous clients that could help you finalize your decision. Read them thoroughly, and remember take serious consideration before making your choice.
Once you have found an experienced car accident lawyer in Kansas City, MO you can trust and feel comfortable doing business with, give him your account of the events. Remember to be honest and do not hold back any information. Your lawyer should want to help you and be focused on making sure that you receive the appropriate amount of compensation.
Filing your case through an experience and skilled personal injury attorney will be immensely helpful and take a huge burden from your shoulders. Remember to investigate their experience, the fees they charge, and that you feel comfortable that they are fighting for your interests and not for their own financial gain. With a little patience and research, you will find the right attorney who will help you get back on your feet.