How Does Inclement Weather Affect My Portland Injury Claim?

Posted on behalf of RizkLaw on Jan 05, 2023 in Personal Injury

Although infamously rainy, the Pacific Northwest is known for having a reasonably temperate climate. Summer storms and winter blizzards are a rare sight here in Portland, but severe weather is not entirely unknown. Inclement weather, whether it’s our usual foggy, rainy day or a serious winter storm that leaves our streets paved in ice, can make driving incredibly dangerous.

Rizk Law lawyers help hold negligent drivers accountable for the harm they cause in Portland and throughout Oregon and Washington states. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a car accident that occurred during inclement weather, a Rizk Law lawyer could help you navigate the personal injury claims process. Our goal is to help you get the compensation you need to move on after an accident.

Car Accidents During Inclement Weather in Portland, Oregon

The weather plays a part in how we get to work, how much fun we have on vacation and how we conduct our day-to-day activities. But when it comes to driving, the weather can become an undeniable hazard.

Slippery Roads

Inclement weather affects the way your car will handle, which can significantly hinder your ability to drive safely. When roads are wet or icy, the asphalt becomes slippery, and traction may be compromised. Tires cannot grip the road as well in wet or icy conditions, making it more difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles.

Drivers having issues with traction may find themselves skidding around corners or sliding down hills. Some drivers might even have trouble stopping at intersections if their brakes are not working as expected due to ice buildup or snow cover. Drivers who fail to modify the way they drive to accommodate for changes in weather could be at fault if their negligence causes an accident.

Reduced Visibility

Fog is just water vapor condensed into tiny droplets that get suspended in the air. It can be caused by low-lying clouds, smoke, temperature inversion (when cooler air is trapped below warmer air), or an accumulation of water vapor. Foggy conditions can reduce visibility and increase accident rates.

Fog, rain, and snowfall can also make visibility poor for pedestrians, especially in urban areas where tall buildings can block out natural light from the sun. If you were involved in an accident on Portland’s roads during foggy conditions, you could be eligible to recover compensation for your damages.

Recovering Compensation After an Accident During Inclement Weather in Portland

It is not always easy to prove that another driver was at fault or acted negligently in inclement weather. A driver’s inability to see you or react in time may be due to the weather conditions, but it could also be due to poor judgment or carelessness on their part. In order for an insurance company to pay out benefits, they need proof that the other driver was responsible for causing the accident and should have exercised better caution under those circumstances.

Led by a former insurance company insider, Richard Rizk, the Rizk Law personal injury lawyers understand what it takes for a car accident injury claim to see success. If you were injured in a car accident in Portland during inclement weather, schedule a free no-obligation meeting with a member of the Rizk Law team to evaluate your situation by calling (503) 245-5677 or completing our contact form.