Bad weather in Missouri can instantly turn a routine drive into a hazardous situation. Rain, snow, ice, fog, and strong winds make roads slippery, limit visibility, and increase the risk of losing control. Even cautious drivers can end up in accidents when conditions rapidly change.
Despite the role of weather, insurance companies still assign fault based on driver actions. Their stance is that motorists accept the risks of driving in hazardous conditions. If a vehicle slides on ice and hits another car, the driver who lost control may be found responsible. Multiple drivers sometimes share liability, even if the weather plays a significant role.
Law enforcement may take a different approach. If extreme weather is the apparent cause, officers might not issue citations, but this does not affect how insurers handle claims. Drivers involved in weather-related accidents may still need to defend against allegations of negligence.
How Bad Weather Increases the Possibility of Car Accidents in Missouri
Wet pavement accounts for 70% of weather-related crashes in the U.S., while rainfall alone contributes 46%. In Missouri, rain can make roads slippery, reduce tire traction, and increase stopping distances. Drivers who fail to slow down in wet conditions or ignore hydroplaning risks may lose control of their vehicles, leading to serious accidents.
Snow and Ice Make Roads Treacherous
Winter weather can have a severe impact on driving safety. Snow or sleet is involved in 18% of all weather-related crashes, while icy pavement accounts for 13%. In Missouri, winter storms can lead to dangerous road conditions, making it harder to stop, turn, or accelerate safely. Black ice– thin, transparent ice that blends with the pavement– can be especially hazardous because drivers may not see it until it is too late.
Fog Reduces Visibility and Reaction Time
Fog is responsible for 3% of weather-related crashes, but its impact can be severe, especially on highways where vehicles travel at high speeds. Dense fog can reduce visibility to just a few feet, making it difficult for drivers to see road signs, traffic lights, or other vehicles. When drivers fail to adjust their speed in foggy conditions, sudden braking or lane changes can result in multi-car pileups.
Weather Affects Traffic Flow and Road Capacity
Adverse weather doesn’t increase the risk of accidents– it also affects how traffic moves. Rain can reduce freeway speeds by up to 16%, while heavy snow can slow speeds by as much as 40%. Low visibility can cause speed reductions of 10% to 12%. These slowdowns, increased braking distances, and unpredictable road conditions make crashes more likely.
Liability in Bad Weather Car Accidents in Missouri
Bad weather can create dangerous driving conditions, but it doesn’t excuse drivers from being responsible for their actions. In Missouri, liability for a car accident still depends on whether a driver acted reasonably. If a driver fails to adjust to lousy weather–such as by driving too fast on icy roads or failing to use headlights in fog–they can still be found at fault for a crash.
How Weather Affects Fault in Missouri Car Accidents
Courts and insurance companies examine how the driver responded to the conditions when determining liability in a bad weather accident. For example, if a driver rear-ends another vehicle in heavy rain, investigators will consider:
- Speed at the time of the crash: Was the driver going too fast for wet roads?
- Braking distance: Did the driver allow enough time to stop safely?
- Visibility: Were headlights and taillights appropriately used in fog or rain?
Even in poor weather, drivers are expected to operate their vehicles safely. Failing to adjust for conditions– such as by following too closely, braking suddenly on ice, or driving too fast– can result in liability for the accident.
Drivers’ Legal Responsibilities in Bad Weather
Missouri law requires drivers to exercise the highest degree of care when operating a vehicle, even in bad weather. Under R.S.Mo. § 304.012, drivers must:
- Drive safely for the conditions, even if it is below the posted limit.
- Maintain control of their vehicle at all times.
- Take necessary precautions, such as increasing the following distance and using headlights in low visibility.
A driver who ignores these responsibilities may be considered negligent and liable for damages.
Comparative Negligence in Missouri Weather-Related Crashes
As we mentioned, Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning that even if a driver is partially at fault, they can still recover damages. For example, if one driver is 80% responsible for a crash on icy roads but the other is 20% at fault for not using headlights, the second driver can still recover 80% of their damages.
Factors Considered When Determining Fault in a Car Accident Caused by Bad Weather
Determining fault in a car accident caused by bad weather can be complicated. Courts, insurance companies, and top-rated St Louis car accident lawyers consider several key factors to assess whether a driver acted responsibly under the conditions. Even in severe weather, drivers must take precautions to prevent accidents.
Key Factors in Fault Determination
- Weather Conditions: Investigators look at the weather during the crash, including rain, ice, snow, fog, or strong winds. If visibility was low or roads were slick, drivers may be expected to adjust their behavior accordingly.
- Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads, such as those with potholes, standing water, or black ice, can make accidents more likely. Sometimes, a city or municipality may be partially responsible if road conditions contribute to the crash.
- Traffic Signals and Signs: Courts and insurance adjusters consider whether drivers followed traffic laws despite the weather. Running a stop sign, failing to yield, or ignoring road closures can indicate negligence.
- Eyewitness Accounts: Testimonies from passengers, pedestrians, or other drivers can provide insight into how the accident happened and whether a driver was behaving recklessly.
- Police Reports: Officers at the scene document weather conditions, driver statements, and any traffic violations. A police report can be a critical piece of evidence in determining fault.
- Expert Analysis: In complex cases, accident reconstruction specialists may be called in to analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and weather data to determine how the crash occurred.
- Driving Behavior: A driver’s actions before the accident play a crucial role. Questions that may arise include:
Did the driver reduce speed appropriately for the conditions?
Was there enough distance between vehicles to allow for safe braking?
Did the driver use headlights in low visibility conditions?
Was the driver distracted, such as texting or adjusting the radio, at the time of the crash?
Challenges in Assigning Fault
Bad weather accidents often involve shared fault. For example, if one driver was speeding but another failed to use headlights in foggy conditions, both may bear some responsibility. Sometimes, a third party– such as a local government responsible for road maintenance– may be liable.
What if the Accident Involved Multiple Vehicles?
Multi-vehicle accidents, or chain-reaction crashes, are common in bad weather, especially on icy roads. When multiple vehicles are involved, determining fault becomes more complex, as several parties may share responsibility for the crash.
How Icy Roads Can Lead to Pileups
Imagine a winter morning in Missouri when freezing rain turns the highways into ice sheets. A driver traveling too fast for the conditions suddenly loses control, skidding into the car ahead. The driver behind, unable to stop in time due to the slick roads, crashes into them.
Within seconds, more vehicles pile up, unable to avoid the wreckage. In severe cases, these accidents can involve dozens of cars, causing significant injuries and damage.
Who is Liable in a Multi-Car Crash?
Liability in multi-vehicle accidents depends on several factors. Courts and insurance companies examine drivers’ actions to determine who is responsible. Potentially liable parties include:
- The driver who caused the initial crash: If a driver was speeding, tailgating, or driving recklessly, they may be primarily responsible for setting off the chain reaction.
- Other drivers involved: If other drivers followed too closely or drove too fast for the conditions, they may also share fault for failing to prevent further collisions.
- A vehicle manufacturer: If a car involved in the pileup had defective brakes or another mechanical failure, the manufacturer could be liable for contributing to the crash.
- A government entity: A city or state agency could share responsibility if unmaintained roads, such as untreated ice or poor signage, worsened the accident.
- A driver’s employer: If a commercial driver was involved in the accident while on the job, their employer may also be liable.
In multi-vehicle accidents, insurance companies and courts carefully examine all available evidence, including police reports, traffic camera footage, and eyewitness accounts, to determine how liability is distributed.
What to Do After a Car Accident Due to Bad Weather in Missouri
Bad weather can make car accidents more likely, but it does not remove a driver’s responsibility to operate their vehicle safely. If you have been involved in an accident during severe weather, taking the proper steps can help protect your health, rights, and ability to recover compensation.
Immediate Steps to Take at the Scene
- Check for injuries: Your safety is the top priority. Check yourself and others for injuries, and call 911 if medical attention is needed.
- Move to a safe location: If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid further collisions. However, if the conditions make driving unsafe, stay inside your car with your seatbelt fastened.
- Call the police: A police report can be critical in proving fault. Explain what happened, including the weather conditions, but avoid admitting fault.
- Document the accident: Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Bad weather can quickly change, so capturing evidence immediately is crucial.
- Gather witness information: Get their contact information if there were any witnesses. Their statements may support your claim.
Handling Insurance and Liability Issues
- Notify your insurance company: Report the accident as soon as possible, but be cautious about providing a recorded statement before speaking to a lawyer.
- Be aware of shared fault claims: The at-fault driver’s insurance may argue that the bad weather, not their client, caused the accident. Remember that Missouri’s pure comparative negligence law could reduce your compensation if you are found partially at fault.
- Consult a car accident lawyer: Insurance companies will try to minimize payouts, especially in lousy weather accidents. An attorney can help protect your rights, negotiate with insurers, and pursue full compensation for your injuries and damages.
Protecting Your Claim
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, injuries from accidents can take time to appear. A medical evaluation provides essential documentation for your claim.
- Keep records: Save all medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies. This documentation will be crucial if you need to file a claim.
Skilled Missouri Car Accident Lawyers Fighting for Your Rights
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we understand how overwhelming a car accident can be, especially when bad weather plays a role. Navigating insurance claims, proving liability, and securing fair compensation can be challenging without experienced legal representation.
Our award-winning auto accident attorneys are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. We handle every aspect of your case, from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to proving liability and representing you in court if necessary.
With a deep understanding of Missouri’s car accident laws, we work tirelessly to build a strong case on your behalf. Don’t let an insurance company minimize your claim. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us fight for the justice you deserve.
