Traveling on Virginia highways can be treacherous enough without added risks. A driver may have to deal with speeding and distracted drivers, large commercial vehicles, road construction and traffic congestion. Add poor weather conditions to this mix and the risk of fatal vehicle accident may increase considerably. One recent vehicle accident demonstrates the importance of driving defensively when the weather turns bad.
Severe storms were in the forecast for Tuesday night, and such warnings urge drivers to slow down and use extra caution. The driver of a passenger vehicle allegedly continued traveling in the left lane of the interstate at approximately 70 mph when the rain turned to hail. He apparently lost control of his vehicle and swerved into the right lane where a tractor-trailer was also traveling at nearly 70 mph. The truck driver reported trying to avoid the car but broadsided it, sending it careening off the roadway and seriously injuring the two occupants.
The truck also ran off the road and overturned, ejecting a passenger who was in the sleeper cab. The passenger died at the scene. A third vehicle attempted to avoid the accident, ran off the road and struck a guardrail, injuring the two occupants. In all, five people went to the hospital for treatment of injuries, and most were hospitalized in serious condition, according to reports.
Virginia police charged the driver of the car with failing to maintain control of his vehicle. Following a vehicle accident, those who are seriously injured or families of the deceased may face difficult times, including extended hospitalization, mounting medical bills and lost time from work. With the assistance of an attorney, many are able to obtain the compensation they need to get their lives back on track.
Weather-related crashes are defined as a crash that occurs in adverse weather (rain, sleet, snow, fog, severe crosswinds, or blowing snow/sand/debris) or slick pavement. Additionally, the majority of weather-related vehicle crashes, 70%, occur on wet pavement, while 46% take place during rainfall. Even the safest drivers on the roadways could lose control of their vehicle during poor weather conditions.
Injuries from vehicle accidents can range from minor bruises to intense life-threatening injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident that was caused by the negligent actions of another person in poor weather conditions, fight for your legal rights. Contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney with the Price Perkins and Larkin group to discuss your situation and determine if you are eligible for compensation. We will help file a proper claim on your behalf.