Driving in Miami can be challenging, especially with the mix of tourists and locals. This creates a unique set of hazards. Adding the fact that South Florida weather varies quite regularly down to the minute/hour makes things even more tricky and often leads to weather-related car accidents in Miami.
Weather plays a more significant part in crashes than you might think. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 49.6 percent of all crashes involve weather.
Miami’s Unique Weather Challenges
Miami’s weather can be problematic for drivers. Sudden, heavy Florida downpours and thunderstorms can turn roads slick in seconds. Knowing what is possible and being prepared for driving in these conditions is crucial.
The Dangers of Rain and Flooding
Miami’s tropical rain is different. It can be heavy, especially between June and November.
This much water is bad news for drivers because roads get super slippery fast. Hydroplaning is a big problem, which happens when tires can’t grip the road and instead slide on top of the water.
Flooding, which is common in Miami, and can hide potholes and other road imperfections. Deep, flooded streets can cause serious damage or even leave drivers stranded.
How Visibility Suffers During a Rain Storm
Fog and wind join the party, too. You’ll learn that dense fog rolls in quickly.
Fog reduces the distance one can see, making distance judgments challenging. This is a huge part of rear-end crashes and other car accidents.
Wind can knock a car around. The wind affects larger cars, SUVs, and trucks on open roads like bridges.
Weather-Related Car Accidents Miami Statistics
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) estimates that about 20% of all crashes involve weather. That’s one in five accidents, and weather is a contributing factor in many cases.
Breakdown of Accidents by Weather Condition
According to the FHWA, over 70% of weather-related crashes happen on wet pavement. Rain causes nearly half of all these crashes.
|
Weather Conditions |
Percentage of Crashes |
|
Wet Pavement |
70% |
|
Rain |
46% |
|
Snow/Sleet |
17% |
|
Icy Pavement |
13% |
|
Snow/Slushy Pavement |
16% |
|
Fog |
3% |
Legal Implications of Weather-Related Crashes
Weather doesn’t excuse drivers from accidents. In these cases, it’s crucial to look closer and determine how much, if anything, was human error.
For example, speeding during rain or having bad tires is reckless and could lead to a wrongful death claim if the accident is fatal.
Determining Fault
How do you determine if they are really at fault? How do you determine if it’s a case that you can act upon?
Things that show what happened include the following:
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Witness accounts.
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Photos from the accident.
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Police records.
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Determining fault in a weather-related car accident often involves proving negligence, even in adverse conditions. An experienced injury lawyer can help assess the situation.
When the City Might Be Liable
Sometimes, it’s not just the drivers; the city/county/state could be at fault, too. If poor road designs made things worse, that shifts responsibility, but fighting the city on a design claim is an uphill battle unless its design and plans were not carried out as specified and a deviation occurred when the project was constructed and completed by the applicable company/companies involved. Think of clogged drains that cause huge puddles. These design choices directly play into collisions, increasing responsibility on city/county/state actors. In these cases, it’s important to consult with a legal professional who understands this area of law.
Staying Safe: Tips for Driving in Miami Weather
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Knowing how to handle Miami weather makes you safer. It’s more than hoping for the best.
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You have to slow down! The rain creates hazards you might not expect, making reduced visibility a key concern in many accidents.
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Give cars more space; keep at least double the regular distance. This gives you extra stopping time when everything is soaked.
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Never drive through flooded spots. Avoid floodwaters if your car is low or can be carried by a small amount of water.
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It doesn’t matter how shallow the water may look; you cannot risk it.
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Fog means turning on those headlights and fog lights, if equipped. This will increase the likelihood of being visible to others.
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Keep a steady grip on the wheel in windy conditions, especially during wind bursts. Strong winds are a major contributing factor in some motorcycle accidents.
Steps to Take After a Weather-Related Car Accident in Miami
Even with our best preventative measures, wrecks still occur. Knowing the steps to follow afterward helps. If there are visible injuries, start by calling 911. Once that part is over, exchange details with any drivers involved and take photos and videos. Do not delay this step, especially if you suspect distracted driving/weather played a role.
Get medical help
Injuries require fast treatment. Sometimes, internal damage doesn’t even appear immediately, so get yourself looked over to rule it out, particularly in the case of a potential traumatic brain injury.
Documenting Everything
Get a copy of the police report, especially since the report notes the weather conditions at the crash. Note weather information for later use, too. If safe, snap accident photos showing any inclement weather, incident scene, vehicle damage and weather-related hazards. Capture wet roads and traffic markers; this documentation is crucial for establishing the circumstances of the accident. Lawyers experienced in handling car accidents use this insight.
When to Contact an Attorney
Sometimes, figuring out what happened fault-wise just might not seem straightforward. What if insurance denies or disputes claims despite showing that weather played a role? A Miami car accident lawyer reviews and negotiates claims as a daily duty so in these cases, they can help you understand your rights, particularly when modified comparative negligence is a factor. Getting support matters immensely in securing full benefits when reimbursements are needed. Consider legal help navigating tricky Uber or Lyft car accidents. A personal injury attorney will not only be able to help you in the process, but they also have experience dealing with the local court system in places like South Florida including, but not limited to its cities/municipalities like: Coral Gables, Pinecrest, South Miami, Dadeland, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay, Coral Reef, South Dade, Naranja, Homestead, and Florida City to name a few.
Conclusion
Miami has traffic challenges, even on sunny, clear days, especially in adverse weather conditions. Preparation for sudden Miami downpours and knowledge about driving in rainy weather are key to staying safe. Planning ahead and adjusting driving practices during rainier weather conditions can help us stay a lot safer and even limit the danger when involved in these situations. Remember, most accidents happen due to driver error, even in poor weather conditions. It won’t always be clear about liability, so legal insight definitely guides folks. From my I-95 experience of weather-related car accidents in Miami, knowing you’re covered by proper insurance coverage and extra cautious driving is essential.