Severe weather, such as torrential rain, high winds, and freezing temperatures, can impact road conditions. Car accidents involving bad weather in DeLand occur frequently.
At Colling Gilbert Wright, our seasoned auto accident attorneys have the experience and skills to obtain fair compensation if someone causes a weather-related wreck that injures you. Most of our cases are referrals from other law firms or former clients because they have firsthand knowledge of our capabilities and professionalism.
How Do Weather Extremes Impact Driving?
Central Florida experiences extreme heat for much of the year, and that can be tough on the roads. When rain falls on hot asphalt and causes it to cool suddenly, the surface can degrade. This can cause potholes and other irregularities that pose hazards for drivers.
During heavy downpours, when the parched ground cannot absorb the water, drainage becomes a problem. Roads flood, which can cause hydroplaning, and rain reduces visibility, increasing the risk of colliding with downed trees, debris, or other vehicles.
After a car crash during bad weather in DeLand, the responsible driver may deny fault and claim the road conditions caused the accident. However, our attorneys could find evidence that, even though the weather may have been a factor, someone else’s negligence was the primary cause.
Proving Negligence Led to the Wreck
Starting in July 2026, the state will transition to a fault-based system for managing car accident claims. The new system will allow you access to the courts regardless of the severity of your injuries, but you must prove that someone else’s negligence caused your losses.
Others who are potentially responsible might claim that the true cause of the wreck was an act of God, and the court cannot hold anyone liable. Our attorneys in DeLand examine police reports, video footage, vehicle maintenance records, and other evidence to find proof that human error or carelessness—not weather conditions—was the real reason the collision occurred.
A motorist may have made a reckless decision to drive in dangerous conditions or deferred maintenance on their vehicle, which might have led to the crash. A manufacturer could be liable if a defect in a vehicle component caused the wreck. Sometimes a municipality is liable when poor road design or maintenance creates conditions that cause an accident.
Procedure for Bringing a Legal Claim for Damages
Once the state fully implements the fault-based system, if you get into a wreck and suffer injuries, your personal injury protection will not cover your medical expenses. Instead, you will have to make a claim against the negligent party’s insurance. Our DeLand attorneys could guide you through the necessary steps after an auto crash in poor weather conditions.
We investigate the circumstances and collect evidence that demonstrates that other parties are liable for the accident. We contact them and present your claim for compensation. If you are badly hurt, it may be several months before your doctors can make a reliable prognosis, so we may delay this step until we know the full extent of your injuries.
Once we have sent the notice describing your claim, negotiations usually begin with the insurance company or companies. Florida Statutes § 768.81 requires an allocation of fault between the parties. The more fault assigned to you, the less compensation you can collect, so we advocate fiercely to ensure the allocation is fair. When we cannot reach a settlement that provides reasonable compensation for your injuries, we do not hesitate to take your case to court.
Help During Your Recovery
Many people suffer significant financial hardship in the period after a serious accident. When you work with The Florida Firm Injury and Accident Lawyers, we can help you through this period while your case is pending.
We could negotiate with your creditors to help you manage your bills. We have staff who could help you apply for federal disability benefits if you qualify and locate other sources of financial support that may be available. We only take a fee when you receive compensation, so you do not need to worry about legal fees or expenses until we resolve your case
Contact Us in DeLand To Discuss Your Bad Weather Car Accident Case
When someone else causes you harm in a wreck, our attorneys could help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. It can be difficult to establish liability in car accidents involving bad weather in DeLand, but our lawyers are up to the challenge. Call today to get started with our vehicle crash team.