Winter Weather Car Accidents in Lafayette: How Rain and Fog Impact Liability

Driving in inclement weather can pose serious risks to anyone. It’s important to have your bearings any time you’re behind the wheel, but it can be particularly helpful to know what to expect from winter weather car accidents in Lafayette. By understanding the details of winter driving in Louisiana and having a better grasp of Lafayette car accident laws, you can prepare yourself for any situation on the road.

Car Accidents in Louisiana

In 2022, there were a total of 42,351 injury crashes and 852 fatal crashes recorded in Louisiana. Many factors can increase the likelihood of being in an accident in Louisiana. The state ranks as one of the worst in terms of road safety due to infrastructure issues and the high number of rural roads.

Driver behavior also has a huge part in overall road safety, with speeding and distracted driving listed as common causes of traffic collisions. Heavy traffic also increases the likelihood of accidents.

Beyond these factors that are more in our control, bad weather can increase the dangers of driving in Louisiana in a few different ways. While it’s impossible to completely avoid trouble on the road, you can arm yourself with the right knowledge to keep safe.

Common Causes of Winter Weather Accidents in Lafayette, LA

Winter weather can make even the shortest drives dangerous. For one, rainy, snowy, or foggy weather can greatly reduce visibility. This can make it harder for drivers to see what’s going on around them and to react to sudden moves. The roads themselves can become slippery and difficult to see as well, making it easier for drivers to lose control of their vehicles.

Over time, inclement weather can make roads more hazardous by continuously wearing them down. Louisiana is ranked in the top 10 for the most dangerous roads in the country, in large part due to damaged roads. In 2024, the Federal Highway Administration gave a total of $7,382,869.80 to the state of Louisiana to repair infrastructure damaged by recent natural disasters, including Hurricane Delta and Hurricane Ida.

Still, Louisiana roadways require significant improvements before they can be considered safe for drivers. It’s important to drive carefully and know your route whenever possible. That way, you can proceed as cautiously as possible and get to where you’re going safely.

The winter weather can be hard on your vehicle in general, too. It’s wise to have a mechanic look over your vehicle before you head into the cold winter months. This includes your:

• Antifreeze
• Battery
• Brakes
• Defroster
• Heater
• Ignition
• Lights
• Oil
• Thermostat
• Tires
• Wipers and windshield washer

Be cautious about taking long trips when the roads are impacted by rain, snow, or fog. It’s wise to plan ahead and be prepared for emergencies. If you are involved in an accident that was not your fault, it’s wise to contact a car accident attorney to file a claim and recover the compensation you deserve.

FAQs

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Louisiana?

Many factors can cause car accidents in Louisiana that can affect anyone on the road. Some of the most common causes of traffic accidents include:

• Driver behavior
• Poor road conditions and infrastructure
• Inclement weather

Examples of driver behavior that often cause crashes include aggressive driving, distracted driving, and speeding. You may have grounds to recover damages, no matter the cause of the accident, so long as you present the right evidence to support your claim.

Are Weather-Related Car Accidents Considered to Be Fault-Based in Louisiana?

It is still possible to file a claim against another driver for causing a car accident, even if the weather had a role in the crash. Drivers still have a responsibility to drive safely and adjust accordingly to different conditions. So long as you have the evidence to support your case, you can file a car accident claim against another party to recover damages.

How Can a Louisiana Car Accident Attorney Help With a Weather-Related Car Accident Case in Lafayette?

A Louisiana car accident attorney can be helpful for a variety of reasons. An attorney can investigate your case and collect the evidence you need to have a strong argument. They can also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. This is especially useful, as insurance agents are trained to make you slip up and say something that can be against you. Your attorney can also negotiate or litigate to get you the compensation you deserve.

What Do I Tell My Insurance Provider After a Weather-Related Car Accident in Lafayette, LA?

It’s important to report an accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible, but it’s wise not to share all the details about your losses. Most insurance companies are going to try to save as much money as possible. You can expect them to offer the minimum amount of compensation that they deem acceptable to cover your losses. It’s important not to arm them with information they can then use to determine your settlement.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Lafayette to Recover Damages for Your Losses

Blake Jones Law Firm has over five decades of injury law experience, which we can put to work for you. One of our car accident attorneys can represent you through each step of the process and secure compensation for all your damages. When you hire a car accident lawyer from our firm, you can rest assured you’re working with a team with a reputation you can trust. Blake Jones Law Firm is:

• Listed on Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers
• On the National Board of Trial Advocacy
• On the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 list
• Peer-rated AV® Preeminent™
• Rated by Super Lawyers®
• Recognized as Lawyers of Distinction
• Recognized on America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys

If poor weather caused your crash, speak to a Lafayette injury lawyer today about filing a claim for your losses.