An auto accident can be caused by a multitude of factors, such as product defects associated with vehicles systems or components, driver negligence like drunk or distracted driving and/or a poorly designed roadway.  If you are injured by the negligence of a third party whether another driver, manufacturer of your car or even a public entity, you may have a right to bring a personal injury action for your serious injuries and loss.  Generally, negligence in the context of a Mississippi auto accident is an act or omission that causes a motor vehicle accident which does not conform to a reasonable standard of care to prevent car accidents.  Careless or reckless driving practices including drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, tailgating or failing to obey traffic signals and laws are common examples.

Adverse weather conditions also are a common cause of Mississippi car accidents and increase the risk of being involved in a serious Mississippi auto accident.  Whether the road is slippery, icy or rain causes a particular glare on the road, extreme weather conditions can impact one’s ability to drive safely. It is widely accepted that in times of hazardous or adverse weather conditions, it is important to exercise extreme caution to avoid the possibility of being involved in a serious Mississippi car accident.

Drivers who do not drive safely for existing weather and road conditions cause many serious Mississippi auto accidents.  Unsafe drivers often drive as if weather conditions are perfect including following too close, speeding and frequently changing lanes.  The more careful you are to protect yourself by slowing down, wearing a seat belt and allowing extra following distance the better chance you have to protect yourself from the negligence of other drivers.

As recently as February of this year, Mississippi was the location of weather related traffic fatalities.  One of these fatal Mississippi car crashes was caused by ice on the road, which resulted in the tragic death of the woman.  Sadly, she was not wearing a seat belt, which might have saved her life.  Other weather related accidents across Mississippi lead to fatal wrecks, gridlock, and drivers getting stranded.  The emotional, physical and financial impact of any car accident can be devastating, but adverse weather, such as rain or fog, often results in a deadly chain reaction car crash.  A recent example involved a tractor-trailer, which crashed into a Jeep during a Colorado snowstorm and caused a multi-car pileup.

It is often difficult to determine who is at-fault in situations where adverse weather becomes a factor in a serious car accident.  The insurance company for the negligent driver may blame the auto accident on the weather and claim that the accident was unavoidable.  This is rarely the case because most weather related car accidents are the result of drivers who fail to properly appreciate the impact of adverse weather conditions and adjust their driving practices accordingly.  Most of us have experienced drivers zooming by in an adjacent lane when visibility is limited by fog or the surface of the roadway is slick because of rain.

Unfortunately there will always be drivers who are unwilling to slow down and be more cautious even when the roadway is wet or visibility is limited.  It is important that every driver employ defensive driving measures, such as driving slowly, using alternate routes, maintaining a safe following distance or simply staying home until the weather passes.

Sometimes serious Mississippi auto accidents will happen no matter how reasonably you drive or what precautions you exercise.  The physical, emotional, and monetary effects that result from a serious Mississippi car accident can be devastating.  You may have a right to compensation for your damages including loss of income, pain and suffering, medical and hospital expenses, permanent disfigurement or disability and other damages.  If you have been injured by a negligent or reckless driver who refuses to respect adverse weather conditions in a Mississippi car accident, the experienced Mississippi auto accident lawyers at the Barrett Law, PLLC to diligently represent those injured in serious Mississippi car accidents.  We can carefully investigate your auto accident and advise you regarding your right to financial compensation for your injuries and loss.

Our personal injury law firm has been helping people for over 75 years and offers a free no obligation initial consultation so call us today at (662) 834-2376.