Car accidents are called accidents for a reason; it is hard to predict when they happen. Driver behavior is the leading cause of car crashes in Miami, but other factors can also contribute. Since Miami consistently ranks among the nation’s top cities in terms of car crashes annually, understanding the various factors that contribute to such accidents is crucial in preventing them. One factor that is often overlooked is the weather. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), 49.6% of car accidents in Miami are attributed to weather-related conditions. That’s almost half of the car crashes in Miami! Understanding these risks is the first step in preventing them.

This guide examines the hidden dangers of weather in causing Miami car accidents and its impact on filing claims.

 

How Weather Increases Risk for Car Accidents in Miami

Florida weather is highly unpredictable. It can change at a moment’s notice, owing to the state’s tropical climate. Miami drivers must understand the hazards associated with various weather conditions to ensure safety and prevent car accidents. Knowing about the weather conditions at the time of an accident is crucial in determining fault.

Now, let’s examine how weather conditions affect road conditions and increase the risk of car accidents in Miami. 

Rain and Hydroplaning

Florida experiences heavy and frequent rainfall during summer. Too much water creates a wet and slick road surface, increasing the possibility of accidents due to hydroplaning. 

Hydroplaning occurs when the vehicle’s tires lose friction due to a layer of water on the road. This loss of friction results in reduced traction and loss of control. Think of it as though the tires are floating on a film of water, which is a possibility with more rainfall. Since the tire is unable to contact the ground, it makes steering difficult and increases the risk of accidents.

Aside from excessive rainfall, the tire condition and pressure can also combine to increase the risk of hydroplaning. Therefore, it can happen to vehicles even with a minimal amount of rainfall. 

Vehicle hydroplaning causing a potential car accident.

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

Hurricanes and intense rain from tropical storms are a common occurrence in Florida. These extreme weather conditions can result in damage to roads and infrastructure. It can also bring heavy winds and flooding to various parts of Miami. These conditions pose a significant risk to Miami drivers, increasing the likelihood of car accidents.

Fog and Limited Visibility

Fogs are common in Miami and other parts of Florida. This condition is caused by a process known as advection fog. It occurs when warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean meets the cooler land surface in Florida. When that moisture condenses, it turns into a thick fog that affects road visibility.

Too much fog can be hazardous to Miami roads and drivers. It is especially hazardous when coupled with low wind conditions, as the fog does not disperse, making it hard for drivers to see oncoming traffic and signs. Even with fog lights, driving in Miami during thick fog can be extremely hazardous and has been a contributing factor in many accidents. 

Lightning

Florida is nicknamed the “Lightning Capital of the United States” due to its high frequency of lightning strikes per year. When a vehicle is hit by lightning, it can cause serious electrical problems. You can avoid being struck by lightning by avoiding driving during a thunderstorm. Otherwise, you could be in danger when you lose control of your vehicle.

Heatwave and High UV Index

Florida summers can be brutal, including Miami. There are many potential risks in Miami due to the weather conditions. 

First, scorching summer heat can be devastating to the tires as they come into contact with the hot road surfaces. Overheated tires are at risk of bursting unexpectedly. Maintaining proper tire pressure and avoiding overloading your vehicle can help prevent tire blowouts during the summer heatwave. It is something you must consider during a long drive.

Aside from the heatwave and the risk of a tire blowout, you must also be concerned about the high UV index in Miami. It causes daytime glare that can impair the driver’s vision. With impaired vision, Miami drivers may miss warning signs or struggle to stay in their lane, thereby increasing the risk of collisions. 

Blown-out tire on a hot Miami road from extreme heat causing a car accident

How Fault is Determined in Weather-Related Accidents

Determining fault in a Miami car accident due to weather-related conditions can be challenging. It presents unique challenges because of the unpredictability of the weather. When an accident occurs, you must determine whether the driver acted reasonably, considering the prevailing risks, or if the incident was beyond their control.

Drivers can exercise increased caution during unpredictable weather in Miami, such as reducing speed or keeping a safe following distance. Using headlights, fog lights, and wipers can also improve visibility under certain conditions. Therefore, you can determine fault when a driver refuses to slow down during heavy rainfall or thick fog. It exemplifies their lack of caution under hazardous road conditions, despite being aware of the dangers present.

Meanwhile, some accidents can be classified as ‘Acts of God,’ or those that are beyond the driver’s control. It can absolve drivers of fault in case of accidents, as there is nothing they could have done to prevent the accidents from happening. However, this defense is rarely seen in car accident lawsuits in Miami, and most weather-related accidents could be anticipated or prevented with the right precautions and awareness.

Adding to the complexity of weather-related car accidents in Florida is the state’s no-fault insurance laws. This means that all drivers must use their personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to cover their medical bills initially. If they sustained serious injuries that require medical coverage beyond what their PIP insurance covers, they can file a claim against the other driver’s insurance based on fault. 

 

Working with a Miami Car Accident Lawyer Protects Your Rights

Are you involved in a car accident due to Miami’s unpredictable and harsh weather? It’s crucial to know what steps to take to ensure your rights, especially if you practiced necessary precautions to prevent an accident. Taking the right actions, especially during the initial stages following the accident, can be crucial in determining the outcome of the claims. 

Choose a car accident lawyer in Miami with expertise and experience in car accident cases. They navigate the nuances of the law, particularly the no-fault insurance laws, to help you recover physically and financially from the accident, giving you the confidence that your rights are being protected.