Driving through Southern California’s harsh weather demands extra caution. Understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial when weather-related accidents occur.
Hidden dangers of desert driving
The High Desert’s extreme conditions create unexpected hazards. Sudden dust storms can reduce visibility to near zero, while intense sun glare during sunrise and sunset can temporarily blind drivers. These conditions can increase the risk of car accidents on major routes like I-15 and Highway 395, especially during rush hours.
When nature strikes
Desert driving conditions can change quickly. Accident rates typically increase during:
- Summer dust storms: Massive walls of dust can appear within minutes, cutting visibility to a few feet. These “haboobs” often strike during afternoon commutes, when traffic is heaviest.
- Winter rain episodes: The first rains make roads extremely slick when oil rises to the surface. Even light rain can be dangerous.
- Early morning fog conditions: Dense fog covers valley roads in winter, creating dangerous low-visibility zones. This particularly happens during morning rush hour.
- High-wind advisory days: Strong crosswinds can push vehicles out of their lanes. Flying debris and tumbleweeds can also create sudden hazards, especially for tall vehicles.
Even familiar routes can become dangerous during these conditions, catching experienced drivers off guard.
Protecting yourself after an accident
If bad weather turns your commute into a crash scene, stay in your vehicle with hazard lights on if conditions are dangerous. Use your phone to document the weather and accident scene while they are fresh. Gather contact information from witnesses who saw the conditions that led to the crash. Even if the damage seems minor, call 911 – a police report documenting weather conditions is valuable evidence. Since weather-related accidents often involve multiple factors beyond driver control, avoid discussing fault at the scene.
Accidents due to extreme weather conditions often involve complex liability issues. While these tips can help protect you, consulting with a legal professional can ensure your rights are fully protected, especially when dealing with insurance companies or seeking compensation for injuries and damages.