Weather-Related Car Accident Settlements: Rain, Snow, and Fog

Weather-related car accidents account for approximately 21 percent of all vehicle crashes in the United States. While bad weather contributes to accidents, it does not excuse negligent driving. Drivers have a duty to adjust their speed and behavior for weather conditions.

Average Settlement Amounts

Minor injuries from weather-related accidents settle for $10,000 to $40,000. Moderate injuries settle for $30,000 to $125,000. Serious injuries settle for $100,000 to $400,000. Multi-vehicle weather-related pileups settle for $150,000 to $1,000,000 or more.

Fault in Weather-Related Accidents

Bad weather is not a defense to negligence. Drivers must reduce speed in rain, snow, fog, and ice. Increase following distance in poor conditions. Use headlights and windshield wipers as appropriate. Pull over if conditions become too dangerous to drive safely.

If a driver fails to adjust their driving for weather conditions and causes an accident, they are at fault regardless of the weather.

Government Liability

Government entities may share liability if they failed to maintain roads, clear snow and ice, repair drainage issues causing flooding, or post warnings about dangerous conditions.

Conclusion

Weather-related accident settlements range from $10,000 to $1,000,000. Bad weather does not excuse negligent driving.

Use our free settlement calculator to estimate what your case might be worth.