Florida residents are no strangers to extreme weather conditions. From hurricanes and flash floods to heat indexes well into the triple digits, we see our fair share of inclement weather. This year we get to add an El Niño winter to that list of weather phenomena to grace the great state of Florida.

What is an El Niño Winter?

An El Niño is a climatic phenomenon characterized by the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. This event disrupts normal weather patterns and can have widespread impacts on global climate. 

In Florida, an El Niño winter typically brings warmer and unpredictable conditions. The warming of the Pacific Ocean influences the jet stream, causing it to shift southward. This alteration in atmospheric circulation results in decreased rainfall and elevated temperatures across the Sunshine State during the winter months.

For residents of Florida, the effects of an El Niño winter can be multifaceted. While some may appreciate the milder temperatures, the increased rainfall can lead to dangerous driving conditions. This is especially notable for those living near the coast (especially the west coast), as they will experience these conditions more directly than those living inland. 

Risks of Inclement Weather

With the increase in overall rainfall and risks for extreme weather conditions, it is important that Floridians prepare themselves and their loved ones. An increase in rainfall may seem harmless, but your chances of being involved in an auto accident increase exponentially when heavy rain is involved. 

Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water comes between the tires of a vehicle and the road and causes a loss of traction and control over the vehicle. This typically happens when a vehicle is traveling at high speeds on a wet or rainy road. The water builds up in front of the tires faster than the weight of the vehicle can push it aside, leading to a momentary loss of contact with the road.

Florida is known for its heavy population and crowded highways, making it a dangerous place to be during storms. When a car hydroplanes, the driver may feel a loss of control, and steering responsiveness can be significantly reduced. This leads to countless accidents, particularly with young, inexperienced drivers. 

Visibility Loss

While every person has their own philosophy on driving, there is one universally accepted tenant that we all agree on: keep your eyes on the road. When rainfall is heavy, that can be significantly more difficult to do. 

Even if you are taking every precaution, it is hard to make up for the delay in response time when road visibility is low. Accidents can happen in a second when a constant deluge makes it hard to see the brake lights in front of you, especially if you are traveling at speeds higher than 35 miles per hour. 

Strong Winds

Along with increased rainfall, El Niño winters can also bring with them strong gusts of wind that can pose a major risk to motorists. As a rule of thumb, winds forecasted to be at any speed above 25 mph are not ideal for driving. Anything above 30 mph should be enough to keep you off the road–and El Niño winter storms can bring in 40-50 mph winds. This can result in loss of control and steering responsiveness, posing a serious risk to drivers and passengers.

How Do You Determine Liability in a Car Accident Due to Weather?

Because you have a higher risk of being in a car accident during an El Niño winter, it is crucial to be aware of the legal implications of being involved in a car accident caused by adverse weather conditions. Determining liability in weather-related car accidents can be a long and tedious process. 

At Garcia Law, our experienced attorneys understand the complexities involved in establishing responsibility when weather plays a role in an accident. In such cases, it is essential to consider factors such as whether the drivers involved were adhering to the posted speed limits, maintaining a safe following distance, and adjusting their driving behavior in response to the weather conditions. 

While adverse weather can contribute to accidents, it does not absolve drivers of their responsibility to exercise reasonable care on the road. Our legal team thoroughly investigates the details of each case, consulting weather reports, eyewitness accounts, and any available surveillance footage to determine whether any party failed to take appropriate precautions given the weather conditions.

The Importance of Good Legal Representation

In the aftermath of a weather-related car accident, securing the best legal representation is paramount to seeking rightful compensation. With weather conditions set to remain unpredictable for a few more weeks, these are things that are important to keep in mind. When driving conditions are not ideal, understanding your risks so you can mitigate them may help you avoid a catastrophe. 

Garcia Law: Your Auto Accident Attorneys

At Garcia Law, we recognize the unique challenges posed by adverse weather conditions and their impact on road safety. Our experienced attorneys promise to advocate for clients involved in weather-related accidents, diligently examining the circumstances, consulting weather reports, and leveraging expert opinions to build a robust case. 

Contact us today for a consultation and let us navigate the legal path while you focus on recovery.