Severe storms are part of life in Dallas–Fort Worth. Heavy rain, high winds, and sudden floods can turn routine commutes into dangerous ordeals. Many drivers assume that when the weather causes an accident, no one is to blame.
In reality, Texas law requires motorists to adjust their driving to current weather conditions, and failing to do so can create liability.
Let’s understand how weather influences car accidents in DFW, how fault is determined, and when to call a DFW car accident lawyer to protect your rights.
Weather as a Factor in Texas Car Accidents
North Texas weather is unpredictable. Within a single season, drivers may face torrential rain, hail, flash floods, or icy roads. While storms make driving more dangerous, they do not excuse negligence.
Under Texas law, every driver owes a duty of care to operate their vehicle safely, given the circumstances. That means slowing down on wet roads, increasing following distance in heavy rain, and turning headlights on when visibility is poor.
Failure to take reasonable precautions can establish liability, even when weather played a role in the crash.
Common Storm-Related Crashes in DFW
Hydroplaning and Flooded Roads
One of the most frequent storm-related crashes in Dallas involves hydroplaning. When vehicles hit standing water at unsafe speeds, drivers often lose control and collide with others.
Under Texas Transportation Code §545.351, drivers must operate at a speed that is “reasonable and prudent under the circumstances then existing” and reduce speed when special hazards exist because of traffic, weather, or highway conditions.
Ignoring flooded-road warnings or traveling too fast in heavy rain may therefore be considered negligence.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups in Fog or Heavy Rain
Highway pileups are another common outcome of severe storms. Dense fog or sheets of rain can lead to chain-reaction collisions involving dozens of vehicles.
In these cases, comparative negligence may apply, where multiple drivers share responsibility. Courts and insurers examine whether each driver kept a safe distance, maintained control, and used appropriate caution.
How Liability Is Determined in Weather Accidents
Establishing fault in storm-related crashes generally comes down to proving whether a driver acted reasonably under the circumstances. Examples of negligent conduct include:
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Following too closely on slick roads
- Failing to use headlights in reduced visibility
- Ignoring weather warnings or barricades
Evidence is important. Police reports, witness statements, traffic cameras, and accident reconstruction experts often play a role in determining if weather alone caused the accident or if negligent driving contributed.
Insurance and Legal Challenges in Storm-Related Crashes
After a storm accident, insurers frequently argue that the collision was an “Act of God” — a natural event beyond anyone’s control.
This defense is often used to deny or minimize claims. However, Texas courts generally hold that drivers must adapt to conditions, meaning negligence can still be proven even in bad weather.
Insurance companies may also attempt to shift blame among multiple drivers in multi-car collisions. Having a Dallas auto liability attorney on your side ensures that evidence is preserved and liability is correctly assigned.
Protecting Yourself After a Texas Weather Accident
If you are involved in a storm-related crash in DFW, quick action helps protect both your health and your legal claim:
- Document the scene: Photograph vehicles, road conditions, and weather at the time of the crash.
- Gather witness details: Independent accounts can strengthen your claim.
- Seek medical attention: Even minor injuries should be evaluated.
- Report the accident: File a police report and notify your insurer promptly.
- Consult an attorney: A DFW car accident lawyer can investigate the cause, challenge insurer denials, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Read Also: How Comparative Fault Impacts Car Accident Claims in Texas
Let a DFW Car Accident Lawyer Protect Your Rights
At the Law Offices of Bailey & Galyen, we understand how storm-related crashes disrupt lives. Our Dallas auto liability attorneys fight to hold negligent drivers responsible and help victims recover fair compensation.
Contact us online or call today for a free consultation. Our phones are answered 24/7 — because your recovery cannot wait. Se habla español.
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