How Weather Conditions Impact Houston Car Accident Liability
Houston’s unpredictable weather can create hazardous driving conditions, increasing the likelihood of car accidents. Heavy rain, fog, and even occasional ice storms can reduce visibility, cause slippery roads, and lead to dangerous crashes. However, bad weather alone does not absolve drivers of responsibility. Determining liability in a weather-related accident depends on whether the parties took reasonable precautions.
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, our Harris County personal injury attorneys help accident victims understand their legal rights and pursue compensation when another driver’s negligence contributed to their injuries.
Common Weather Conditions That Contribute to Accidents
Even with forecasts and preparedness, certain weather conditions create hazardous driving environments that significantly increase the risk of car accidents in Houston.
Some of the most common weather-related factors that contribute to accidents include:
Heavy Rain & Flooding – Houston is known for sudden, heavy downpours that create slick roads and reduce visibility. Flooding can also cause hydroplaning, where a vehicle loses traction on the road.
Fog – Thick fog reduces visibility, making it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or traffic signals.
Strong Winds – High winds can make it difficult to maintain vehicle control, especially in trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles.
Ice & Freezing Rain – While rare, Houston occasionally experiences icy roads, leading to dangerous multi-car pileups.
Who is Liable in a Weather-Related Car Accident?
While drivers cannot control the weather, they are still responsible for adjusting their driving behavior to match road conditions. Texas law requires drivers to exercise reasonable care when operating a vehicle, meaning they must slow down and take precautions in bad weather.
Potentially liable parties in a weather-related car accident may include:
Negligent Drivers
Speeding in heavy rain or failing to maintain a safe following distance can cause a driver to be responsible for a crash. Sudden braking or reckless lane changes in foggy conditions can also lead to collisions.
Commercial Trucking Companies
Truck drivers must adjust their speed and braking distances in poor weather. It may be liable if a trucking company pressures a driver to meet deadlines despite dangerous road conditions.
Government Entities
The city or state may share liability if poor road maintenance, such as inadequate drainage, contributes to an accident. Missing or obscured road signs, especially in low-visibility conditions, can also contribute to crashes.
Vehicle Manufacturers
Faulty windshield wipers, brakes, or tires can worsen the impact of poor weather conditions, leading to manufacturer liability.
How to Prove Negligence in a Weather-Related Accident
To recover compensation, the injured party must show that another driver failed to take reasonable precautions for the weather conditions.
Evidence may include:
Police reports detailing unsafe driving behavior.
Traffic camera footage or dashcam video showing reckless actions.
Witness statements from other drivers or pedestrians.
Accident reconstruction analysis to determine how the weather and driver behavior contributed to the crash.
How Hollingsworth Law Firm Can Help
At Hollingsworth Law Firm, our Houston personal injury attorneys have extensive experience handling weather-related car accident cases. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, call 713-637-4560 or contact us online today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
Our experienced lawyers and bilingual team are dedicated to representing clients throughout Texas. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we secure compensation. When you’re ready to pursue justice, we’re here to provide the support and guidance you need.
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Testimonials
Professional and Thorough I used Steve Hollingsworth for a personal injury case following a car accident. He was very easy to work with and managed my expectations regarding costs, time commitment/duration, filing suit etc. Steve kept me informed during the process and always made sure I understand what everything meant. My case took about 18 months to resolve, ending in mediation after filing suit and he pushed hard to make sure my best interest was represented and to ensure that I had the best possible (and fair) outcome. I hope I never have a personal injury claim again but if I do, I would absolutely consult with Steve. He exceeded my expectations and made the process as painless as possible. I would high recommend him.
Jessie Former Client
Awesome Attorney I was a client of Steve Hollingsworth. I was totally satisfied with his representation of me. He was very helpful in answering all my questions and always kept me updated on the status of my case. I am very happy with the settlement of the case and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for legal advice.
Rossana Former Client
Houston’s Best Consultation! Steve was just great! Very easy to work with, communicates really well and most importantly sets realistic expectations. He is very straightforward and promptly responds to all your questions. I would definitely recommend Steve and would not hesitate to hire him in the future.
Anonymous Former Client
Very Accommodating and Caring Steve and his assistant Kristina takes care of all my requests right away. Steve personally calls on issues and keeps me updated on the developments of the case. Got me a great settlement! Would highly recommend!
Mila G. Former Client
Rear End Case Mr. Hollingsworth was an excellent lawyer in my case. He kept me up to date and informed through the whole process. He was always honest and fought hard in my case. He comes highly recommend.
Anonymous Former Client
Awesome!!!!! I have no complaints; Steve did a very good job on explaining the details on everything that I was going through with my case. Steve got my case settled in no time, I will sure spread the word about Steve he is a very great lawyer.
Sara Former Client
Review I liked how Steve explained everything, so I knew what I was getting in to. Steve got me what I deserved in no time. I would recommend him to anyone.
Andrew Former Client
Steven and I attended law school together and I have known him since 2000. He was stellar in representing a close friend with a personal injury matter. I have been very impressed with his communication, dedication and thoroughness in representation.
Pamela V. Attorney from Cypress, TX
Steve is the real deal! He is an extremely invaluable resource on all things Litigation for me as a younger attorney. He is not only great a securing the bigger verdicts, but actually cares about the clients and still sticks by his tried and true method of meeting, in person, with his clients to go over facts . overall, a solid attorney, with a wealth of knowledge!
Crystal H. Attorney from Houston, TX
I cannot recommend Steve highly enough. As an attorney, you do not often find yourself in the position of being a client. But because of someone’s negligence, my husband and I found ourselves in need of a personal injury attorney after my husband suffered catastrophic injuries. We were immediately referred to Steve, and we were so lucky we were. Steve is compassionate but also tenacious. We always felt that he had our best interest at heart and was fighting for us. We truly felt that he cared about our case. There was never a time that he was unavailable to talk to us, and always kept us well informed. He has the utmost integrity and also has a vast knowledge of the law. On top of that, his experience is top notch as he has worked on both the defense and plaintiff side. We knew Steve was always tirelessly fighting for us, and a year and a half after my husband was severely injured by a negligent driver, Steve got us a fantastic settlement. I recommend Steve without hesitation.
Madelyn L. Attorney from Houston, TX
Steve and I were colleagues, where we worked on complex personal injury and wrongful death cases. What I observed in the years we worked together is that Steve is not only extremely skillful in his profession, but he is a tireless student of the law, constantly working to perfect the art of practicing law. He genuinely cares about his clients and their cases and it shows. He has excellent work ethic. He is not only a terrific lawyer but also a great person. As a fellow member of the State Bar of Texas, I would recommend Steve to anyone needing a zealous advocate in a personal injury case.
Vivian E. Attorney from San Antonio, TX
After working with Steve for a couple of years, I found Steve to be an outstanding, aggressive and highly skilled lawyer in the courtroom. His confidence and knowledge of the courtroom and what it takes to succeed there, I believe will ensure his long term prosperity.
Robin T. Attorney from College Station, TX
I had the pleasure of working on a trial with Steven last August. His background as an ADA is clearly evident in the courtroom. Steven’s presentation of the evidence throughout trial is that of a seasoned attorney who has spent many hours in front of a jury. His opening/closings were excellent, as well as his strategic litigating throughout the trial. Steven is a consummate professional and a pleasure to work with, and watch in the courtroom.
James H. From Miami, FL
When I met Steve, I was a legal assistant at a Plaintiff’s firm and he was working as an attorney for AIG. We connected there and then. Steve is a likable guy and an outstanding trial lawyer. He is charismatic and jurors like him. He is a Plaintiff’s lawyer now and he has the right skill set to represent injured individuals: he is compassionate, honest, and sincere and will go the extra mile for his clients. I’ve known Steve for almost 8 years now and I’m excited to see his career evolve.
Alice L. Attorney in Houston, TX
About Hollingsworth Law Firm
Our aggressive personal injury trial attorneys at the Hollingsworth Law Firm are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. If you are the victim of an automobile accident, airplane accident, workplace injury or other catastrophic injury, you need legal advice from a personal injury attorney with proven results you can trust. Our dedicated legal team is proud to represent clients across the state of Texas. WE WILL START FIGHTING FOR YOUR RIGHTS TODAY!
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