One of the biggest causes of road accidents is the weather and its effect on the roads and visibility, especially in a place like Norfolk that experiences harsh weather both in summer and winter, with a hot and humid summer and a freezing and windy winter. The city has high humidity almost throughout the year, causing the roads to be slippery with compromised visibility due to the cloudy weather. The winter season brings freezing temperatures, converting the humidity into sleet, which leads to slippery roads. Such weather conditions contribute to mishaps and road accidents to a large extent.
While one cannot do anything about the weather, you can take the necessary measures to safeguard yourself, your vehicles, and your interests as far as the law is concerned by hiring an able car accident lawyer in Norfolk.
Having an expert car accident lawyer by your side is crucial in such conditions for multiple reasons:
1. Understanding the laws: Owning a car and a driving license isn’t enough for driving safely on the roads without understanding the nuances of the laws, and a good car accident lawyer in Norfolkwill not just help you with the laws concerning weather-related accidents but also navigate you through the particular nuances, like ascertaining if the driver violated specific traffic laws to be followed for weather conditions.
2. Ascertaining accountability: Accidents caused by bad weather conditions can make determining accountability and liability difficult. An experienced lawyer can expertly analyze the situation and determine whether the weather conditions led to the accident, whether the driver violated the law, was negligent, or whether the reason was the bad condition of the roads. Handling such a situation without legal guidance and support will make the situation more stressful for you.
3. Proving negligence: One of the most influential and important aspects of road accidents is proving the driver’s negligence. A good lawyer can effectively ascertain whether the driver followed the weather-related traffic laws and directives and acted sensibly in such weather conditions.
4. Collecting evidence: The law stands on evidential proof, without which your case will not stand in court. Collecting evidence in road accidents, specifically weather-related accidents, must be thoroughly intensive with proof like weather reports, specific weather conditions at the time of accidents, the condition of the roads, CCTV footage, witnesses and their statements, etc. An expert lawyer is well-versed in the evidence-gathering process and its correct presentation to the concerned authorities.
5. Insurance claims and settlements: Insuring yourself and your vehicle is legally mandatory. However, dealing with insurance companies regarding claims and settlements in weather-related road accidents can be as painful as tooth extraction. Insurance companies are well known for delaying or minimizing payouts under some pretext. An expert car accident lawyer in Norfolk knows how to handle insurance companies and negotiate with them to secure compensation as per your insurance policy or determine and settle the settlement terms with the other opposing parties.
6. Comparative negligence laws: The comparative negligence system is a specific system followed in Norfolk applicable when multiple parties might be liable for the accident. The damages are ascertained as per the mistake of each party involved in the accident, and having an expert lawyer by your side will help you navigate the system and law effectively.
7. Expert advice: In weather-related road accidents, advice and statements from expert witnesses play a crucial role. Expert insight from witnesses like meteorologists or accident reconstruction specialists might be needed to establish the role and impact of weather conditions on the accident. An experienced car accident lawyer in Norfolk identifies, approaches, and retains expert witnesses depending on the accident and requirements.
8. Time-sensitivity: Weather-related accidents are time-sensitive in the sense that preserving evidence is concerned due to the possibility of it getting affected by the change in weather. An experienced lawyer understands this and acts timely, keeping your interests in mind.
9. Litigation and Compensation: Certain cases can reach the stage of litigation, which is best handled by an experienced lawyer who will prepare and present the necessary paperwork in court, cross-examine witnesses, and argue your case in court. A good car accident lawyer will also strive to compensate you as best they can to cover the damages you suffered, like medical expenses, lost wages, pain and trauma, damage to the vehicle, etc.
Drive safely, follow all traffic rules and regulations, and engage a good car accident lawyer in Norfolk to guide you, represent you legally wherever needed, and safeguard your legal interests.
