Can Weather Conditions Affect Liability in a Maryland Car Accident?

Yes. Weather conditions like rain and snow do not automatically remove a driver’s responsibility for causing an accident. However, courts often consider weather conditions when deciding whether a driver should be held legally responsible. 

This article discusses how weather raises the risk of accidents and how weather affects legal responsibility for a crash. It also explains how a Laurel car accident attorney can help. 

How Do Weather Conditions Increase the Risk of a Car Accident? 

To drive safely, a driver must be able to see where they are going and control their vehicle. Weather can interfere with both visibility and maneuvering. Maryland traffic data for 2023 show that nearly 15 percent of crashes happened during bad weather. 

Here’s how specific types of weather can increase the risk of an accident.

• Rain. Heavy rains make it harder to see the road and other vehicles. Puddles can hide potholes and other hazards. Additionally, rainwater reduces the contact between tires and road surfaces, which makes it harder for cars to stop quickly and increases the risk of hydroplaning.
• Fog. Drivers who can’t see can’t avoid dangers. Also, many drivers use their high beams in foggy weather, which lowers visibility for oncoming drivers. 
• Snow. Like rain, snow reduces visibility and tire traction. Melting snow can refreeze, creating a thin, dangerous layer of ice. 
• Ice. Ice practically erases the friction between the tire and the road, greatly increasing the time and distance needed to safely stop. Worse, black ice can be hard to see, so drivers may not know that they need to adjust. 
• High winds. Strong winds can push a car into another lane. Gusts can also blow rain, snow, leaves, and debris into a driver’s sightlines. 
• Freezing rain and sleet. Any combination of rain and snow brings the dangers of both. Worse, these combinations often cause uneven tire traction. 
• Sun. While sun is generally good for driving conditions, sunlight that bounces off puddles or snow can create glare and temporarily blind drivers. 

Can I Sue the Other Driver if Bad Weather Played a Role in the Accident? 

It depends on what the driver knew, how they responded, and how a reasonable driver would have behaved in the same situation. 

To win an accident lawsuit, you’ll have to prove that the other driver was negligent. Negligence means that a person did not act the way that a reasonable person would have. To prove negligence, you’ll have to prove that: 

• The other driver had a duty to behave in a certain way, 
• The other driver failed to live up to that duty, 
• You were injured, and
• The other driver’s failure to obey their duty was the cause of your injuries. 

Section 21–801 of the Maryland Transportation Code says that “the driver of a vehicle shall drive at an appropriate, reduced speed when any special danger . . . because of weather or highway conditions.” So, Maryland drivers have a duty to adjust their driving when weather conditions demand it.

The issue then becomes whether the driver violated this duty. Assume that the speed limit is 55. Although the weather has reduced visibility, Driver A speeds along at 55 mph. Given the weather, this might not be reasonable. As such, it’s likely a violation of the duty to drive carefully for the conditions. On the other hand, Driver B reduces their speed and increases their following distance during winter weather. Despite this, they hit a patch of black ice, slide into another lane, and hit another car. In this situation, it’s harder to say that Driver B acted unreasonably, so it’s harder to say that they violated their duty to drive carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions About Weather-Related Accidents 

• Can the government be liable for an icy or unplowed road?

Maybe. You’ll have to prove that the government was aware of the dangerous condition and had the ability to fix it before it could harm anyone. 

• Does Maryland law require drivers to remove ice and snow from their cars? 

Starting on October 1, 2026, Maryland’s Clear Before You Drive Act will require all drivers to make reasonable efforts to remove ice and snow from their vehicles before driving. 

• Do semis and other commercial trucks have to follow special rules during bad weather? 

Yes. Federal regulations require these drivers to use “extreme caution.” Maryland law has adopted these regulations. 

• Do insurance companies treat weather-related collisions differently than damage caused by weather? 

Generally, yes. Accidents usually trigger collision coverage, while property damage caused by floods, hail, or downed trees usually falls under comprehensive coverage.

How Can a Laurel Car Accident Attorney Help After a Weather-Related Accident? 

An accident can turn your life upside down. But an experienced attorney can help you build a strong case by thoroughly investigating the causes of your accident, including the weather. 

If you need legal representation after an accident, contact the Law Offices of Thomas E. Pyles. Our decades of experience are matched by our honesty, integrity, and passion for our clients. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 301-705-5006 or using our online contact form.