News station 11Alive was warning drivers to expect delays on Wednesday as there was heavy rainfall around the region and multiple accidents occurring on major roadways. The station noted that residents in the area could expect to see scattered thunderstorms continue through Thursday, with the chance of precipitation lessening on Friday. As of Wednesday afternoon, accidents had resulted in temporary lane closures on I-85, I-285, and I-75. Earlier in the week, 11Alive had reported that two to five inches of rain could be expected in north Georgia but that local areas could see at least seven inches with repeated rounds of heavy rain.
According to the Federal Highway Administration’s Road Weather Program, most weather-related crashes occur on wet pavement during rainfall. These accidents result in thousands of fatalities and hundreds of thousands of injuries across the United States each year. Some of the driving risks posed by rainfall include a reduction in traction, visibility, and maneuverability. Additionally, flooding can cause damage to roadway infrastructure and reduce roadway capacity by limiting access to submerged lanes. A flood watch was issued Wednesday afternoon for Atlanta, north Fulton, Gwinnett County, and Clayton County, among other areas.
In one incident, the emergency response to a Fulton County accident was impaired by a traffic jam, highlighting the complications that can arise during adverse weather conditions.
It is important to understand that weather does not negate liability for car accidents caused during periods of rainfall. Drivers can still be found at fault if they cause an accident because their vehicle’s tires lost traction or they failed to notice another car in a travel lane before turning through or entering that lane.
In another case, an injured DeKalb County firefighter urged area drivers to slow down after he was severely injured in an accident, emphasizing the need for cautious driving in hazardous conditions.
Additionally, it’s crucial to be aware of the risks associated with driver fatigue, especially for truck drivers. Fatigue can significantly increase the likelihood of accidents, as discussed in this article on how driver fatigue contributes to truck accidents.
If you were injured due to a weather-related accident, an experienced car accident attorney from Cambre & Associates can evaluate your case for free and explore your legal options for seeking compensation for the expenses and impacts of your injury.