The Weather and Your Vehicle Claim

Weather can have a major impact on our daily commute. Whether we are joyriding on a motorcycle or taking a normal route to work, accidents can happen if precautions are not taken when the weather turns bad.

Weather affects us all, but it can affect motorcycle drivers the most. Precipitation can make it difficult to see and cause the road to be slick. This, combined with other drivers who do not take the appropriate precautions when driving near motorcycles, can result in tragedy. So what role can you expect the forecast to have on your motorcycle or car claim?

Bikers have to be mindful of their surroundings, but sometimes even their best efforts to be cautious aren’t enough. Motorcyclists and drivers alike have to be mindful of these conditions:

Slick road conditions and blowing wind can spell disaster for even the most careful rider. Motorcycles are more prone to slippage in the rain than cars, but even larger vehicles can get into an accident due to hydroplaning. Hazards don’t stop when the rain does: A rain-filled pothole may just look like a wet spot in the road, until you’re on top of it. Bikers have been flung from their bikes after hitting a pothole too quickly, sustaining serious injuries. Lesson learned? Slow down and never drive over water-covered roadways – you can never tell how deep a puddle is by merely looking at it.

Texas is known for its scorching temperatures in the summer. Riding your motorcycle may seem like a welcome reprieve from the intense heat but not unless some precautions are taken first. Since riders are directly exposed to the elements, they’re prone to heat-related conditions including severe sunburn, fatigue, and heat stroke. Before you take off on the open road, don breathable clothing with SPF protection. Apply sunscreen liberally and pack plenty of water. Take breaks to hydrate and listen to your body. If you’re feeling dizzy or fatigued, it’s time to call it a day. Stop somewhere to cool off and hydrate before heading home.

Hot weather can spell disaster for car drivers, too. Improperly inflated tires and the heat can be a lethal combination. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 116,000 people were injured in accidents that could have been prevented, had their tires be properly maintained. Check your owner’s manual to ensure that your tires are always inflated to the correct pressure per square inch.

We don’t deal with adverse road conditions from the cold here in Texas too often, but they can still happen. When you must drive or ride in chilly weather, wear appropriate protective gear, and if the weather turns to snow or ice, be mindful of hazards. Slow down and concentrate fully on the road in front of you.

Insurance companies will do anything to deny or reduce the amount of your claim, even if it means claiming that an accident was your fault. Don’t allow insurance companies to bully you. If you’ve been in a car or motorcycle accident and the insurance company is giving you the runaround, contact the expert legal firm at Gordon Elias. The act of getting legal representation involved often gives insurance companies the push they need to give you a fair claim. To get started with a no-risk initial consultation , get in touch with our office. One of our attorneys will meet with you to discuss the facts of your case and decide how to proceed. Take the first step toward your personal injury claim today.

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