Wet Fall Weather Increases Personal Injury Risks

The fall months bring a bright burst of color as the leaves begin changing, along with a flurry of activities for Vancouver residents and visitors to enjoy. However, this time of year also brings an increased risk for wet, rainy conditions, which can wreak havoc for drivers and pedestrians. Wet roads, sidewalks, and flooring surfaces all make personal injuries more likely to occur. The following provides a warning about some of the most common dangers, as well as what you should do if an accident does occur.

Rainy Days Wreak Havoc for Area Residents

Wet road surfaces pose a danger to motorists and require an extra level of caution. According to a report in The Columbian, rainy autumn weather is credited as being at least partially to blame for a series of car accidents on Highway 500 that involved more than a dozen drivers, leaving two suffering potentially serious injuries.  

The report claims that on October 5, 2018, what was otherwise a typical Monday morning commute became more treacherous as a result of drizzling rain and heavy fog. Over the course of the day, a series of 15 different crashes were reported, which left motorists stranded or stalled in traffic jams as state troopers scrambled to clear wreckage and attend to victims. One of the collisions ended up causing a chain reaction, involving a least three vehicles and sending two of the drivers to local hospitals.

In addition to the rain, law enforcement officials claim that reckless driving behaviors such as tailgating, improper passing, and going too fast for conditions were also contributing causes in the crashes. Along with motor vehicle collisions, rainy weather is also credited with making the following types of accidents more likely as well:

• Motorcycle crashes;
• Pedestrian and bicyclist accidents;
• Slips, trips, and falls.

What to Do in the Event of an Accident

While residents of the Northwest are accustomed to getting more than their fair share of rainy days, it is still important to be aware of the dangers and take the necessary precautions.

• If you are driving, go slowly, pay attention, and give others plenty of room.
• If you are walking, either on sidewalks or in stores and office buildings, be aware of your surroundings, wear the appropriate shoes, and be alert to puddles and areas where flooring surfaces may be wet and slippery.  

In the event an accident does occur, you need to report it to the proper authorities right away. As a motorist, call law enforcement immediately at the scene. If you are walking in a public place, notify the property owner and make sure a police report is filed through the City of Vancouver. In addition to detailing the people involved, these reports include important information about how and why the accident occurred.

Let Us Help You Today

Personal injuries can cause serious impacts, both now and in the future. At the Johnston Law Firm, we help you get the compensation you need to recover. Contact our Vancouver personal injury attorneys today and request a consultation by calling (503) 546-3167.