California Highway Patrol data has shown that storms in the L.A. Metro area can cause an increase in accidents by hundreds of percents.
Long Beach, CA, February 13, 2017 (Newswire.com) – California is experiencing its wettest winter in years, and according to attorney Belal Hamideh, the rainy season has brought forth an influx of injuries from car accidents resulting from rainy conditions.
The Southern California-based car accident and personal injury attorney said that the unusually-rainy season has caused a major uptick in calls related to accidents that have not been seen in recent memory. For a region that has been so acclimated to dry weather, rain make for a whirlwind of dangerous factors on the road.
Hazards can be magnified when a region undergoes long dry periods. The busy roads and highways in Southern California collect an excess amount of car fluids such as oil and other debris. It is not only until the first bout of rain arrives that the oil, gas, and dirt rises above the surface causing conditions that are even more slippery than less-populated areas or regions that see regular rain.
According to the Los Angeles Times, when the latest rainy season began in November, the California Highway Patrol reported a “570% surge in crashes” in Los Angeles County alone. The data compiled was a comparison of the November 20-21, 2016 storm– to the same two-day period in the previous dry week. Although an alarming number, the uptick in accidents from rain hovers at an average of 200% — still a considerable number.
Hamideh said that there are several main factors that affect the level of danger in rainy road conditions:
- Decreased Visibility
- Slippery Conditions
- Hazards and obstructions onset by rain, such as potholes, puddles, landslides
- High speeds and/or violent braking
As a result, there has been a spike in personal injury claims and hospital visits stemming from the vastly unpredictable conditions. In many instances, people are not at fault for injuries or damages that happen because of the conditions.
After an accident, it’s important to first take steps towards ensuring safety, such as pulling over to the side of the road and checking the welfare of passengers. After, photos of the accident should be taken, given that there are no serious injuries. The police should be contacted in order to take a full report on the incident.
Attorney Belal Hamideh, who handles such cases, said those involved in car accidents should carefully follow careful steps that are often overlooked in order to protect themselves from legal and financial ramifications.
Attorney Hamideh provides free consultations if you have been injured in an accident.
For press or consultations contact Belal Hamideh at (888) 203-2850.
