What to Do After a Car Accident Due to Bad Weather Conditions - Steps to Take

If there is bad weather, there are likely slippery roads, and these can cause accidents. This is especially true if you or another driver is not keeping a safe distance. Adverse weather conditions like hail, ice, snow, fog, and heavy rain can reduce visibility, too, which makes it more likely to cause an accident. 

When a crash occurs due to bad weather, drivers might be unsure about what they should do. Knowing how to handle things when involved in a car accident due to inclement weather is critical to protecting health, safety, and legal rights. Tom Fowler Law is able to consult on what to do after a car accident involving a rental car as well.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety at the Scene After a Car Accident Caused by Bad Weather

Following any accident, including bad weather car accidents, it's important to put safety first. If the roads are icy, for instance, cars can continue to slide. In the snow, visibility may be poor. The type of weather can definitely cause more issues. So, it's best to get the cars off the road and out of traffic, if possible. Also, consider the following: 

• Turn on hazard lights immediately.

• Stay inside the vehicle if conditions are too dangerous to exit.

• If the car can be moved, pull over to a safe area, such as the shoulder of the road.

• If exiting the vehicle is necessary, move to a secure location away from traffic.

Ensuring safety not only prevents further harm but also allows drivers and passengers to focus on the next steps.

Step 2: Check for Injuries and Call 911 After a Weather-Related Car Crash

A car wreck due to weather can cause very serious injuries, even at low speeds. Everyone should examine themselves for injuries and then call 911.

Police and EMTs should come to the scene, even if the accident isn't extremely serious or if there are no noticeable injuries. Calling 911 ensures that law enforcement comes to the scene of the accident and that you will eventually get a police report. This is important evidence. 

Step 3: Document the Weather and Road Conditions After a Car Accident Due to Weather

Evidence is very important when an accident occurs, and drivers should document the scene with photos and videos. Some of the important things to document after accidents in bad weather include: 

• Road conditions (snow, ice, puddles, or debris)

• Type of weather condition

• Visibility (fog, heavy rain, or blowing snow)

• Vehicle damage from the crash

• Skid marks or lack thereof on the roadway

• Traffic signals, signs, or nearby hazards

This documentation provides context for how the weather contributed to the collision and may help establish accident liability later.

Step 4: Exchange Information with Other Drivers After a Weather-Related Car Accident

Even if the weather may have been the cause of the accident, drivers involved must still exchange information. This includes:

• Names and contact information

• Driver’s license numbers

• Vehicle makes, models, and license plates

• Insurance details

Remaining calm and cooperative is essential. However, no one should admit fault, since liability in weather-related accidents often depends on whether drivers exercised appropriate caution for the conditions. How they act in may affect car accident liability. 

Step 5: Notify the Insurance Company After an Accident Caused by Weather Conditions

It's also important to report the accident to the insurance company to file an accident claim. In weather-related crashes, insurers will investigate whether one or more drivers acted negligently despite the conditions, or if one is more liable for the accident than another. 

For example, a driver may still be considered at fault if they:

• Drove too fast for the weather visibility conditions

• Failed to maintain a safe following distance, which contributed to the accident

• Used worn tires or bad brakes that reduced control

• Did not turn on headlights during poor visibility

Quick reporting allows the insurance process to begin and ensures coverage is not jeopardized.

Step 6: Seek Medical Care Following an Accident Due to Weather Conditions

If you are injured in a car accident, you may not even realize it at first. Accidents and injuries are often more serious than they first seem. For instance, adrenaline may mask pain, and some conditions, like whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries, might not appear until several hours or even days, later. 

Getting medical attention right away creates a clear link between the injuries and the accident. Medical records are also very important for any insurance claims and future legal cases. 

Step 7: Understand Liability in Weather-Related Accidents

Though hazardous weather increases accident risks, drivers still must adjust their behavior to the current weather. For instance, in rainy weather or winter conditions, you must drive at a safe speed and keep a distance from other vehicles. Iowa law requires this. In fact, a driver could be found at fault for a crash if they didn't do the following: 

• Reduce speed during icy or snowy conditions

• Increase following distance in heavy rain or fog

• Use headlights when visibility is poor

• Keep their vehicle properly maintained for winter driving

Even with the role of weather in an accident, fault in a car crash may still rest with a negligent driver who did not adapt to the situation of extreme weather. 

Step 8: Avoid Common Mistakes After an Accident Caused by Adverse Weather

After a weather-related accident, many drivers make errors that weaken their claims:

• Not calling the police because the crash seemed weather-related

• Accepting blame at the scene without full investigation

• Leaving before gathering evidence due to poor conditions

• Posting accident details on social media

• Waiting too long to seek medical care

Avoiding these mistakes helps preserve rights and strengthens the chances of fair compensation.

Step 9: Consider Legal Assistance - Speak with a Car Accident Attorney After an Auto Accident

Determining fault in weather-related accidents can be complicated. Insurance companies often argue that no one is responsible because of the weather, but this is not always accurate.

A law firm and personal injury attorney in Des Moines can:

• Review accident reports and weather records

• Gather evidence from the scene, witnesses, and experts

• Challenge the insurance company's claim that “weather alone” caused the crash

• Negotiate for compensation covering medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering

Legal guidance ensures that accident victims are not left to bear the financial burden of another driver’s negligence. For more information, this accident attorney in Des Moines may be able to help.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Following a Crash Due to Poor Weather Conditions

Car accidents caused by bad weather can be frightening and complicated. However, the right steps—prioritizing safety, calling 911, documenting the conditions, exchanging information, seeking medical care, and reporting to insurance—protect both health and legal rights.

Although weather may play a role, liability often depends on whether drivers acted responsibly given the conditions. For victims facing medical bills, lost wages, and stress after a weather-related crash, working with an experienced Des Moines car accident attorney can make a critical difference. They can consult on what to do after a car accident as a passenger.

Tom Fowler Law offers the guidance and support needed to navigate the complexities of weather-related accidents, helping clients pursue fair compensation and focus on recovery. Contact the firm now for a free consultation.