I thought I’d write this one because we have had some pretty heavy rainfall over the weekend, and it was pouring down within the last hour here at The Injury Lawyers HQ as well. We’re in the midst of intermittent storms and heavy rainfall at the moment, which naturally means there are certain types of accident claims that will go on the rise.
Wet weather can often be a catalyst for accidents where people need to pursue a claim – so here is some advice about it.
I’ll split this in to a few sections that will be useful for differing people depending on the circumstances:
Road Accidents
There is a basic and fundamental rule of driving that people must take extra care in periods of wet weather. The roads are slippery meaning cars are likely to skid and visibility can be badly reduced from rainfall and darker skies. Cars should extend the distance between vehicles in front to allow them a greater stopping distance and prevent a skid. Slowing down is key to keeping safe as well.
When it comes to a road accident that is caused or has been contributed due to adverse weather, there is rarely an acceptable excuse. A driver cannot simply blame the weather – their failure to adjust their driving to meet the weather conditions can be negligence. If a vehicle skids in to you from behind or perhaps from the other side of the road and hits you, they’re likely at fault. If they didn’t see you because of the weather, they can still be at fault.
Public Places
Water will naturally be walked in from the outside meaning floors in and around shops or venues will be wet. This of course means there is the danger of someone slipping.
Whilst the weather may largely be blamed, there is still a duty under The Occupiers Liability Act to take all reasonable steps to prevent someone being injured. This can be achieved by having wet floor signs or matting down at entranceways – but a failure to do this can leave them liable for a claim if you slip and injure yourself.
Whilst the weather may not be stopped, the question is more about whether something could have been down to prevent a slipping accident.
At Work
At work there are specific regulations that mean an employer is duty bound by law to ensure that no floor or surface of any traffic route is slippery. Having mats and signs can help achieve this, but what if you need to work outside? The rules still apply to your employer any they should still do all they can to prevent an accident. This could be through training, better flooring, or work boots if you work on an open air construction site (as an example).
The duty can be higher in the workplace, but wherever it has happened, it is always worth calling us on 0800 634 75 75 to ask about pursuing a claim. Our advice is free, impartial, and on a no obligation basis.
