Car accidents can happen in any weather, but poor weather conditions can make driving more hazardous, leading to increased accidents, injuries, and legal disputes over liability. In Los Angeles, while drivers may not often deal with snow or ice, they do face rain, fog, high winds, and sun glare, all of which can affect visibility and road traction.

If you’ve been involved in a weather-related car accident, determining who is liable can be more complicated than in standard accidents. This guide will explain how different weather conditions affect car accident liability in Los Angeles, California, and what you can do if you’re involved in a crash.

Common Weather Conditions That Contribute to Car Accidents in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has a mild climate, but certain weather conditions still impact road safety. Some of the most common weather-related causes of accidents include:

1. Rain and Wet Roads

Even a light rain can make roads slippery, increasing the risk of skidding and hydroplaning. Many drivers in Los Angeles are unaccustomed to driving in the rain, leading to more accidents when wet conditions occur.

• Hydroplaning: When water builds up between the tires and the road, causing the driver to lose control.
• Reduced Stopping Distance: Wet roads increase the time it takes for a car to stop.
• Loss of Visibility: Heavy rain can reduce visibility, making it harder for drivers to react.

2. Fog and Smog

Fog can severely limit visibility, making it difficult for drivers to see road signs, traffic lights, and other vehicles. In some areas, smog can also reduce visibility, particularly in the morning and evening.

• Delayed Reaction Time: Drivers may not see obstacles until it’s too late.
• Increased Rear-End Collisions: Sudden braking in foggy conditions can lead to pile-ups.

3. Sun Glare

Bright sunlight, particularly during sunrise and sunset, can blind drivers, making it difficult to see traffic lights, pedestrians, and other vehicles.

• Intersections Are More Dangerous: Sun glare can make it difficult to see stop signs or red lights.
• Head-On Collisions Increase: If a driver cannot see lane markings, they may drift into oncoming traffic.

4. Strong Winds

Santa Ana winds in Los Angeles can reach high speeds, making it harder for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles.

• High-Profile Vehicles at Risk: Trucks, vans, and SUVs are more vulnerable to strong winds.
• Debris on Roads: Falling branches or debris can cause sudden swerving, leading to accidents.

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How Liability Is Determined in Weather-Related Car Accidents

Under California law, drivers are expected to adjust their driving based on road and weather conditions. Even if bad weather plays a role in a crash, drivers can still be found negligent if they failed to drive responsibly.

1. Negligence in Bad Weather

A driver may be found negligent if they:

✅ Drove too fast for conditions – Even if they were within the speed limit, they could still be considered at fault.
✅ Did not use headlights or windshield wipers during rain or fog.
✅ Followed too closely behind another vehicle.
✅ Failed to maintain their vehicle (e.g., worn-out tires, bad brakes).

2. Comparative Negligence in California

California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning more than one driver can share fault in an accident.

• California Law Example: If Driver A was speeding in the rain and Driver B made an unsafe lane change, both drivers may be found partially at fault, reducing their potential compensation.

• California Vehicle Code § 22350 states that drivers must maintain a “reasonable and prudent” speed based on weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway. A driver can be held liable even if they were not exceeding the posted speed limit if they were driving too fast for the weather. (California DMV)

2. Example of California Cases and Unsafe Driving Accidents

• People v. Farleigh, 13 Cal.App.5th Supp. 12 (Cal. Super. 2017), the court reviewed the application of California’s Basic Speed Law under  Vehicle Code § 22350. The defendant was cited for driving at 45 miles per hour without hands on the steering wheel. Although the speed was within the posted limit, the court held that the Basic Speed Law considers the totality of circumstances, including the driver’s behavior. Therefore, driving at a speed that is unsafe due to the manner of driving—such as not having hands on the wheel—can constitute a violation, even if the speed is within legal limits. This case underscores that drivers must adjust their speed and driving behavior to current conditions, including their own actions, to ensure safety. Failure to do so can result in liability for accidents, regardless of adherence to posted speed limits.

• In People v. Spriggs, 224 Cal.App.4th 150 (2014), the California Court of Appeal addressed the scope of Vehicle Code § 23123(a), which prohibits drivers from using a wireless telephone unless it is configured for hands-free listening and talking. The defendant, Steven Spriggs, was cited for holding his phone to check a map application while driving. He contested the citation, arguing that the statute only applied to engaging in conversations, not other uses like navigation. The court agreed, concluding that § 23123(a) prohibits drivers from holding a wireless telephone while conversing but does not extend to other functions such as using a map application. This case highlights the importance of understanding the specific behaviors prohibited under California’s distracted driving laws.

• In Minnegren v. Nozar, 4 Cal.App.5th 500, 208 Cal. Rptr. 3d 655 (Cal. Ct. App. 2016), the court reviewed a crash at an intersection where one driver, Nozar, entered from a stop sign-controlled street and collided with another driver, Minnegren, who had the right of way. Witnesses disagreed on whether Nozar stopped before entering. A jury ruled that Nozar was not negligent, and the court upheld this decision, emphasizing that negligence is a question of fact—meaning that just because a driver makes a mistake, it doesn’t always mean they were legally negligent. This case highlights how liability in intersection accidents depends on driver actions and available evidence, making eyewitness statements and police reports crucial in proving fault.

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Who Can Be Held Liable in a Weather-Related Accident?

In addition to drivers, other parties may be held liable in a weather-related car accident.

1. Another Driver

• If another driver was reckless despite poor weather conditions, they may be held liable.
• Example: A driver speeds on wet roads and rear-ends another car.

2. The City or Local Government

• If the accident was caused by poor road maintenance, the government may be responsible.
• Example: A drainage issue causes flooding, leading to hydroplaning.

3. Auto Manufacturers

• If faulty brakes or defective windshield wipers contributed to the accident, the car manufacturer may be liable under California’s product liability laws.

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What to Do After a Weather-Related Car Accident in Los Angeles

If you’ve been involved in a weather-related accident, follow these steps to protect yourself and your claim:

1. Call 911 and Seek Medical Help

• Report the accident and request medical assistance if necessary.
• Even minor injuries should be checked by a doctor, as some may worsen over time.

2. Gather Evidence at the Scene

• Take Photos of road conditions, vehicle damage, and weather conditions.
• Collect Witness Statements from bystanders or other drivers.
• Request a Police Report to document the incident.

3. Notify Your Insurance Company

• Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible.
• Provide all collected evidence and documentation.

4. Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer

• A lawyer can help determine liability and fight for compensation.
• Legal representation is crucial if the other driver disputes fault or multiple parties are involved.

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Can You File a Lawsuit for a Weather-Related Car Accident?

Yes! If another driver’s negligence contributed to the accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover:

• Medical Expenses
• Vehicle Repairs
• Lost Wages
• Pain and Suffering

Even if weather played a role, another driver can still be held liable if they did not take necessary precautions.

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Final Thoughts: Stay Safe and Know Your Rights

Weather conditions in Los Angeles can increase the risk of accidents, but drivers still have a legal duty to drive safely.

• Always adjust your driving to road and weather conditions.
• If involved in an accident, document everything and seek medical attention.
• Contact a personal injury attorney to help determine liability and recover compensation.

If you’ve been injured in a weather-related car accident in Los Angeles, our experienced legal team is here to help. Call us today for a free consultation and protect your rights.