However, attributing an accident solely to poor weather is not enough to explain why an injury or, in the worst cases, a fatality occurred. The key issue lies in the circumstances that allowed the dangerous weather conditions to have such an impact. Was proper risk assessment and preparation in place? Could negligence or oversight have contributed to the situation? These are critical questions to consider when determining the true cause of the incident and those questions can be answered by appointing specialist personal injury solicitors. Seek out a consultation with one of our lawyers if you wish to discuss a personal injury claim in Northern Ireland.
Bad Weather Worsens Accident Rates
Weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, ice, and fog can significantly impair visibility, traction, and reaction times, leading to a higher rate of accidents. Additionally, adverse weather can cause dangerous falls, broken bones, and injuries from slipping on icy or wet surfaces. In fact, accidents related to weather conditions, including road traffic collisions (RTAs), hail, snow, and ice-related injuries, rise during colder months.
With the ongoing impact of climate change, extreme weather events are expected to become more frequent, exacerbating the risk of personal injuries in the coming years.
What Types of Personal Injury Happen in Cold Weather?
Winter and adverse weather conditions present various types of accidents. Here are some common weather-related personal injuries you may encounter:
Slipping Indoors or Outdoors
Slippery surfaces due to ice, snow, or rain can result in falls both indoors and outdoors. In shopping centres, supermarkets, and public areas, wet floors often cause people to slip, leading to broken bones, muscle strains, or soft tissue injuries.
Flooding Injuries
Flooding can lead to serious injuries, and has become a real threat in some parts of Northern Ireland where it is more prevalent. While drowning is a significant risk, floodwater often contains harmful bacteria, raw sewage, and debris, which can lead to infections and sepsis from cuts and scrapes.
Road Traffic Collisions
Bad weather is a significant factor in increased RTAs (Road Traffic Accident). Poor visibility affects drivers’ response times. Wind can flip tall vehicles and snow can bring traffic to a standstill. There were 4,977 road traffic accidents from 2023-2024.
According to leading UK insurers January is the month with the highest percentage of traffic accidents occurring in wet conditions, accounting for 15.3% of all incidents. It is followed closely by November (14.9%) and February (14.6%). Surprisingly, the warmer summer months still pose a risk, with July and August seeing 9% of accidents occurring in rainy weather. This shows that regardless of the season, drivers should always stay alert when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Outdoor Worker Safety Becomes Compromised in Bad Weather
If you are a bricklayer, a roofer, or a day labourer working in construction then the risks associated with the job sharply increase in high winds, rain, or snow. Your employer has a duty of care to keep you safe while you are carrying out your daily duties. Slippery surfaces, falling debris, farming and agriculture incidents, and construction site safety issues all occur in bad weather.
The Importance of Hiring a Personal Injury Solicitor
If you’ve been involved in an accident due to weather conditions, whether on the road or at work, seeking legal advice is crucial. Personal injury solicitors specialise in representing individuals who have been injured in accidents caused by another party’s negligence, including poor road maintenance, unsafe working conditions, or inadequate safety measures.
Our personal injury checklist can allow you to take the first steps towards recovery.
A solicitor will help you navigate the claims process, gather the necessary evidence, and fight for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to. Compensation can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering caused by the accident.
Prioritise Safety in Bad Weather and Seek Legal Advice
You have only one obligation throughout periods of bad weather and that is to keep yourself and your family safe. Read our article on how to stay safe in dangerous weather conditions. Once the bad spell has passed and you are left to deal with the fallout from an injury, it is time to seek legal advice.
Lacey Solicitors Firm include skilled personal injury solicitors who can become your voice in the legal system. Seek out a consultation today to discuss your options.
