While we might not get snow in Tallahassee, seasonal weather hazards still play a role in our lives at various points throughout the year. Rather than snow storms, hurricanes and tropical storms are our primary concern—with heavy winds and rains presenting risks for both major property damage and serious injuries.

Along with tropical storms, summer thunderstorms and squalls in the Gulf of Mexico can present risks for motorists, boaters and other people as well. As a result, it’s always a good idea to check the forecast, and to consider staying home if you have concerns about the weather.

7 Personal Injury Claims Related to Seasonal Weather Hazards

When it comes to seasonal weather hazards, not only can storms themselves present risks, but other people’s negligence during storms can present risks as well. For example, here are seven examples of common weather-related accidents that will give rise to personal injury claims in many cases:

1. Auto Accidents in Heavy Weather

Even when driving in heavy weather, drivers in Tallahassee have a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely and observe the rules of the road. Driving too fast for the conditions, following too closely, running red lights and stop signs, stopping in the middle of the road, and other dangerous driving behaviors can all lead to auto accidents that justify claims for financial compensation.

2. Boating Accidents on Rough Seas

Boating in the Apalachee Bay or Gulf of Mexico in heavy seasonal weather can be dangerous even for highly experienced captains and crew. In rough seas, boats are more difficult to control, seawater is more likely to splash on deck, and passengers and crew are more likely to suffer injuries from falls and collisions onboard. Falling overboard in heavy weather is a very real concern as well, and near-drowning incidents can cause life-altering physical and psychological trauma. Just like drivers, boat captains have the same responsibilities regardless of the weather, and they (or, in many cases, their employers) can be held liable for boating accidents resulting from their negligence.

3. Slips on Wet Walking Surfaces

In low-lying areas like Tallahassee, water can accumulate quickly during heavy rains. Puddles in front of grocery stores, home improvement stores and other businesses present slip-and-fall risks; and, when businesses fail to take adequate steps to protect their customers, they can—and should—be held accountable.

4. Trips on Storm Debris and Other Hazards

Along with slip-and-fall risks, trip-and-fall risks are a serious safety concern during and after storms in Tallahassee as well. Just like slip-and-fall cases, trip-and-fall cases are governed by Florida’s premises liability laws. These laws hold property owners and tenants liable when they fail to remedy (or prevent access to) serious safety hazards as required.

5. Truck Accidents Involving Jackknifes and Rollovers

Heavy winds and rains increase the risk of truck drivers losing control of their rigs. Stopping an 18-wheeler safely becomes much more difficult when the road is wet, and there is a much higher risk that the truck will jackknife under braking. Heavy winds can cause 18-wheelers to rollover, especially on highways like I-10 where there is nothing to disrupt the wind’s path. Truck accidents frequently result in serious injuries; and, for victims, hiring an experienced Tallahassee injury attorney is the first step on the road to recovery.

6. Product Failures During Storms and Storm Recovery

When you are dealing with a storm (or a storm’s aftermath), the last thing you need is for your car, truck, yard equipment, or anything else at your home to fail. But, product failures can happen at any time, and these failures can lead to all types of serious injuries. Brake failures, electrical malfunctions, loose parts and all other types of product failures can give rise to personal injury claims under Florida’s product liability laws. If you have a personal injury claim based on a product failure, the product’s manufacturer may be fully liable for your injury-related losses.

7. Medical Malpractice Following Major Weather Events

Hospitals and clinics in Tallahassee can be overwhelmed with patients following major seasonal weather events. But, even when the waiting room is beyond capacity, healthcare providers must still treat all patients in accordance with their duty of care. Failure to provide an adequate standard of care constitutes medical malpractice; and, if you have concerns about the quality of your (or a loved one’s) medical care, you will want to speak with a Tallahassee personal injury lawyer in this situation as well.

Protecting Yourself After Suffering Injuries During (or After) a Storm

No matter what happened, if you or someone you love was seriously injured during (or after) a storm in Tallahassee, you should talk to a lawyer about filing a personal injury claim. Serious injuries can lead to significant out-of-pocket costs, and they can negatively impact your life in many other ways as well. If you have a claim, you can hire a Tallahassee personal injury lawyer at no out-of-pocket cost, and you can rely on your lawyer to handle your claim while you focus on your recovery.

With this in mind, if you think you may have a personal injury claim related to a seasonal weather hazard in Tallahassee, you should:

• See a doctor as soon as possible.
• Follow your doctor’s advice (or seek a second opinion if necessary).
• Take detailed notes and keep as much documentation as possible.
• Make sure you do not let the insurance companies talk you into accepting a settlement check.
• Talk to a Tallahassee personal injury lawyer about your claim for just compensation.

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