Even in a Storm, Drivers Are Responsible for the Harm They Cause
In Florida, when a hurricane’s on the horizon, everything shifts into high gear. Evacuation orders are issued, traffic builds quickly, and everyone scrambles to get to safety. But in the middle of that rush, car accidents happen.
If you’re injured in a car crash while trying to escape the storm, you’re left dealing with two emergencies at once: the hurricane itself and a serious injury that can turn your life upside down. Here's what you need to know about what to do if you're in a crash during inclement weather.
Why do car accidents happen more often during evacuations?
When evacuation orders are issued, Florida roads quickly become chaotic. Highways clog with traffic, tension runs high, and drivers often panic or behave unpredictably. Some are trying to outrun the storm, speeding or weaving through lanes, while others, unfamiliar with evacuation routes, make sudden turns or stops. Add in heavy rain, powerful winds, limited visibility, and scattered debris, and you have a perfect storm for a serious accident.
Flooded roads can hide potholes or downed power lines, while slick pavement increases the chance of hydroplaning. Traffic lights may be out, creating confusion at intersections. Debris, ranging from tree limbs to roofing materials, can fly into traffic or block lanes with little warning. Drivers may be distracted by emergency alerts, struggling with poor GPS signals, or exhausted after hours behind the wheel.
Even under normal conditions, Florida sees a high volume of car accidents. But during a hurricane evacuation, the risks multiply. Stress, fear, and fatigue impair judgment. Aggressive driving becomes more common. With limited law enforcement response during a storm, reckless behavior can go unchecked.
Can someone still be held at fault for a crash during a hurricane?
If someone rear-ends you, runs a red light, or causes a collision while texting or speeding, they can still be held legally responsible. Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means your Personal Injury Protection coverage will pay for your initial medical bills and lost wages. But if your injuries are serious, you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.
It’s also possible that multiple parties share responsibility. For example, if a government agency failed to maintain a safe evacuation route, or a commercial vehicle caused the crash, you may have more than one potential claim. To build an at-fault claim, you must prove:
- Duty of care: The other driver had a legal responsibility to drive safely and follow traffic laws.
- Breach of duty: They failed to uphold that responsibility through careless or reckless actions.
- Causation: Their actions directly caused the accident and your resulting injuries.
- Damages: You suffered measurable harm because of the crash.
What should you do right after the crash?
After an accident during an evacuation, your priority is safety. If your vehicle is drivable and the area isn’t flooded or dangerous, try to pull over and call 911. Emergency response may be slower than usual during a storm, but it’s still important to report the crash and get medical help as soon as you can.
If it’s safe, gather as much evidence as possible. Take photos of your vehicle, the crash scene, the weather, and any visible injuries. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver. If there are any witnesses nearby, try to get their names and phone numbers too. Many people evacuate and may be hard to reach later.
Most importantly, get medical care, even if you don’t feel hurt right away. Adrenaline can mask symptoms, and some injuries (e.g., concussions or internal bleeding) don’t show up immediately.
How does the storm affect your injury claim?
The storm can complicate things, but it doesn’t erase your rights. Insurance companies may argue that the crash was not human error. But in most cases, that defense doesn’t hold water. If a driver acted negligently (e.g., speeding, ignoring traffic signs, or failing to adjust for weather), they can still be held liable.
Storms can make claims more difficult. Police reports may be delayed. Medical records might take longer to access. Witnesses may leave town. That’s why documenting everything early and working with an experienced attorney matters.
What if the other driver fled the scene?
Unfortunately, hit-and-runs aren’t uncommon during evacuations. People panic. Roads are crowded. Sometimes, the at-fault driver disappears before help arrives. If that happens to you, try to write down everything you remember, such as the make, model, license plate, and direction they were heading. Report the crash to police immediately, even if they can’t respond right away. You can still file a claim under your uninsured motorist policy if you have one. A lawyer can help you sort out coverage and file the necessary paperwork.
Hurt in a car crash during bad weather? Talk to Armando Personal Injury Law today
Tampa’s unpredictable weather can turn any drive into a dangerous one, but poor conditions don’t excuse careless driving. If you were injured in a crash during heavy rain, flooding, or low visibility, and another driver failed to act responsibly, you may have the right to seek compensation. Armando Personal Injury is here to help you make sense of your legal options and take action.
Your first meeting with us is free, and there’s no pressure or commitment. During your consultation, we’ll carefully review what happened, explain how Florida law applies to your situation, and answer your questions clearly. Attorney Armando Edmiston and his team will look at every detail to determine the strength of your claim. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you won’t owe us anything unless we recover money for you.
If you’re dealing with medical bills, missed work, or pain from a crash caused by someone else’s poor decisions in bad weather, we can take the weight off your shoulders, handle the insurance companies, and fight to make sure you’re treated fairly. Contact us today to schedule your free case review with a Tampa car accident lawyer who puts your recovery first.
“Armando is amazing! I trusted him with helping with the insurance company after my car accident. Besides Armando being professional, he was also very efficient. Would recommend him to anyone.” – L.M., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐