Texas weather can change in an instant. One moment you’re cruising under clear skies, and the next you’re navigating through a sudden downpour, ice storm, or dense fog. In fact, icy roads alone cause an average of 151,944 vehicle accidents nationwide each year, with Texas ranking as the eighth deadliest state for wintertime vehicle accidents—despite our relatively mild climate.
At Lee, Gober & Reyna, we’ve seen firsthand how unpredictable Texas weather can devastate families. Whether you’re commuting through Austin’s busy streets during a thunderstorm or traveling I-20 near our Terrell office during an ice event, knowing how to protect yourself before, during, and after bad weather accidents can make all the difference.
The Reality of Weather-Related Accidents in Texas
The statistics paint a sobering picture of how dangerous Texas roads become during inclement weather. In 2023, when Dallas roads froze, the city witnessed 160 car crashes in just 8 hours due to black ice. Houston, which leads Texas in total accidents with over 67,000 crashes annually, sees these numbers spike dramatically during severe weather events.
Understanding the Scope
According to recent data from the Texas Department of Transportation, weather-related crashes account for approximately 11% of all accidents in Texas. Even more alarming, single-vehicle run-off-road crashes make up almost 32% of all fatal accidents, claiming 1,368 lives. Nationwide, 74% of all weather-related car accidents are due to wet roads, while winter weather causes about 17% of vehicle crashes in snowy conditions.
What makes these statistics particularly concerning for Texas drivers is our lack of experience with certain weather conditions. While states like Minnesota deal with ice and snow regularly, Texas drivers may only face these conditions a few times per year—making each event particularly dangerous.
Weather Hazards Texas Drivers Face
Ice and Black Ice: The Invisible Killer
Black ice—that nearly invisible coating on roads—poses perhaps the greatest threat to Texas drivers. Unlike visible snow or sleet, black ice forms silently and can catch even experienced drivers off guard. The most dangerous areas include bridges and overpasses, which freeze first because cold air circulates both above and below. Shaded areas under trees and spots that don’t receive direct sunlight also freeze quickly, as do low-lying areas where cold air settles and moisture accumulates.
Notable ice danger spots in North Texas include the S.H. 183 West Bound Toll Lanes in Bedford, the Northbound I-35 Bridges in Carrollton, IH-635 (LBJ Freeway) elevated sections, and the High Five Interchange in Dallas. These locations have seen numerous serious accidents during icy conditions.
Heavy Rain and Flooding
Texas thunderstorms can drop inches of rain in minutes, creating multiple hazardous conditions simultaneously. Visibility can drop to near zero, while hydroplaning becomes a risk at speeds as low as 35 mph. Flash flooding poses particular danger in urban areas with poor drainage, and standing water often hides road damage or debris that can cause serious accidents.
Fog and Reduced Visibility
Morning fog, particularly common in fall and winter, creates unique challenges for Texas drivers. When visibility drops to less than a quarter mile, the risk of chain-reaction accidents increases dramatically. Judging distances and speeds becomes nearly impossible, creating particular danger on highways and rural roads where drivers may be traveling at higher speeds.
Essential Bad Weather Driving Tips
Before You Leave: Preparation Is Key
Vehicle Readiness Checklist
- Tires: Check tread depth (penny test) and proper inflation
- Brakes: Ensure they’re responsive and not making unusual noises
- Windshield Wipers: Replace if streaking or skipping
- Lights: Clean all headlights, taillights, and turn signals
- Fluids: Top off washer fluid with winter-grade solution
Emergency Kit Essentials
- Blanket and extra warm clothing
- First aid kit with bandages for bleeding control
- Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Phone charger (portable battery pack)
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Sand or kitty litter for traction
- Jumper cables
- Basic tools
During Bad Weather: Defensive Driving Strategies
Speed and Following Distance
The most crucial adjustment during bad weather is reducing your speed by at least 5-10 mph below posted limits and tripling your normal following distance to 6-8 seconds minimum. Avoid using cruise control on wet or icy roads, as it can cause your vehicle to accelerate unexpectedly when traction is lost. Test your brakes gently and early to get a feel for road conditions.
Visibility Enhancement
Always use your headlights during daytime rain to increase visibility to other drivers. However, never use high beams in fog—they reflect back and actually reduce visibility. Keep your windows clear using defrosters and air conditioning to prevent fogging, and don’t hesitate to pull over safely if visibility becomes too poor to continue.
Ice and Snow Driving Techniques
When driving on ice or snow, every movement should be gradual and deliberate. Accelerate and decelerate slowly to maintain traction. Avoid sudden movements or sharp turns that could cause skidding. If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, don’t pump them—apply steady pressure instead. If you start to slide, steer gently in the direction you want to go without overcorrecting. When possible, avoid hills, bridges, and low spots where ice tends to accumulate.
When Weather Strikes: What to Do If You’re in an Accident
Despite all precautions, accidents can still happen. The steps you take immediately after can protect both your safety and your legal rights.
1. Get Safe Fast
Your first priority is preventing additional injuries:
- If possible, move vehicles out of traffic lanes
- Turn on hazard lights immediately
- Exit vehicles on the side away from traffic
- Move to a safe distance from the roadway
Remember, roadway obstructions account for many serious injuries and deaths on Texas roads each year. In bad weather, the risk of secondary collisions increases dramatically.
2. Call 911 Immediately
When contacting emergency services:
- Report any injuries, no matter how minor they seem
- Inform them if the roadway is blocked
- Mention weather conditions affecting the scene
- Stay on the line for instructions
During severe weather events, emergency services prioritize calls based on severity. Be clear about injuries and road blockages to ensure appropriate response.
3. Render Aid Safely
If others are injured, your ability to help depends on the situation and your training. Only move injured persons if they’re in immediate danger, such as from fire or oncoming traffic. Apply direct pressure to bleeding wounds using clean materials from your first aid kit. Keep injured persons warm and calm while waiting for emergency services. Most importantly, don’t attempt medical procedures beyond your training—”hidden” injuries like spinal damage can worsen dramatically with improper movement.
4. Document Everything Thoroughly
Weather-related accidents require special documentation that goes beyond typical accident scenes. Critical evidence includes photos of road conditions showing ice, water, or debris, along with documentation of weather conditions including rain intensity, fog density, or temperature readings. Capture visibility levels and lighting conditions, as these factors heavily influence fault determination.
Before vehicles are moved, photograph their positions along with any tire tracks, skid marks, or impact points. Don’t forget to document traffic signals or signs that may have been obscured by weather. For witness information, quickly gather names and contact numbers, asking specifically what they observed about weather and driving conditions. Get their location during the accident and, if possible, obtain written or recorded statements. Many witnesses leave when police arrive, so gathering their information quickly is essential.
5. Interact Professionally
When dealing with other parties at the accident scene, maintaining professionalism is crucial for protecting your legal rights. Exchange information calmly without admitting fault or apologizing—even saying “I’m sorry” can be misconstrued as an admission of guilt. Stick strictly to facts when speaking with police, avoiding statements like “I didn’t see the ice” that could imply negligence. Don’t argue about who caused the accident, no matter how clear it may seem to you. Let our experienced attorneys handle all liability discussions to ensure your rights are protected.
Legal Considerations for Weather-Related Accidents
Texas Law and Driver Responsibility
Under Texas law, all drivers must adjust their behavior based on road conditions. This means driving slower than posted limits when conditions warrant, increasing following distances on wet or icy roads, using appropriate caution on known danger areas, and taking responsibility even when weather is a factor. The law is clear: “The weather made me do it” is not a valid legal defense. Courts expect drivers to recognize dangerous conditions and adapt accordingly.
Determining Fault in Bad Weather
Multiple parties may share liability in weather-related accidents:
Driver Liability
- Following too closely for conditions
- Driving too fast for weather
- Failing to maintain control
- Not using headlights in poor visibility
Municipal Liability
- Failure to treat icy roads
- Inadequate drainage causing flooding
- Missing or obscured warning signs
- Poor road maintenance creating hazards
Commercial Vehicle Liability
When 18-wheelers or commercial vehicles are involved, additional factors apply:
- Higher duty of care for professional drivers
- Stricter regulations for operating in bad weather
- Potential employer liability for pressuring drivers
Insurance Company Tactics
After weather-related accidents, insurance companies often employ specific tactics to minimize or deny claims. They frequently blame the weather entirely to avoid paying, arguing that “acts of God” aren’t covered. They may claim you should have stayed home during bad weather or insist you were driving too fast for conditions, regardless of your actual speed. Insurance adjusters often push for recorded statements immediately after accidents, hoping to catch you saying something they can use against you. Quick, lowball settlement offers are common, as they know accident victims may be desperate for immediate funds. This is why contacting our Austin car accident attorneys before giving any statements is crucial for protecting your rights.
Medical Treatment: Don’t Delay
Weather-related accidents often cause unique injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Common cold weather injuries include whiplash from sliding impacts, head injuries from loss of control crashes, hypothermia from extended exposure after accidents, and cuts from ice-related glass breakage.
Immediate medical treatment matters for several critical reasons. First, it documents the direct connection between your injuries and the accident. Without this documentation, insurance companies often deny claims, arguing that injuries must have occurred elsewhere. Early treatment also identifies “hidden” injuries like internal bleeding or brain trauma that may not show symptoms immediately. The medical record trail you create becomes crucial evidence, and seeking prompt treatment shows you took your injuries seriously—something insurance companies and juries consider when evaluating claims.
Insurance companies routinely use treatment delays to deny claims, arguing that if you were really hurt, you would have sought immediate care. Don’t give them this ammunition by “toughing it out” or hoping pain will resolve on its own.
Protecting Your Legal Rights After a Weather-Related Accident
Before Talking to Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters often contact accident victims within hours, sometimes even the same day. They employ calculated strategies designed to minimize claim values. They’ll request recorded statements while you’re still processing traumatic events, ask leading questions about weather conditions to shift blame away from their insured driver, and try to get you to minimize your injuries with questions like “You’re feeling better today, aren’t you?” They also pressure victims for quick settlements, knowing that immediate financial pressure can make lowball offers tempting.
Remember that you have the right to speak with an attorney before giving any statements. Early statements made while stressed, in pain, or on pain medication can significantly impact your case in ways you might not realize until it’s too late.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Weather-related accident cases involve multiple complex factors that require experienced legal guidance. Proving negligence despite weather conditions requires understanding of both traffic law and weather-related duties. You’ll likely face multiple insurance companies, each trying to shift blame to weather or other parties. Calculating damages becomes complicated when considering ongoing treatment for weather-specific injuries like cold exposure complications.
Insurance companies often exhibit bias, assuming that weather eliminates all liability—a legally incorrect position that requires skilled countering. Perhaps most critically, crucial weather-related evidence like road treatment records, weather data, and municipal response logs can disappear quickly without proper legal preservation requests.
At Lee, Gober & Reyna, we understand these complexities and fight to ensure weather doesn’t become an excuse for denying rightful compensation. Our experience with weather-related cases means we know exactly what evidence to preserve and how to counter insurance company tactics.
Special Considerations for Different Weather Events
Winter Storm Protocols
When winter weather threatens:
- Monitor DriveTexas.org for road conditions
- Check TxDOT social media for real-time updates
- Plan routes avoiding known trouble spots
- Allow triple normal travel time
- Keep fuel tank at least half full
Flash Flood Safety
Texas flash floods kill more people than any other weather hazard, making flood awareness critical for every driver. Never attempt to drive through standing water—just six inches can cause loss of control, while two feet can float most vehicles, including SUVs and trucks. Always watch for washed-out roads, especially in low-lying areas, and have alternate routes planned for your regular commutes. The phrase “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” saves lives.
Severe Thunderstorm Precautions
During Texas thunderstorms, conditions can deteriorate rapidly. If hail begins, pull over immediately under an overpass or covered area if available—hail damage can shatter windshields and cause loss of control. Avoid underpasses during high winds due to the dangerous wind tunnel effect that can flip vehicles. Stay alert for tornado warnings on your radio, watch for sudden wind gusts that can push vehicles off course, and be prepared for debris ranging from tree branches to entire structures on roads.
Technology and Weather Safety
Helpful Apps and Resources
Weather Monitoring
- National Weather Service alerts
- Local news weather apps
- RadarScope for real-time conditions
Road Conditions
- DriveTexas for state highways
- Waze for crowd-sourced hazards
- Google Maps for traffic conditions
Emergency Assistance
- Emergency SOS features on smartphones
- What3Words for precise location sharing
- Insurance company apps for quick reporting
Long-Term Impact of Weather-Related Accidents
Weather-related accidents often result in consequences that extend far beyond the initial crash. Victims frequently require extended medical treatment for complex injuries that regular accidents might not cause. Lost wages accumulate not just from initial recovery time, but from ongoing appointments and weather-related flare-ups of injuries.
Vehicle damage in weather-related crashes often exceeds normal collision damage due to factors like ice impact, flood damage, or multiple impacts in pile-ups. Many victims develop lasting emotional trauma from the loss of control experienced in weather-related accidents, leading to ongoing fear of driving in any adverse conditions. Some people become completely unable to drive in rain, snow, or fog, significantly impacting their independence and employment options.
Understanding these long-term impacts is crucial for ensuring fair compensation that accounts for all damages, not just immediate costs. Insurance companies often try to settle quickly before these long-term effects become apparent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bad Weather Accidents
If weather caused my accident, can I still recover compensation?
Yes. While weather may be a factor, drivers still have a duty to operate safely in all conditions. If another driver failed to adjust for weather conditions and caused your accident, they can be held liable. Our attorneys can help prove negligence despite weather involvement.
Should I give a statement to insurance if they ask about weather conditions?
No. Contact an attorney before giving any statements. Insurance companies often use weather-related statements to deny claims. Let us handle communications to protect your rights.
What if I couldn’t see due to heavy rain or fog when the accident happened?
Reduced visibility requires increased caution, not continued driving at normal speeds. If you pulled over safely and were hit, the other driver likely bears responsibility. If you continued driving despite inability to see, liability becomes more complex.
Can cities be held responsible for not treating icy roads?
Potentially, yes. Municipalities have duties to maintain safe roads, including weather treatment. However, governmental immunity laws make these cases complex. We can evaluate whether municipal negligence contributed to your accident.
How long do I have to file a claim for a weather-related accident?
Texas’s two-year statute of limitations applies to weather-related accidents too. However, evidence like weather conditions and road treatment records can disappear quickly. Contact us immediately to preserve crucial evidence.
What if multiple vehicles were involved in a weather-related pile-up?
Multi-vehicle accidents require careful investigation to determine each driver’s contribution. Weather doesn’t eliminate the need to maintain safe distances and speeds. We work with accident reconstruction experts to establish proper liability.
My car slid on ice into another vehicle. Am I automatically at fault?
Not necessarily. While you have a duty to maintain control, factors like unexpected ice, inadequate road treatment, or the other driver’s actions may shift or share liability. Each case requires individual analysis.
Why Choose Lee, Gober & Reyna for Weather-Related Accidents
When bad weather contributes to your accident, you need attorneys who understand both the legal and practical complexities involved. Here’s what sets us apart.
Local Weather Knowledge
With offices in Austin and Terrell, we know Texas weather patterns and danger zones. We understand how quickly conditions change and which areas pose the greatest risks.
Investigation Experience
We work with meteorologists and accident reconstruction experts to document exact weather conditions and their impact on your accident.
Fighting Insurance Bias
Insurance companies often blame weather to avoid paying claims. We counter these tactics with solid evidence and aggressive representation.
Comprehensive Damage Assessment
Weather-related accidents often cause ongoing issues. We ensure all future needs are considered in your claim, not just immediate damages.
Take Action Today: Protect Yourself After a Weather-Related Accident
Texas weather will always be unpredictable, but your legal representation doesn’t have to be. If you’ve been injured in a weather-related accident, don’t let insurance companies use Mother Nature as an excuse to deny your rightful compensation.
At Lee, Gober & Reyna, we’ve spent over 40 years fighting for accident victims throughout Texas. We understand that while weather may contribute to accidents, negligence is often the real cause. Our team will investigate thoroughly, preserve crucial evidence, and fight for every dollar you deserve.
Free Consultation Available Now
Don’t wait for evidence to disappear or memories to fade. Contact us today for a free consultation about your weather-related accident:
Austin Office
11940 Jollyville Rd Suite 220-S
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 874-4764
Terrell Office
313 W Moore Ave, Suite 200
Terrell, TX 75160
Remember, we only get paid when you get paid. There’s no risk in finding out how we can help. Call today to start your free case evaluation.
Stay safe on Texas roads, but if an accident happens, know that you have experienced advocates ready to fight for you.
Additional Resources
For current road conditions and weather updates: