It is not illegal to drive with hazards on in the rain in Florida. The state made this action legal in certain circumstances in 2021, giving drivers this option if they feel that it makes them safer during heavy storms.
Drivers who fail to take appropriate safety precautions in rainstorms may cause accidents. If a driver hits you because they failed to appreciate the severity of poor weather, you may have a chance to get compensation for your losses.
A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can take charge in this situation, helping you secure compensation for your losses and explaining your situation.
Is It Legal to Drive with Hazards on in the Rain in Florida?
Yes, you can legally use your hazard lights while driving in Florida. The state changed the laws regarding hazard light usage in storms in 2021. Drivers can now turn on hazard lights if they find it necessary when driving in severe and inclement weather.
Florida law details the usage of hazard lights, approving them for drivers dealing with low visibility. Generally, you can only use hazard lights in the rain if you’re on a road with a speed limit of 55 miles per hour (MPH) or higher.
Why Use Hazard Lights When Driving in the Rain?
Many drivers use hazard lights when driving in heavy rain to warn other motorists that they’re driving below the posted speed limit in deference to the weather. Using hazard lights and slowing down can reduce the chances of causing an accident when driving in inclement weather. Our state expects drivers to change their behavior based on weather and road conditions to minimize the chances of a collision. If a driver fails to adapt to current conditions and ends up causing a crash, they could have to pay all of the losses associated with the accident.
You can learn more about liability for accidents in poor weather from a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer.
What Happens if Another Driver Hits You in the Rain?
If another motorist hits you in a storm because they failed to adjust for weather conditions, they may have to cover all of your economic and non–economic losses. However, to secure compensation, an attorney will need to prove that:
- The other driver owed you a duty of care
- The driver failed to uphold that duty
- The other driver’s actions directly caused your crash
- The crash caused your injuries and financial losses
An attorney will need to collect evidence to back up your claim before helping you secure fair compensation for your losses.
How Do Lawyers Investigate Accidents Involving Poor Weather?
Lawyers use a variety of strategies to gather evidence after crashes that involve inclement weather. To gather all applicable evidence, an attorney may need to:
- Visit the scene of the crash
- Take statements from all eyewitnesses
- Get copies of the official police report
- Work with accident reconstruction specialists
- Gather any videos or photos showing the crash
You should contact an attorney immediately after a crash to ensure they can get all the evidence related to your claim before it disappears.
Your Compensation After a Crash in the Rain
If someone hits you while driving in the rain in Florida, with or without their hazards on, they may have to cover any expenses that you experience. For example, the responsible driver may have to pay for your:
Economic Damages
You may qualify for funds to pay for the costs of your medical bills, lost wages, and reduced earning potential. The liable party may also have to cover the costs of repairing your vehicle in this situation.
Non-Economic Damages
Our team can also work tirelessly to help you get compensation for the non-economic effects of your accident. For example, the at-fault party could have to pay for your emotional distress, pain, and mental suffering.
Call or text 800-602-5000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Talk to Us After an Accident in the Rain in Florida
So, is it illegal to drive with hazards on in the rain in Florida? It is legal in many situations to drive with your hazards on when it’s raining, according to a law passed in our state in 2021. In fact, drivers may consider this a safe driving practice in some cases.
You can learn more about this law and what to do after an accident in poor weather with our team at Blakeley Law Firm. We know what it takes to successfully handle complex car accident claims, and we’ve brought clients like you over $250 million in compensation for their losses.
We can immediately step in, explaining your legal situation and ensuring that you understand what you need to do to successfully get compensation for your losses. We can assist with an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party when you contact us for help. Schedule a free consultation today.
