Can Extreme Heat Cause Motor Vehicle Crashes? | CA

 Posted on September 12, 2024 in Car Accidents

Southern California’s sunny climate makes the region a great place to live and a popular vacation destination. However, the typically hot temperatures have an unfortunate downside. Excessive heat can increase the likelihood of car accidents, last-mile delivery crashes, and workplace injuries.

How does heat contribute to motor vehicle collisions? What can you do if you are injured in a heat-related crash? A skilled lawyer from Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C. can investigate your accident, establish liability, and help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us 24/7 for your free consultation.

How Can Heat Affect Drivers?

In a recent news story from Texas, a last-mile delivery driver suffered from extreme heat, apparently crashing his truck as a result. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat stress may cause heat cramps, heat strokes, heat rashes, and heat exhaustion. These conditions can cause:

• Drowsiness

• Dehydration

• Decreased cognitive functions

• Irritability 

• Lack of impulse control

Other effects of heat, such as fogged-up glasses and sweaty palms, can also contribute to accidents. A study published in the National Library of Medicine showed that heat waves produced a 3.4 percent increase in fatal auto accidents.

Drivers who are suffering from the effects of excessive heat may make critical errors that lead to injury accidents. If those drivers are experiencing extreme drowsiness or pass out, they likely cannot take any steps to avoid collisions, potentially impacting other vehicles at high speeds. Multiple-vehicle crashes are likely as other motorists attempt to avoid the heat-stricken driver.

Common injuries in high-speed collisions include:

• Catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, amputations, burns, spinal cord injuries, compound fractures, and internal organ damage

• Broken bones

• Facial wounds and scarring

• Whiplash and other soft tissue damage

• Seatbelt and airbag injuries

• Penetrating trauma

• Joint damage

If you are injured in a heat-related crash, you deserve compensation. You will need evidence that establishes another party’s liability before you can pursue a claim successfully. Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C. knows how to uncover the supporting evidence you need to determine liability and hold the at-fault parties accountable.

What Should You Do After a Car Crash?

Ensuring your health by accepting or seeking a medical evaluation by a trained professional is your first priority. However, there are other steps you should take that can increase your chances of a successful resolution to your insurance claim:

• Take photos or videos of relevant details at the accident scene.

• Avoid admitting fault; do not even say, "I’m sorry."

• Stay away from social media.

• Do not allow insurance companies to record conversations.

• Do not sign any documents related to your claim until your attorney reviews them.

• Contact a reputable personal injury attorney.

During your free consultation, your lawyer from Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C. can give you further advice and help you determine your best course of action. We will work diligently to protect your best interests, helping you seek damages for eligible losses that may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and PTSD.

Contact Us Today To Speak With Our Determined Los Angeles, CA Car Accident Lawyers

If you are injured in a car crash caused by heat or anything else, you can rely on Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C. to use our considerable experience, legal knowledge, and resources to help you achieve the best possible case outcome. Call us at 818-242-8201 for your free consultation with our dedicated Glendale, CA motor vehicle collision attorneys.