How Rain and Weather Conditions Affect Car Accident Claims in Charlotte NC

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU 24/7

How Rain and Weather Conditions Affect Car Accident Claims in Charlotte NC

What's On This Page

Every year, thousands of car accidents occur across Charlotte, North Carolina—and a surprising number are tied directly to bad weather. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 21% of vehicle crashes nationwide are weather-related. Whether you’re navigating icy roads in Boone, driving through a sudden downpour in Charlotte, or facing foggy conditions in Hickory, North Carolina’s diverse and unpredictable weather presents unique challenges for drivers.

At the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we understand that while you can’t control the weather, you can control how you drive in it—and so can everyone else on the road. This is why drivers can still be found negligent even if a crash occurs in poor weather. Understanding your rights and responsibilities after a weather-related accident is critical to protecting your health, your financial future, and your legal options.


Common Weather Hazards in Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte experiences nearly every type of weather condition throughout the year. These hazards increase the risk of accidents:

  • Heavy Rain: Decreased visibility, hydroplaning, and slick roads are major issues.
  • Snow & Sleet: Even small accumulations can lead to dangerous driving conditions, especially in areas not equipped for winter weather.
  • Freezing Rain & Ice: Black ice is especially dangerous because it’s nearly invisible and leads to sudden loss of control.
  • Fog: Common in mountain regions, fog drastically reduces visibility and increases crash risks.
  • Severe Thunderstorms: Heavy rain, wind, lightning, and hail can make roads treacherous in an instant.
  • High Winds: Sudden gusts can push vehicles, especially large ones, off course.
  • Sun Glare: Often overlooked, glare during sunrise and sunset can temporarily blind drivers.

Safe Driving Tips for Charlotte Drivers

At the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we’ve helped many Charlotte clients who were injured because another driver failed to take proper precautions in poor weather. Here are some ways to protect yourself and others:

  • Check road and weather reports before traveling
  • Avoid unnecessary trips during severe weather
  • Drive below the posted speed limit when conditions are poor
  • Increase following distance
  • Brake gently to prevent skidding
  • Keep headlights on and windows clear
  • Turn off cruise control in wet or icy conditions
  • Never drive through flooded areas
  • Stay patient and alert
  • Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle

Negligence and Liability in Weather-Related Crashes

It’s important to remember: weather is not a defense to negligence. Every driver has a legal duty of care to adjust their driving based on the road and weather conditions.

Common examples of negligence in bad weather:

  • Driving too fast for the conditions
  • Following too closely
  • Failing to use headlights or defrost
  • Not clearing snow or ice from the vehicle
  • Driving on bald tires or with faulty brakes

If a driver fails to take reasonable precautions in adverse weather and causes an accident, they can—and should—be held liable.


What to Do After a Weather-Related Car Accident in Charlotte

If you’re involved in an accident during inclement weather, it’s important to take the following steps:

  1. Seek immediate medical attention
  2. Call law enforcement and request an official report
  3. Document the scene—including road conditions, damage, and weather
  4. Exchange information with the other driver
  5. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about the cause
  6. Contact the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor for a free case review

Insurance Coverage in Weather-Related Accidents

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by blaming the weather instead of the driver. At our firm, we help clients push back against these tactics by building strong, evidence-backed claims.

Key types of coverage:

  • Liability Insurance – Pays if you’re responsible for someone else’s damages
  • Collision Coverage – Covers your vehicle, regardless of fault
  • Comprehensive Coverage – Applies to weather-related damage like hail or falling debris
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage – Protects you if the other driver lacks sufficient insurance

Strong documentation—photos, witness statements, police reports, and expert testimony—can make or break your case.


Types of Compensation Available

Charlotte accident victims may be entitled to the following damages:

  • Economic Damages: Medical bills, lost income, vehicle repairs, and future expenses
  • Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment, emotional distress
  • Punitive Damages: In rare cases of reckless or intentional behavior

Our legal team will work with you to ensure your damages are fully assessed and pursued.


Other Sources of Liability

Sometimes, the fault may lie with more than just another driver:

  • Defective vehicle parts – Manufacturers can be liable if brakes, tires, or safety systems failed due to a defect.
  • Negligent repairs – A mechanic may be responsible if improper maintenance contributed to the crash.
  • Poor road conditions – Government entities could be at fault for potholes, lack of signage, or poor drainage.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor can help identify all possible sources of liability and pursue claims accordingly.


North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Rule

North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence law. If you’re found to be even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovering any compensation. This harsh rule makes it especially important to work with a skilled attorney who can present a strong case on your behalf and minimize any claims of fault against you.


Why Choose the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor?

Weather-related accident claims are often complex, with insurance companies eager to deny or reduce compensation by pointing to weather conditions. But at the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we have the experience, resources, and local insight to handle these cases effectively.

Our team knows Charlotte roads, weather patterns, and legal nuances—and we’ve spent years helping injured drivers recover what they deserve. From handling insurance negotiations to gathering expert evidence, we are here to support you every step of the way.


Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a Charlotte car accident during bad weather, don’t wait to get the help you need. Our attorneys are standing by to review your case for free and help you understand your legal options.

Call the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today or use our online contact form to schedule your consultation. We’re here to fight for your rights—and the compensation you deserve.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I be compensated if I was partially at fault?
Unfortunately, North Carolina’s contributory negligence law means that even being 1% at fault can bar you from recovery. Legal help is essential to challenge fault claims.

What evidence is most helpful in a weather-related crash?
Photos, video, police reports, weather data, witness statements, and expert opinions all help prove that another driver was negligent.

What if the other driver blames the weather?
While weather may contribute to an accident, drivers are still responsible for operating their vehicles safely. Failing to adjust for weather conditions can still constitute negligence.

What type of insurance applies?
Liability covers damages to others. Collision covers your vehicle damage regardless of fault. Comprehensive helps with non-collision weather damage. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if the at-fault driver lacks insurance.

What should I do right after the accident?
Get medical help, report the accident, document the scene, and contact a lawyer. The sooner you take action, the stronger your case will be.

301 S McDowell St #1016
Charlotte, NC 28204

Phone: (704) 676-1093
Toll Free: (800) 351-3008

Share via:
LEgally Reviewed by:
Picture of Jason E. Taylor
Jason E. Taylor

Reviewed as of 2025

Charlotte, NC
Contact Us Today

Free Consultation
Call one of our Operators 24/7
(800) 351-3008

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

By entering your phone number, you agree to receive text messages and updates via SMS. Message and data rates may apply.

Testimonials
Watch Our New Commerical
Charlotte, NC Practice Areas
CHARLOTTE, NC Office
Contact Us Today

Free Consultation
Call one of our Operators 24/7
(800) 351-3008

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

120 3rd St NE
Hickory, NC 28601

Phone: (828) 327-9004
Toll Free: (800) 351-3008

301 S McDowell St #1016
Charlotte, NC 28204

Phone: (704) 676-1093
Toll Free: (800) 351-3008

130 Church St NE
Concord, NC 28025

Phone: (704) 787-9419
Toll Free: (800) 351-3008

1348 Ebenezer Rd Suite 103
Rock Hill, SC 29732

Phone: (803) 980-5300
Toll Free: (800) 351-3008

The Law Offices of
Jason E. Taylor, P.C.
Charlotte Injury Lawyers & Attorneys at Law

Quick Links

Notice of Data Security Event
Updated March 28, 2025

The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor is providing notice of an event that may affect certain individuals’ information. Although we have no indication of identity theft or fraud in relation to this event, we are providing information about the event, our response, and additional measures individuals can take to help protect their information, should they feel it appropriate to do so.

What Happened? On October 28, 2024, The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor identified suspicious activity related to our email system. We quickly took steps to investigate and determined that an unknown actor may have accessed certain emails within our email system between August 7 and November 7, 2024. We then conducted a comprehensive review of the potentially affected emails and attachments to determine what information was contained therein and to whom the information related, which was completed on February 25, 2025. Unfortunately, we were unable to verify the addresses of certain affected individuals, so we are providing this notice to ensure potentially affected individuals receive information about the event.

What Information Was Involved? The information affected may include individuals’ Social Security number, driver’s license and state ID information, financial account number, and health information.

What We Are Doing. We are notifying individuals about this matter and providing guidance about free resources that are available to assist with monitoring relevant accounts, credit reports, and how to place a fraud alert or security freeze on one’s credit file. Further, as with our typical security practices, we will continue to evaluate our policies, procedures, staff training, and technical security measures to reduce the likelihood of an event like this reoccurring.

What Individuals Can Do. We encourage you to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud by reviewing your account statements and monitoring your free credit reports for suspicious activity and to detect errors. We also recommend you review the below “Steps Individuals Can Take To Help Protect Personal Information”.

For More Information. If individuals have questions about this matter, we have a dedicated assistance line with agents ready to answer their questions. Please contact our toll-free dedicated assistance line at 1-800-939-4170, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. through 9 p.m., excluding holidays. You may also write to us at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, Attn: Compliance, P.O. Box 2688, Hickory, NC 28603.

Sincerely,

The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor

STEPS INDIVIDUALS CAN TAKE TO HELP PROTECT PERSONAL INFORMATION

Monitor Your Accounts

Under U.S. law, a consumer is entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. To order a free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call, toll-free, 1-877-322-8228. Consumers may also directly contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below to request a free copy of their credit report.

Consumers have the right to place an initial or extended “fraud alert” on a credit file at no cost. An initial fraud alert is a 1-year alert that is placed on a consumer’s credit file. Upon seeing a fraud alert display on a consumer’s credit file, a business is required to take steps to verify the consumer’s identity before extending new credit. If consumers are the victim of identity theft, they are entitled to an extended fraud alert, which is a fraud alert lasting seven years. Should consumers wish to place a fraud alert, please contact any of the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below.

As an alternative to a fraud alert, consumers have the right to place a “credit freeze” on a credit report, which will prohibit a credit bureau from releasing information in the credit report without the consumer’s express authorization. The credit freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in a consumer’s name without consent. However, consumers should be aware that using a credit freeze to take control over who gets access to the personal and financial information in their credit report may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application they make regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, or any other account involving the extension of credit. Pursuant to federal law, consumers cannot be charged to place or lift a credit freeze on their credit report. To request a credit freeze, individuals may need to provide some or all of the following information:

1. Full name (including middle initial as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.);
2. Social Security number;
3. Date of birth;
4. Addresses for the prior two to five years;
5. Proof of current address, such as a current utility bill or telephone bill;
6. A legible photocopy of a government-issued identification card (state driver’s license or ID card, etc.); and
7. A copy of either the police report, investigative report, or complaint to a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft if they are a victim of identity theft.

Should consumers wish to place a credit freeze or fraud alert, please contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below:

Equifax Experian TransUnion
https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/ https://www.experian.com/help/

https://www.transunion.com/credit-help
1-888-298-0045 1-888-397-3742 1-800-916-8800
Equifax Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 105069 Atlanta, GA 30348-5069 Experian Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013 TransUnion Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016
Equifax Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348-5788 Experian Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013 TransUnion Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094

Additional Information

Consumers may further educate themselves regarding identity theft, fraud alerts, credit freezes, and the steps they can take to protect their personal information by contacting the consumer reporting bureaus, the Federal Trade Commission, or their state attorney general. The Federal Trade Commission may be reached at: 600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20580; www.identitytheft.gov; 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); and TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The Federal Trade Commission also encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. Consumers can obtain further information on how to file such a complaint by way of the contact information listed above. Consumers have the right to file a police report if they ever experience identity theft or fraud. Please note that in order to file a report with law enforcement for identity theft, consumers will likely need to provide some proof that they have been a victim. Instances of known or suspected identity theft should also be reported to law enforcement and the relevant state attorney general. This notice has not been delayed by law enforcement.

For District of Columbia residents, the District of Columbia Attorney General may be contacted at: 400 6th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001; 1-202-442-9828; and oag.dc.gov.

For Maryland residents, the Maryland Attorney General may be contacted at: 200 St. Paul Place, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202; 1-410-576-6300 or 1-888-743-0023; and https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/.

For New Mexico residents, consumers have rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, such as the right to be told if information in their credit file has been used against them, the right to know what is in their credit file, the right to ask for their credit score, and the right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information. Further, pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the consumer reporting bureaus must correct or delete inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information; consumer reporting agencies may not report outdated negative information; access to consumers’ files is limited; consumers must give consent for credit reports to be provided to employers; consumers may limit “prescreened” offers of credit and insurance based on information in their credit report; and consumers may seek damages from violators. Consumers may have additional rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act not summarized here. Identity theft victims and active-duty military personnel have specific additional rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. We encourage consumers to review their rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act by visiting www.consumerfinance.gov/f/201504_cfpb_summary_your-rights-under-fcra.pdf, or by writing Consumer Response Center, Room 130-A, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20580.

For New York residents, the New York Attorney General may be contacted at: Office of the Attorney General, The Capitol, Albany, NY 12224-0341; 1-800-771-7755; or https://ag.ny.gov.

For North Carolina residents, the North Carolina Attorney General may be contacted at: 9001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-9001; 1-877-566-7226 or 1-919-716-6000; and www.ncdoj.gov.

For Rhode Island residents, the Rhode Island Attorney General may be reached at: 150 South Main Street, Providence, RI 02903; 1-401-274-4400; and www.riag.ri.gov. Under Rhode Island law, individuals have the right to obtain any police report filed in regard to this event.
STEPS INDIVIDUALS CAN TAKE TO HELP PROTECT A MINOR DEPENDENT’S PERSONAL INFORMATION

Typically, credit reporting agencies do not have a credit report in a minor’s name. To find out if a minor has a credit report or to request a manual search for a minor’s Social Security number each credit bureau has its own process. To learn more about these processes or request these services, consumers may contact the credit bureaus by phone, writing, or online:
Equifax Experian TransUnion
https://www.equifax.com/personal/help/article-list/-/h/a/request-child-credit-report/
https://www.experian.com/help/minor-request.html
https://www.transunion.com/fraud-victim-resources/child-identity-theft

1-800-685-1111 1-888-397-3742 1-800-916-8800
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348-5788 P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013 P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016

To request information about the existence of a credit file in a minor’s name, search for a minor’s Social Security number, place a security freeze or fraud alert on a minor’s credit report (if one exists), or request a copy of a minor’s credit report consumers may be required to provide the following information:
● A copy of their driver’s license or another government issued identification card, such as a state identification card, etc.;
● Proof of address, such as a copy of a bank statement, utility bill, insurance statement, etc.;
● A copy of the minor’s birth certificate;
● A copy of the minor’s Social Security card;
● The minor’s full name, including middle initial and generation, such as JR, SR, II, III, etc.;
● The minor’s date of birth; and
● The minor’s previous addresses for the past two years.

Jason E. Taylor Logo
Join our newsletter and get 20% discount
Promotion nulla vitae elit libero a pharetra augue