High Winds Caused Fatal Accident

Auto accidents resulting from bad weather can induce the same life changing, serious and sometimes fatal injuries as any other auto accident.

A Colorado woman said her husband saved her life before losing consciousness behind the wheel of their vehicle. After a 3-foot tree branch flew through the windshield and impaled the driver in the chest, he was able to steer the vehicle to safety before losing consciousness. He died later at the hospital.

Although this fatality is considered a “freak” accident and not negligent driving, it is a good time to remind my readers of the dangers of driving in high wind conditions.

High winds are often overlooked as dangerous especially to motorists. Many drivers assume they are safe inside the vehicle, but that cannot be further from the truth. High winds can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles as they can be pushed off the road. Passing large recreational or commercial vehicles and tractor trailers can subject you to sudden changes in the effects of wind on your vehicle.

Larger automobiles, buses, recreational vehicles, and tractor trailers are more susceptible to being blown over in high winds. Large trucks are more vulnerable to wind if the trailer is empty or contains a light load; they have a huge profile and no weight holding them down. High winds plus wet or icy roads can also cause you to lose complete control.

We cannot blame Mother Nature exclusively. Often times, drivers are speeding, tailgating, or distracted by a phone call, texting, the radio, or a host of other distractions. The best thing motorists can do is drive defensively. Reduce your speed, keep both hands on the wheel, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Most importantly, avoid driving in dangerous weather conditions whenever possible.

Mark M. Bello is the owner and founder of Lawsuit Financial Corporation where he is instrumental in providing cash flow solutions and consulting when necessity of life lawsuit funding is needed during litigation. Mr. Bello has thirty-four years experience as a trial lawyer and 13 years as an underwriter and situational analyst in the litigation funding industry. He is recognized as an expert in this field by ExpertPages.com and ALM Experts. Mr. Bello is a sustaining and Justice PAC member of the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association, Justice Pac member of the American Association for Justice, Member of the American and Michigan Bar Associations, Member of Public Justice and Public Citizen, Member of InjuryBoard, out-of-state member of the Mississippi Association for Justice and a business associate of the Florida Justice Association, Texas Trial Lawyers Association and the Consumer Attorneys of California. His articles have appeared in FindLaw, The West Reporter, The Safety Report, Plaintiff Magazine, Advocate Magazine, and other fine legal publications.