Who’s Liable When an Accident Is Caused by an “Act of God”

Florida residents are no strangers to severe weather and the devastation it can cause. If an act of God strikes when you’re on the road, a collision may occur, leaving you injured. When these tragedies happen, many victims wonder who can be held liable for an accident caused by mother nature. However, the driver who hit you is often responsible, regardless of the weather conditions. 

If you have been injured in a severe weather car accident in Florida, do not hesitate to contact a trusted car accident attorney. At the Law Offices of Scott Sobol, our attorneys are dedicated to helping accident victims pursue justice for their injuries and other losses. We have a proven track record of successfully recovering the maximum compensation available for our clients and are ready to apply our extensive experience and skills to your unique case. When you retain our services, we will become a fierce advocate for your rights, interests, and the compensation you deserve. 

What Is an “Act of God”?

Insurance companies typically use the term “act of God” to describe accidents that are no one’s fault. For instance, if high-speed winds uproot a tree and send it flying into your vehicle, the damage cannot be blamed on a person. Weather is not a person or other legal entity and, therefore, cannot be held accountable for the havoc it wreaks. In these cases, an attorney may be able to help you seek compensation from your insurance company or an applicable government program.

While accidents during hurricane season are often correctly determined to be caused by an act of God, many others are mischaracterized and may result from driver negligence. If a driver exercised poor judgment during an extreme weather event, they may be held liable through a personal injury claim. 

Establishing Liability After a Car Accident Caused by an “Act of God”

If your insurance company determined your accident was unavoidable even though another vehicle was involved, a skilled attorney can investigate your case to determine if the other driver may be at fault. To successfully prove liability in a car accident claim, your attorney must establish the following elements:

• The other driver owed you a duty of care to act reasonably and responsibly to avoid an accident
• The other driver violated this duty by behaving negligently
• Their negligence directly caused your accident
• Your accident resulted in you suffering injuries and other losses

During severe weather, drivers are expected to exercise increased caution behind the wheel to prevent injuring themselves or others. When a driver fails to exercise this extra care by driving slower or simply staying home, they may be liable if they cause an accident. Your attorney can analyze every detail of your case to determine the cause of your accident and who may be at fault. 

Speak to a Talented Car Accident Attorney at the Law Offices of Scott Sobol

After suffering severe injuries in a Florida car accident, you may feel understandably overwhelmed and unsure of your next steps. Attorney Sobol has successfully represented over 1,000 clients and has the experience and skills to fight for you. He is consistently communicative with his clients and will ensure your questions are answered and you are up-to-date on the status of your case. When you choose our firm, you can rest assured that your case is in the capable hands of an experienced legal professional. 

To learn more about how we can help you and schedule a free consultation, call us at (954) 440-2000 or complete our contact form today.