Palm Beach County, FL — Severe Weather Brings Risk of Heavy Rain, Motor Vehicle Accidents

Palm Beach County, FL (February 24th, 2025) – With the possibility of heavy rainfall across South Florida, a low pressure system the National Weather Services is warning of may also bring a risk of motor vehicle accidents. 

Year-round, Florida’s climate can be unpredictable – changing from the sun shining one moment, to torrential rain with zero visibility the next. While these sudden weather changes are a fact of life for Florida drivers, they also present serious risks on the road. 

Although bad weather can make driving more hazardous, it does not absolve drivers of their responsibility to operate vehicles safely. If you have been injured in a weather-related car accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault motorist. Our dedicated Clearwater car accidents lawyers at Magazine & Light Law Group will review your rights and options, helping you determine the best path to obtaining damages for your injury-related losses.

Common Weather Conditions Contributing to Accidents in Florida

Several weather conditions in Florida frequently contribute to road accidents. Some of the most common of these include:

Heavy Rain and Flooding

Sudden downpours create slick roads, making it harder to stop or control a vehicle. Hydroplaning becomes a major risk, increasing the chance of losing control. Following also obscures road hazards, which can lead to stalled vehicles or collisions. 

With the anticipated low pressure system moving across Palm Beach County on Monday into Tuesday, the National Weather Service is forecasting high rainfall amounts, from one to four inches. Some areas, particularly along coastal Palm Beach County, may experience localized flooding.

Fog and Reduced Visibility

Early morning and late-night fog can make it difficult to see other vehicles, road signs, and hazards ahead. When drivers fail to adjust their speed or to use proper lighting, the risk of rear-end and multi-car accidents increases.

Hurricanes and Strong Winds

High winds from hurricanes or tropical storms can push vehicles off course, knock over trees and power lines, and send debris flying into roadways. These conditions create unexpected hazards that can demand heightened caution. 

Sudden Temperature Changes

While Florida rarely experiences icy conditions, rapid weather shifts can affect road traction, especially on bridges and overpasses. Drivers unaware of these risks may find themselves in preventable accidents.

Liability in Weather-Related Accidents

Determining liability in weather-related car accidents can be complex, as multiple factors contribute to fault. While severe weather conditions can play a role in causing accidents, drivers are still expected to adjust their behavior to ensure safety. The legal system considers whether a driver took reasonable precautions in response to adverse conditions. 

Negligence and Fault

Bad weather does not remove a driver’s responsibility to operate safely. Florida law holds drivers accountable for taking reasonable precautions when conditions worsen. If a driver fails to adjust their behavior to match the weather, such as by speeding in heavy rain or failing to use headlights in the fog, they may be considered negligent.

Courts and insurance companies assess whether a driver exercised reasonable care. If a driver loses control of their vehicle during a storm but was traveling at an unsafe speed, they may be found at fault despite the poor weather conditions. Likewise, failing to maintain a vehicle properly, such as driving on worn tires during rain, can also contribute to liability.

Comparative Negligence in Florida

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Therefore, injured parties can recover damages as long as they do not share more than 50% of fault for the accident. When multiple drivers share responsibility, fault is allocated accordingly. For example, if one driver was speeding in heavy rain and another was following too closely, both may bear some responsibility. The allocation of fault affects how much compensation an injured party can recover. 

Insurance Considerations

Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system. As such, drivers must first turn to their own insurance policy’s personal injury protection (PIP) coverage after an accident, regardless of fault. PIP is one of the types of auto accident insurance in Florida. 

In cases involving severe injuries or significant damages, victims may step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. Proving negligence is crucial in such cases. Documentation of weather conditions, road hazards, and driver behavior can play a key role in determining fault and securing fair compensation.

Driver Responsibility to Keep Others Safe

Driving in severe weather is not just about protecting oneself. It’s also about minimizing the risks for other road users. Florida law expects motorists to exercise caution and make responsible decisions that prioritize the safety of passengers, pedestrians, and fellow drivers. Failure to do so can result in legal consequences, including liability for accidents that could have been avoided with prudent driving behavior.

When behind the wheel, drivers should be particularly mindful of how weather conditions affect traffic patterns and road conditions. Poor visibility, wet roads, and sudden storms increase the likelihood of unexpected hazards, making defensive driving crucial. To this end, drivers should stay alert, anticipate the actions of other drivers, and be prepared to adjust speed or direction as needed.

Adapting to Weather Conditions

When severe weather strikes, drivers must adjust their behavior to maintain safe operation of their vehicles. Key precautions motorists should take include:

Reducing Speed

The speed limits in Clearwater, and throughout Florida, are set for ideal conditions. Therefore, driving too fast in conditions like rain or fog may be considered reckless. Slowing down may help reduce the risk of hydroplaning and losing control, which may result in serious accidents.

Using Headlights and Hazard Lights

Florida law requires drivers to use headlights when it’s raining. However, using hazard lights while driving is illegal and can confuse other drivers. Knowing when and how to use vehicle lights is crucial for safety.

Increasing Following Distance

Stopping distances increase significantly on wet roads. Allowing more space between vehicles gives drivers extra reaction time in case of sudden stops.

Legal Expectations

Florida has specific statues regarding safe driving in hazardous conditions. Violations, such as failing to reduce speed in poor visibility, reckless lane changes, or ignoring flooded road warnings, can lead to citations or increased liability in an accident claim.

Additionally, ignoring warnings about extreme weather, such as attempting to drive through a hurricane evacuation zone, can result in severe penalties and heightened liability if an accident occurs.If you are involved in a weather-related car accident in Florida that results in serious injury, you may need to pursue a claim beyond PIP insurance. Determining fault, however, is not always straightforward. At Magazine & Light Law Group, personal injury lawyer Jim Magazine has more than 30 years of experience helping people like you recover the maximum compensation for accident-associated losses. To discuss your case, contact us today at 727-499-9900. We offer free initial consultations.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association