Storms can bring high winds, flooding that covers roads, and even spawn tornadoes. Wet road surfaces and ponding of water at depths of an inch or less can make driving treacherous. The Pennsylvania DOT found that wet road surfaces contributed to 18,226 accidents in Pennsylvania in 2024. That accounts for 16.5% of all the accidents for the year. Sadly, 13.8% of fatal accidents for the year involved wet road conditions.
What to Do if You’re in a Traffic Accident During Severe Weather in Philadelphia
Unfortunately, storms won’t keep bad drivers at home. The havoc on the roads may put you in the path of a careless driver. If you’re in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you’ll want to pay attention to certain details on the scene. Severe weather events always tie up police and emergency crews, so your own investigative work may have to suffice until essential workers can reach you.
After a collision, see to your safety first. If the accident left you in a spot where you’re in more danger, if you’re physically able, try to move yourself or your car out of harm’s way. This can include leaving a location that’s starting to flood or moving out of the path of other traffic, especially if visibility is reduced.
Assess any injuries in your vehicle. Call 911. Then, if able, you’ll need to start collecting details from your accident to build a strong case against the driver that caused the collision. Of course, if the wind and rain prove too hazardous, stay in your car, but try to gather these elements if possible:
- Give a full report to dispatchers and police when you can reach them.
- Take photos. Document the scene, the car that hit you, street signs, and capture the current weather conditions in case the at-fault driver tries to blame the rain when in fact, it was only drizzling. Take photos of any injuries that are visible and any damage to clothing.
- Talk to any witnesses.
- Exchange information with everyone involved but don’t make any statements about the accident. Insurance companies can use these statements against you later.
- Get checked out by EMS crews and your own doctor. Get everything documented.
- Keep any damaged clothing and personal items. Don’t throw evidence out.
