When temperatures soar in Las Vegas, the risk of summer heat car accidents rises dramatically. The Las Vegas car accident lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys see firsthand how extreme heat creates dangerous driving conditions. From vehicle malfunctions to impaired judgment, the summer months bring unique hazards that every driver should recognize. Below, we examine four key ways that summer heat car accidents happen–and how you can stay safe.
Summer Heat Car Accidents Caused by Mechanical Failure
Extreme heat doesn’t just make drivers uncomfortable; it also puts vehicles at risk of dangerous mechanical failures. The high temperatures in Las Vegas can:
- Cause Tire Blowouts: Hot pavement increases tire pressure, leading to sudden blowouts, especially if tires are worn or underinflated.
- Overheat Engines: Prolonged exposure to high temps can lead to coolant system failures, leaving drivers stranded or causing sudden stalls in traffic.
- Drain Batteries: Heat accelerates battery fluid evaporation, increasing the risk of a dead battery at the worst possible moment. For electric car drivers, increased air conditioner use can significantly reduce range.
- Warp Brake Components: Excessive heat can reduce braking efficiency, making it harder to stop suddenly.
A single mechanical failure can lead to catastrophic summer heat car accidents, particularly at high speeds. If your crash was caused by a neglected vehicle issue–such as a rental car with faulty tires–you may have a claim against the responsible party.
Impaired Driving Can Increase During the Summer
Summer parties, vacations, and outdoor events often lead to increased alcohol and drug use, and, unfortunately, more impaired drivers on the road. Factors that contribute to summer heat car accidents involving impairment include:
- Festivals and Holidays: Holidays like Labor Day, outdoor music festivals, and backyard barbecues see spikes in DUI-related crashes.
- Dehydration and Alcohol: Heat exacerbates alcohol’s effects, making drivers more impaired than they realize.
- Fatigue: Long summer road trips or sleepless vacation nights can lead to drowsy driving, which is just as dangerous as drunk driving.
If you were hit by an impaired driver, a Las Vegas car crash lawyer from ER Injury Attorneys can help you pursue maximum compensation.
Reduced Visibility Can Lead to Summer Heat Car Accidents
Blinding glare, heat waves, and sudden dust storms are all seasonal hazards that reduce visibility:
- Sun Glare: The intense summer sun can make it nearly impossible to see traffic signals, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
- Heat Mirages: Hot pavement creates optical illusions, tricking drivers into misjudging distances.
- Dust storms: It’s common for Las Vegas to experience wind gusts stronger than 70 mph. Sudden wind gusts can kick up dust, especially in desert areas like Nevada, leading to zero-visibility conditions.
When drivers fail to adjust their speed for poor visibility, summer heat car accidents become far more likely.
Increased Traffic and Teen Drivers
Summer brings more cars on the road and a surge in inexperienced drivers. Factors that increase your chances of a summer automobile wreck include:
- Teen Drivers: School’s out, meaning more young, distracted drivers who may lack experience handling heat-related car troubles.
- Tourist Traffic: Las Vegas sees an influx of visitors unfamiliar with local roads, leading to erratic lane changes and sudden stops.
- Road Construction: Summer is peak construction season, creating unexpected detours and congestion.
More drivers and more distractions mean a higher risk of collisions. If you’ve been injured in a summer heat car crash, don’t wait to seek legal advice. Contact ER Injury Attorneys to get the legal representation that you deserve.
Contact a Summer Heat Car Accidents Lawyer Near Me
The Las Vegas injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys hope that you have a better understanding of how summer heat can increase your chances of an auto wreck. Unfortunately, some collisions and crashes happen through no fault of your own. If you’ve been hurt in a Las Vegas car crash, then ER Injury Attorneys is here to help you get the financial compensation that you’re legally entitled to. Take your first step towards justice by contacting us today.
You can reach ER Injury Attorneys by phone at 702-878-7878 and online through LiveChat or a secure contact form. Our Nevada injury lawyers have successfully recovered top settlements for clients in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Pahrump, Boulder City, Laughlin, and other areas of Southern Nevada. Let us take care of all your legal needs so that you can focus on your health.