LA Thunderstorms – 5 Dangerous Effects of a Storm

Heavy rain and other dangerous conditions from LA thunderstorms could lead to road hazards.

LA thunderstorms seem like a rarity. Afterall, Los Angeles is one of the sunniest cities in the US.

However, LA thunderstorms have rolled into the area recently, including some storms in January 2024.

The National Weather Service defines thunderstorms as “rain-bearing clouds that also produce lightning”. Some signs of a thunderstorm include:

• Heavy rain
• Lightning
• Flash floods
• Cloudy conditions with low visibility
• Strong winds

Rain is one of the more dangerous impacts of LA thunderstorms. Rain might fall up to three-quarters of an inch per hour. 

Heavy rain from LA thunderstorms can lead to harsh road conditions such as flooded or slick roads. These circumstances also increase the risk of car accidents. 

Weather conditions from LA thunderstorms can aid in wreaking havoc on travelers  in LA. Studies show there were 672 crashes and 919 injuries reported during rainy weather (login required).

Almost half of all rainy condition accidents in Los Angeles were caused by speeding. Traveling at high speeds during rain can make it more difficult for vehicles to stop on wet roadways, or it could decrease visibility to drivers.

If you must travel in the rain, there are a few ways to help prevent accidents:

• Don’t speed. As previously mentioned, speeding can greatly increase the chances of an accident, so be sure to follow posted speed signs.
• Don’t drive distracted. Avoid texting, eating, and other possible distractions.
• Don’t rush. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.

Another dangerous weather condition from LA thunderstorms are high winds. Some winds can reach as high as 50 miles per hour.

Winds can knock down trees, thus creating a road hazard. They can also impact motorcyclists.

It’s already very dangerous to ride a motorcycle during inclement weather conditions. Motorcycles were involved in a quarter of all wind-related accidents last year.

High winds might blow debris at a motorcyclist. Combined with rain, the danger grows.

If your traveling on a motorcycle in high winds, you should:

• Pull over. It’s not worth it to risk injury.
• Wait until the storm lets up to resume riding.
• Check weather conditions to ensure you don’t run into the same situation while returning home.

LA thunderstorms can also down power lines, forcing power outages in Southern California. This can lead to malfunctioning traffic lights.

Drivers should treat downed lights as if they were stop signs. For example, if you reach a four-way intersection, follow the same rules of a four-way stop sign (whoever reaches the intersection first has the right-of-way).

Accidents in LA thunderstorms can lead to any number of serious injuries, including:

• Cuts and lacerations
• Broken bones
• Whiplash
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Chronic pain in specific areas of the body
• Internal bleeding
• Vital organ damage
• Vision issues
• Concussions or other traumatic brain injuries
• Paralysis
• Lost limbs
• Death

Even if you follow road safety tips for driving in LA thunderstorms, others may travel like conditions are normal. 

Think of a situation where Jose is rear ended after another driver speeds on a wet road. The impact of the other vehicle jerks Jose forward, causing his neck to bend and his head to chest to bang against the steering wheel.

Jose suffers a concussion, broken ribs and can’t stop coughing up blood.

The other drivers’ lack of care when driving in unusual conditions could be a sign of negligence. Jose could pursue compensation.

Since the other driver was at fault, Jose could try seeking damages for:

• Medical expenses related to his injuries
• Lost wages if he is unable to work due to his injuries
• Pain and suffering following the crash

Jose should contact an LA personal injury attorney about his case.

The Los Angeles car accident lawyers at C&B Law Group have a track record of successfully settling cases for personal injury victims. We’ve helped clients recover millions of dollars in compensation for various personal injury claims. 

Our team will work hard to go above and beyond at helping you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. Additionally, we work on a contingency basis, so you won’t pay attorney fees until your case is settled. 

We help clients all over the Los Angeles area, servicing victims in:

• Glendale
• Burbank
• North Hollywood
• Van Nuys
• Canoga Park
• Winnetka
• More!

The statute of limitations in California is two years for a personal injury, but it’s best to contact a Southern California personal injury attorney as soon as possible. 

LA thunderstorms may put a damper on outdoor activities. Don’t let someone’s negligence during a storm alter your life. 

Reach out to the LA accident attorneys at C&B Law Group today for a free consultation.