As autumn settles across Georgia, vibrant leaves begin to fall, and so does road safety. While the colorful scenery may be beautiful, wet leaves and seasonal debris can create serious driver hazards. At Van Sant Law, we see a spike in fall-related car accidents this time of year, many caused by road conditions that drivers don't expect or know how to handle. Under Georgia law, you may be entitled to compensation if you were in a crash involving wet leaves or other fall hazards.
The Hidden Danger of Wet Leaves
When leaves accumulate on roads and become wet from rain or morning dew, they create a slick surface not unlike black ice. Tires can lose traction, especially during braking or turning, making it easy for drivers to slide, hydroplane, or lose control of their vehicles.
In some cases, piles of leaves can cover up potholes, road markings, or other obstructions, adding to the danger. Roadside debris like twigs, branches, or acorns can also cause tires to slip or vehicles to swerve. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed or following distance in these conditions may be found negligent if they cause a crash.
How These Conditions Lead to Serious Accidents
Fall in Georgia often means rainy days, early fog, and plenty of leaves blanketing the roads. While it might look peaceful, these conditions can make driving a lot more dangerous than many people realize. Wet leaves create slick, slippery surfaces that reduce tire grip—almost like hitting a patch of ice. When you mix that with low visibility and sudden stops, accidents can happen fast.
We often see crashes like:
- Rear-end collisions when drivers can’t stop in time
- Cars sliding off the road and crashing on their own
- Drivers skidding through stop signs or red lights at intersections
- Multi-car pileups, especially on leaf-covered back roads or rural areas
Even at low speeds, these types of accidents can cause serious injuries. We’ve worked with clients suffering from whiplash, broken bones, head injuries, and back problems—all from crashes that could have been avoided if road conditions were taken more seriously.
Who's at Fault in a Fall Debris Accident?
Georgia follows a modified comparative fault system, which means each party in a crash can be assigned a percentage of fault. You may be eligible to recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your share of fault.
For example, if another driver was speeding and failed to brake in time on a leaf-covered road, but you were also driving too closely, fault might be shared. Determining who is liable depends on the circumstances, including:
- Whether the at-fault driver was driving too fast for conditions
- If a municipality or property owner failed to maintain safe roadways
- Whether warning signs or proper lighting were present
- The condition and maintenance of both vehicles involved
This is why speaking with a personal injury attorney who understands how to evaluate these often-overlooked factors is important.
What You Can Recover After a Fall Weather Accident
If another driver's negligence caused your accident—even partially—you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation or physical therapy
- Emotional distress
At Van Sant Law, we help clients calculate the full value of their claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and file lawsuits when necessary to secure justice.
How Van Sant Law Can Help
Don't let insurers dismiss your fall-weather accident as "just bad luck." If another party's negligence played a role—whether it was a reckless driver or a poorly maintained roadway—you deserve answers and accountability.
Our legal team understands Georgia's laws and how seasonal hazards like wet leaves can cause serious injuries. We work quickly to gather evidence, identify liable parties, and help you recover the compensation you need to move forward.
If you were injured in a fall-related crash, don't wait. Contact Van Sant Law today for a free consultation. Let us help you understand your rights and fight for the outcome you deserve.
