Motor vehicle accidents are common in Arizona, and being involved in one can be a difficult and frightening experience. The dangers of car crashes seem far removed until we actually experience one.

In many cases, it is clear that a driver is to blame for an accident, but in others, determining fault is not so easy, such as in the case of weather hazards. Recently, a pileup on Interstate 10 following a dust storm made it difficult to determine if anyone in particular actually caused the wreck. After all, visibility had been reduced to zero, and the conditions came on suddenly and unexpectedly. This can make for a frustrating situation, as there is no specific party from which you can pursue compensation for property damage or injuries stemming from the accident.

If you find yourself caught in a dust storm or other hazardous condition, the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Safety recommend some steps to take to avoid an accident:

• Immediately take stock of your surroundings and start slowing down.
• Get off the highway as soon as possible, ideally taking an exit.
• Pull over and remain inside your vehicle with your seatbelt buckled until the storm passes.

It should be noted that accidents caused by extreme weather conditions are actually quite rare in the state of Arizona. In fact, nearly 90 percent of total accidents occurring in 2012 happened under clear conditions. However, being prepared for varying circumstances can help you prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers as safe as possible.

If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident in Tucson in which extreme weather conditions were present, consult an auto accident attorney for knowledgeable legal counsel. A qualified lawyer can investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident and provide advice regarding whether you have grounds to file suit.