October 21, 2021 | Car Accidents, Compensation
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, there are over 212 million licensed drivers in the United States.
Like any equation, higher numbers mean greater chances of possible outcomes.
Unfortunately, one of the possible outcomes of driving a car, is getting in a car accident.
Car accidents are an unfortunate part of everyday life and there are a seemingly infinite number of factors that can cause an accident.
In this article, we are going to explore car accidents caused by hydroplaning and explain who is at fault when a car accident is caused by hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning (also referred to as “Aquaplaning”) is when your vehicle tires lose contact with the road surface because it becomes flooded.
This can happen during heavy rainfall, flooding, or any other situation where water accumulates on the car’s path.
When this happens, your tire essentially floats over the top of that water and loses traction to the ground while still moving forward.
A car can hydroplane when it is traveling at speeds over thirty miles per hour.
When you are involved in a car accident, there is, in most cases, a driver who is deemed to be “at fault”.
In addition to being responsible for your own injuries during the accident, if you are found liable for causing another person’s injuries or property damage, they can sue you for compensation.
If a court finds that both drivers are at fault, then they will split the damages between them.
Related: Who determines fault in a car accident?
In most cases, the person who causes the car accident is at fault.
This is typically the case when hydroplaning causes a car accident.
In the eyes of the law, every driver should be in control of their vehicle at all times.
This is still the case when it comes to car accidents caused by weather-related incidents like hydroplaning.
When your vehicle hydroplanes and causes a car accident, you are at fault for not being in control of the vehicle as required by law.
Car accidents that are out of your control are one of the most unfortunate events one can experience.
The event can be traumatizing and, of course, the expenses associated with car accidents can be devastating.
In most cases, hydroplaning is simply an unavoidable event, but there are some precautions you can take to minimize the risk of hydroplaning.
The best way to avoid hydroplaning is to simply not drive when it is raining.
Obviously, for most people, that is simply not an option.
While hydroplaning is a relatively common occurrence, it is not something that should keep you from operating an automobile when it rains.
The next best way to avoid getting into a car accident caused by hydroplaning is to drive slowly and carefully.
When you are driving at high speeds, it is more difficult to control your vehicle and avoid hydroplaning than when you are traveling at a slower speed.
In many cases, car accidents can be avoided altogether by slowing down before they occur.
So the next time you find yourself on the road during heavy rainfall or other wet conditions, slow down to avoid hydroplaning and the car accidents that can result from it.
One of the most common causes of hydroplaning is puddles and standing water.
When you see a puddle or large accumulation of standing water on your path, do not attempt to drive through it.
Instead, find another route that does not take your car over such deep pools of accumulated rainfall.
If you have been in a car accident, no matter what the cause, we highly recommend you speak with a personal injury attorney.
Here at Ortwerth Law, our St. Louis car accident attorneys will investigate your case and deal with daunting tasks like negotiating with car insurance agents.
We will make sure you get the car accident compensation you deserve.
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