Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle skids or slides across a wet or slippery surface. This phenomenon can occur when driving in heavy rain. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the majority of weather-related crashes happened on wet pavement during rainfall ,with 70 percent of weather-related crashes happening on wet pavement, and 46 percent happening during rainfall. Hydroplaning is just one of the reasons weather-related accidents occur.
Hydroplaning crashes can result in injuries to vehicle occupants and others on the roadways. If you've suffered serious injuries in a hydroplaning car accident, and suspect another party is at fault, contact William Mattar P.C. Our car accident attorneys can take a look at your case and help you through the process of filing a claim. Call our offices today at (844) 444 - 4444 to speak to an experienced accident attorney.
What Causes Hydroplaning Accidents?
A hydroplaning car accident can occur when tires encounter more water than their treads can displace. Essentially, during hydroplaning, the tires encounter is more water than the tire tread can handle, and friction is reduced. As a result, drivers can find themselves unable to brake, steer, or otherwise control their vehicle.
Rainfall not only has the capacity to cause hydroplaning – it can also affect a driver's visibility and increase potential lane obstructions (such as a significant amount of standing water). Combined with other factors, such as the speed the vehicle is traveling, driving in the rain can lead to a devastating motor vehicle accident. The risk of hydroplaning is also increased when a vehicle's tires are worn out or defective.
Who is Liable After a Hydroplaning Accident?
Drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles through routine upkeep. Tires are particularly important when it comes to safe driving during inclement weather, such as hard rain. If a driver fails to replace worn tires, causing a hydroplaning accident, he or she could be found liable. A driver can also be found at fault for a hydroplaning car accident if it’s discovered that he or she was driving recklessly at the time of the accident (i.e., speeding).
If a defect, such as faulty tires, contributed to the hydroplaning accident, the manufacturer or company responsible for the defective product may be liable.
Some other hydroplane accidents happen due to poorly maintained and/or hazardous roads. This might include design issues that cause water to needlessly accumulate on a roadway, increasing the risk of losing tire traction. If a dangerous road is to blame for your car accident, you may be able to bring a claim against the municipality responsible for maintaining the road.
Compensation for a Hydroplaning Accident
Hydroplaning accidents can cause victims to suffer severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, neck trauma (such as whiplash), spinal cord injuries, broken bones, fractures, and lacerations. Serious accident injuries can significantly impact a person's life, making everyday tasks and activities difficult. It can also put a financial strain on one's life due to medical costs, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
If you have been injured in a hydroplaning accident, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation. Our experienced accident attorneys can evaluate your case and help you receive the maximum possible recovery. Contact us today at (844) 444 - 4444 to get started.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been injured in a hydroplaning accident and are seeking legal counsel, contact our legal team . The experienced car accident attorneys at William Mattar, P.C. can help you receive the compensation you deserve. It's easy to schedule a free initial case consultation – complete our consultation form on our website or give us a call at (844) 444 - 4444 today.