While rain can be calm and relaxing, driving in the rain can be anything but. Most people try to avoid driving during a storm, but unfortunately for some, it’s a necessity, especially when commuting to and from work and school. Rain creates dangerous conditions on the road, frequently resulting in vehicle collisions. If you or a loved one has experienced rain accidents while driving in the rain, The Joel Bieber Firm wants to help you.
The Dangers of Driving in the Rain
Driving in the rain is no easy feat. It can be dangerous for many reasons, including the following.
Visibility Is Reduced
First and foremost, it’s not as easy to see the road when it is raining. This is especially true when the rain is coming down heavily, as it can completely take over your windshield and make it nearly impossible to see. While windshield wipers may help some, they are usually no match for a downpour.
Additionally, it’s not uncommon for the inside of your windshield to become fogged up during a rainstorm. When this occurs, you are dealing with not only the outside elements but also the fog inside that further causes visibility issues.
When drivers are unable to see during a rainstorm, it can be difficult to drive safely and maintain an acceptable distance between vehicles.
Roads Become Slick and Slippery
Water makes most surfaces slippery, including even the most well-paved roads. This is partly due to oil. Cars release oil onto roads, and when roads become wet, they can become extra slippery.
Slick roads make it tough to drive, especially when it comes time to brake. Maintaining a safe enough distance becomes even more important during rainstorms, as vehicles often require more stopping distance to come to a complete stop.
Chances of Hydroplaning Increase
Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle slips and slides uncontrollably on a wet surface. When there is enough buildup of water on the road, tires can lose traction, preventing the vehicle from responding as it normally would to the driver’s control.
Obviously, when a driver loses control of their vehicle and it begins to slide, it can easily collide with other cars or pedestrians on the road.
Types of Accidents Resulting from Rain Collisions
Rain can cause various types of accidents, including:
- Rear-end collisions
- Side-swipe accidents
- T-bone accidents
- Front-end collisions
- Roll-over accidents
Additionally, inclement weather often produces multi-vehicle pileups. These typically arise from reduced visibility and increased stopping distance, making it challenging for drivers to see accidents or stop in time.
While some rain accidents are more significant than others, they can all cause serious injuries requiring extensive medical treatment. Therefore, if you’re involved in a rain accident, it’s best to discuss your situation with a skilled lawyer to get assistance.
Liability for Accidents Occurring in the Rain
Even though rain can substantially increase the chances of an accident, it does not completely erase liability altogether. Rain or shine, all drivers on the road have a duty to drive safely and responsibly, with no excuses. If a driver fails to uphold their legal duty, they can still be held responsible, even if rain played a part in the collision.
Drivers can cause accidents during a rainstorm by:
- Speeding
- Driving aggressively
- Driving distractedly
- Driving while drowsy
- Drunk Driving
- Failing to yield
- Following vehicles too closely
- Making unsafe lane changes and wrong turns
- Failing to use headlights
While drivers are often at fault for vehicle collisions, there is also another common cause of rain accidents: defective products.
Defective or malfunctioning products can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and collide with either another vehicle or a stationary object. Product liability cases for rain accidents commonly arise because of the following issues:
- Faulty brakes
- Defective tires
- Defective windshield wipers
In a product liability case, the party responsible for the defective product would be liable for your accident, including manufacturers, distributors, or retailers.
Liability for rain accidents can be tricky, but a knowledgeable attorney can help determine the cause of your accident and who can be held responsible. Figuring out liability is critical for a personal injury case, as it allows you to decipher who is financially responsible to you for your injuries and losses.
Potential Compensation for Rain Accidents
Vehicle collisions result in monetary losses. Therefore, damages can help provide financial relief.
The damages available to you depend on your accident and specific circumstances. You may have the opportunity to receive compensation for any of the following:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost income and earning potential
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
A lawyer can review the details of your collision and subsequent losses to determine the value of your case. Knowing how much your case is worth is key to obtaining fair compensation.
Seek Legal Guidance from a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney for Your Rain Accident
Rain accident claims can be challenging to navigate, but a personal injury attorney has the experience and skills to help you get the resolution you deserve. You can expect your lawyer to handle the most important aspects of your case, including:
- Investigating your accident
- Gathering evidence
- Communicating with the insurance company
- Attempting to settle your claim
- Representing your best interests
Having an attorney help you with your claim can give you the peace of mind you need during a trying time.
The lawyers at The Joel Bieber Firm want to help you pursue justice for your collision. We’re passionate and dedicated to helping clients get the best possible outcome. We never back down from a fight.
Contact our firm today to request a complimentary consultation.
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