The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) notes that out of the 5,891,000 motor vehicle accidents that occur each year, 21% of them are weather-related. Drivers have a responsibility to operate their motor vehicles in the safest way possible at all times, especially during inclement weather conditions. The risk of an accident increases exponentially when rain hits the pavement since slick roadways can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle.
If you suffered injuries as a result of a car accident caused by rain, consider calling Ben Crump Law, PLLC. A car accidents caused by rain lawyer can determine fault and liability for your losses while also keeping you updated on the progression of your case. Depending on the nature of your accident, you may be able to hold another motorist or parts manufacturer accountable for your losses. Dial (844) 730-0233 to get started.
Hydroplaning During Rain and Inclement Weather
Hydroplaning occurs when the tires of a vehicle stop making full contact with a wet road’s surface. As a result, the tires glide on top of a small layer of moisture formed on a roadway. Without direct contact with the road, the driver has less control over their vehicle, and the vehicle itself can start hydroplaning.
Your lawyer can investigate your situation to determine who can be held accountable for your losses. For example, if another driver did not adjust their driving speed to accommodate inclement weather conditions, and struck you as a result, they can be held responsible for the collision and your resulting damages. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your injuries and related losses.
Liability for Car Accidents Caused by Rain
While rain can make driving dangerous and increase the risk of an accident, drivers still have a legal duty of care to operate their vehicles safely. If a driver fails to operate their vehicle with care in a given situation, they may be held financially responsible for any injuries and losses that occur.
Some ways that a driver can become responsible and liable for injuries in a car accident include:
- Speeding
- Failing to follow traffic signals or posted road signs
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted or drowsy driving
- Failing to maintain a safe distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them
- Failing to properly handle a hydroplaning incident
- Failing to use windshield wipers
- Failing to inspect their vehicle on a regular basis
- Failing to turn on their headlights in the rain
Your lawyer can determine the cause of your accident and build a personal injury case on your behalf.
Product Liability Cases
In some cases, the driver of a motor vehicle operates their vehicle safely, but a mechanical defect or flaw causes a car accident. If the other vehicle in your case was not roadworthy and contributed to the crash, a product designer, manufacturer, or retailer could remain liable for your losses.
Some of the malfunctioning vehicular components in a product liability case can include:
Defective Tires
All tires will lose their tread over time, which makes them less effective to grip the roadways effectively. As a tire wears down over time (called “balding”), they also become more likely to hydroplane and skid when a roadway is wet.
All vehicle owners have a responsibility to ensure that their tires are in good shape, receive proper alignment, and are periodically changed. However, a mechanical defect or design flaw in a tire can make a vehicle unsafe to drive. If an investigation determines that this is the cause of your accident, you could have a claim against the tire’s product designer, manufacturer, or retailer. Your lawyer may consult with auto mechanics who can attest to the roadworthiness of the at-fault driver’s vehicle to determine fault and liability for your losses.
Faulty Brakes
All vehicle owners should check their brakes frequently through inspections. Similar to tires, brake pads can become worn over time, impeding a car’s ability to come to a complete stop. If your legal team’s investigation determines that your brakes (or those of the at-fault party) were faulty in any way, you may have the legal right to pursue a claim against the brake manufacturer or retailer.
Windshield Wipers
All motorists must replace their windshield wipers on a regular basis to ensure that they can see out of their vehicle clearly and safely. Old windshield wiper blades can deteriorate into cracked and broken pieces, making them ineffective in a strong rainstorm. Therefore, all motorists should have them replaced often. However, there may be some circumstances due to a design flaw or manufacturing defect that made it difficult for a driver to see out of their window clearly and avoid an accident.
If you suffered injuries or losses as a result of a manufacturing defect, learn how a car accidents caused by rain lawyer from Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help you understand your legal rights and answer your questions.
Learn How a Car Accidents Caused by Rain Lawyer Can Help You
You may have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses resulting from a car accident if rain was a contributor to the collision. Consider working with a car accidents caused by rain lawyer from Ben Crump Law, PLLC to advance your legal goals and safeguard your interests.
According to the American Bar Association, you may be able to recover the cost of:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Disfigurement
When you call us today, you will have the opportunity to share the details of your accident with a member of our team, who can determine if you have a case. Call (844) 730-0233 to get started.
