You should not act upon any such information without seeing professional counsel. Say youre driving along the highway when it starts to rain. You can do the following to control your car: If you can, pull off to a nearby parking lot or shoulder to calm yourself. Hydroplaning Accident Lawyer in Macon | Gautreaux Law Try not to make sharp or sudden turns where there is standing water or when the roadway is wet. When driving without cruise control, releasing the gas pedal and pressing the brake pedal shifts the cars weight to the front tires, improving traction. Is a hydroplaning accident my daughter's fault? - The Zebra Check your vehicles recommended tire pressure to ensure optimal traction and grip on the road. Specifically, a manufacturer can be held responsible if it can be proven that they manufactured tires that were not up to standard, contributing to the accident . Contact us for a free consultation. These include: Reduce your speed by 5 to 10 miles per hour when traveling on wet roads. Injury Attorneys. How Does Negligence Per Se Affect an Accident Claim. We advise that you contact the local Bar Association in the city or state where your accident occurred and ask for their attorney referral service. Espaol. These sources include news stories, police reports, and first-hand accounts of accidents and injuries involved. Why is it considered my fault that I hydroplaned when I hit deep If youre in a hydroplaning accident, a car accident lawyer from Cofman Townsley can review evidence to determine if another driver is responsible for the crash. These steps are very similar to the ones needed to take when trying to prevent a tire blowout, Stay calm and take control of the situation, Dont move the wheel too much or slam on the brakes, Slowly move your foot off the gas pedal and steer your car gently to a safe area and away from other drivers, Once your vehicle has slowed down, use the brakes only if needed, Slow down: driving slower in the rain can help reduce the chances of hydroplaning. A hydroplaning auto accident can have devastating results due to the driver's inability to use evasive maneuvers to avoid a crash causing the vehicle to drift out of a lane or move at a faster speed. Avoid driving through puddles of water if possible. When a hydroplaned car hits you, Payer Law in Orlando advises that you contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Kentucky is a pure comparative negligence state, and this means that multiple drivers can be considered at fault for the same wreck, and a drivers degree of liability impacts the amount they can recover in compensation. Note:These posts have been generated through the use of outside and secondary sources for Beckerman Anderson. Available 24/7 Contact Us For A Free Consultation 800-797-5391. Contact an Attorney if Youve Been in a Hydroplaning Accident, If youve been injured in a collision, seek medical attention ASAP. Please contact us by phone, email, mail, or via this website for inquiries. There are three main parties who can be held responsible for a hydroplaning accident: If you have lost a loved one or been injured through no fault of your own, you have enough on your plate. For example, when driving on rainy, slick roads, a driver should exercise a high degree of care by driving slowly and using their headlights. For example, if a third driver creates a situation that forces another driver to react quickly, resulting in an accident for you, they may both be held responsible for any resulting accidents. Making sure your car is in good working shape to handle road conditions can reduce the risk for accidents significantly. About the Firm. Is a hydroplaning accident my daughter's fault? our firm today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your rights. Although you may take necessary safety precautions when driving, getting into a hydroplaning accident with another vehicle may be unavoidable and can leave you with financial losses and emotional damage. All Rights Reserved |Site Map. Hydroplaning is a dangerous driving condition in which a vehicles tires lose traction and contact with the surface of the roadway. Check your tire treads at least once a month along with your tire pressure. Poor tire maintenance is a big cause of a hydroplaning accident, which is why the person responsible for vehicle maintenance is often blamed. However, it is possible in some cases for the hydroplaning to technically be due to another partys negligence. When the water mixes with the oil found on the road, the conditions can make it way easier for someone to lose control of their car. Drivers who disregard road safety rules and engage in dangerous behavior during rainy weather can be responsible for a hydroplaning accident. Instead, allow the car to come to a gradual stop or slowly pump the brake pedal. These situations can be very dangerous, especially if traveling at higher speeds. This can include: Keep in mind that holding another party responsible means you will carry the burden of providing evidence to prove that someone else is to blame, which is not easy. Instead, a vehicle manufacturer may be liable if there was some sort of mechanical error that led to the vehicle hydroplaning. By definition, hydroplaning is when a vehicle starts sliding uncontrollably due to the tires encountering more water than the treads can displace. Is Hydroplaning an At-Fault Accident? - Injury Experts Its attorneys are licensed to practice law in California. Contact us at 800-797-5391 or vlaw.com/contact for more information or a free consultation with our team. Hydroplaning impacts the drivers ability to control the vehicles functions, such as braking, steering, and accelerating. Contact our office by calling (888) 500-5000for your free legal consultation with a Stockton car accident attorney. And if the cars insufficient tires result in the accident, they would likely be considered liable because of their negligent maintenance. However, there are scenarios in which another party may be liable. My Car Accident is going to Trial. To learn more about how your states fault laws affect your hydroplaning accident case, reach out to an experienced lawyer today. Who's At-Fault for a Hydroplaning Accident? | Stevenson Klotz Mechanics: when a mechanic doesnt properly fix your car, they can be held liable for injuries. Depending on your states fault laws, you may be safe from the threat of legal action, and you might even be able to collect compensation from your own insurance provider. Although the driver who hydroplanes into another vehicle will often be at fault, this isnt always the case. Who Is Responsible for a Hydroplane Car Accident in Seattle? No-Fault Hydroplaning Accidents - Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. Their positive attitudes definitely put me at ease for the entirely of my recovery and the insurance claim process. Its the car owners responsibility to ensure the safety of their vehicle. Avoid driving through puddles and standing water if you can. Additionally, the accumulation of water on the road can cause a vehicle to lose sufficient traction. Moisture can also affect the reliability of your cars cruise control sensors, so avoid using cruise control in wet weather. All Missouri drivers must drive carefully and cautiously to avoid risking others lives and property. California weather is unpredictable. Determining Fault When You Hydroplane - Cofman Townsley At least the law thinks so. In this blog, youll learn the answer to the question, Is hydroplaning an at fault accident? and who could be liable. (Normally water flows through the tires tread and is then brushed aside). Drive at slower speeds when the roads are wet and icy. This is generally caused by large amounts of water that gets between the road and your tires. Beckerman Anderson, APC I would call on this law firm again if the need arose. Even if you are unsure whether or not someone else is responsible, we can evaluate the details of your accident and outline your best options for collecting compensation. If you or someone you love has been involved in hydroplaning accidents, you or they deserve compensation. Drivers owe a duty of care to others on the road to adjust their driving speed and maneuvers to accommodate weather and road conditions. When drivers fail to maintain their tires, resulting in wear-and-tear or improper pressure, they are at greater risk of hydroplaning accidents. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you! Seasoned lawyers can also help you recover the most compensation possible for your vehicle damages and personal injuries. If you are involved in a California hydroplaning accident, our team can help. Hydroplaning often occurs due to the build-up of water on the front of an automobiles tires. To check the tread, place a penny in the tread with Abraham Lincolns head facing downwards. On March 23, 2021 and again on April 11 and 12, 2021, drivers on the new Quad Cities I-74 Bridge unexpectedly hydroplaned due to clogged drains on the shoulder and standing water from heavy weekend rains, respectively. Hydroplaning crashes happen when the tires of a car slide out of control on a wet or slick surface, which makes the driver lose control of the car. If you have a valid claim, an attorney can also seek damages from your insurance company. Copyright Tario & Associates, P.S., All Rights Reserved | Bellingham Towers 119 N. Commercial St, #1000, Bellingham, WA 98225 | Mount Vernon Services | Powered By Softwired, Michael Tario, Attorney Founding Tario Law, Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit WA State, What to Know about a Herniated Disc Personal Injury Claim, NSC Memorial Day Holiday Period Traffic Fatalities Estimate for 2023. This information can be critical in proving fault and damages in a, Hydroplane accidents can have serious and lasting consequences for those involved. If you or your attorney suspects that a defective auto part could have partially caused the accident, you may be able to take action against the manufacturer of the faulty component. It does not contain legal advice and does not constitute an attorneyclient relationship. So, if you intend to file a claim and recover compensation from another party, you will be more likely to win your case if you have the help of an attorney. Who Is Responsible For A Hydroplaning Accident? How Does Hydroplaning Occur? The water in the tires cant be pushed away quickly enough and the water pressure causes the car to lift up and skid on the water between the tires and the road. Check for worn tire tread and replace tires as necessary. Check your tires: Make sure your tires dont have any wear and tear and that the tire pressure is appropriate for your tires make and model. In cases where hydroplaning accidents are caused by defective tires, the tire manufacturer may be held responsible. Who's at Fault in a Hydroplaning Accident? | Tario & Associates, P.S. Hydroplaning is a dangerous driving condition in which a vehicle's tires lose traction and contact with the surface of the roadway. Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm However rare these other potential circumstances, it is important to look for every legal option that may be available to you to help maximize your compensation. In some cases the driver will be at fault because they drove with bald or under-inflated tires which are much more likely to hydroplane than new tires with deep treads. The most common situations where drivers are responsible for a hydroplaning accident include: When driving on wet roads, the tires of a vehicle need time to push water out of the way, allowing the treads to make contact with the road surface. No-Fault Hydroplaning Accidents. The first 10 minutes of rain are the most dangerous time for rain-related car accidents because the oil from the roadway comes up and mixes with the water, making a very slippery surface. I Was a Passenger in a Car Accident: What Should I Do? Make sure you replace old tires and check your tire pressure on a regular basis to avoid a weather-related collision. Arnold Law Firm publishes this web site as a service to our clients and friends for general informational purposes only. Drivers are often held liable since they have a responsibility to maintain their tires and replace them when they become unsafe or worn. We believe you should be able to focus on recovering while we handle the legal details. For example, if a car suddenly stops illegally on the road and the driver behind them doesnt have enough time to stop, the rear-ended driver could be considered partially or wholly liable. According to the Moline Police Department, at least seven drivers were in an accident due to the standing water as of April 11, 2021. All seven crew members were killed. Text: (279) 777-7777 This can happen during heavy rainfall, flooding, or any other situation where water accumulates on the car's path. This is generally caused by large amounts of water that gets between the road and your tires. The firm does not intend to practice law in any jurisdictions where the firm is not licensed. In most states, hydroplaning can't be used as an excuse for an accident. Call us today at (702) 747-6000 for a free initial consultation! The information on this website only contains general information about personal injury lawyers and personal injury claims. Most commonly, the following parties could be responsible: In most cases, the driver who caused the hydroplaning accident will be held liable if it can be proven that they were engaging in negligent behavior. Use precaution when driving through standing water. Either way, hydroplaning is a scary and dangerous situation to be in due to the lack of control over a vehicles steering and speed. A hydroplaned car can be a serious hazard on an already dangerous road. Plus, you have a bigger chance of a flat tire and a greatly increased stopping distance. This can happen if the tires have insufficient treads or other design defects that make them less capable of gripping the road, especially when its raining or right after it has rained. As with snowy roads, instead, let your foot off the gas pedal slowly and turn your steering wheel in the direction your car is going. Contactless personal injury consultations. Car accidents are inevitable, especially if you live in a rainy state. In some instances, ice or water may collect on the roadway because of a lack of roadway maintenance or inferior road design. May 15, 2019 Cranberry Township, PA Answer By Ross Martin Updated July 28, 2021 Unfortunately, insurance companies list almost all single-vehicle accidents as at-fault on your claims history. We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County and surrounding areas since 1979. They can connect you with an attorney who can better assist you. When there are severe weather conditions they will likely increase your chances of getting involved in a car accident. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! When a tires pressure is too high, release air by pushing the valve. Heres What to Do at the Scene and in the Days After, How a Catastrophic Injury Affects You and Your Family. However, some cases are more complicated. The three basic types of aquaplaning are dynamic aquaplaning, reverted rubber aquaplaning, and viscous . Even if you decide not to hire one of our attorneys, you will leave our office knowing what your legal rights and options are. Exercise extreme caution if you have to drive across a slick patch of the roadway or through standing water. If youre unsure who is at fault in an accident caused by hydroplaning, a car accident attorney from Morelli Law can provide information and help you with your case. If you strike another vehicle, youll be considered at fault, even if you were hydroplaning at the time of the accident. Who is Responsible for a Hydroplaning Accident? It doesnt matter if its snow or rain, you have to be careful when traveling in conditions that are outside the norm. Been in an Accident? If you have a valid claim, an attorney can also seek damages from your insurance company. Who Is At Fault In A Hydroplaning Car Accident? - Sacramento Auto Accident This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The photographs used in this post are not representative of the actual accident scene. However, if your accident occurred during a severe storm, you might be unsure who caused the collision. We can examine the police report, eyewitness accounts, and photos and videos of the accident to establish fault and get you compensation. This documentation can be helpful if you decide to make a claim or file a lawsuit later. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. . First, it is important to note that every driver on the road has a duty of care to others. California. If you can see the top of Abes head, you need new tires!