Driving through heavy rain creates slick, hazardous road surfaces. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed and following distances properly have a much higher risk of hydroplaning and causing a crash.
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Were you involved in a hydroplaning car accident? If so, our Harrisburg car accident attorneys are prepared to help. Our legal team has decades of experience assisting car crash victims recover compensation for medical costs and other losses.
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Who Is At-Fault in Hydroplaning Accidents?
Liability for hydroplaning car accidents depends on several factors. Here are the primary parties who may be held responsible:
Drivers Operating Vehicles Negligently for the Weather
Drivers who fail to adjust their speed or driving behavior to suit the wet road conditions may be liable if these actions lead to a crash and result in damages.
Vehicle Owners
Vehicle owners may be held liable for poor tire condition or the lack of overall vehicle maintenance. Regular tire servicing is essential for ensuring safety on wet roads and minimizing hydroplaning risks.
Road Maintenance Authorities
Municipal or state road maintenance authorities could be liable if poor road conditions, such as inadequate drainage or excessive water pooling, lead to hydroplaning. Proper road design and maintenance could help to reduce the risk of hydroplaning accidents.
Vehicle Manufacturers
Though rare, vehicle defects can contribute to hydroplaning accidents. For instance, if a tire’s tread pattern is faulty and fails to effectively channel water away from the tire. The impact could be significant if it leads to a loss of traction and causes a vehicle to lose control. Also, if faulty brakes fail to function due to manufacturing defects, it could prevent a driver from slowing down or stopping effectively.
How Can I Prove Fault in a Hydroplaning Accident?
Proving fault for a hydroplaning accidents could be challenging, which is why we recommend seeking legal help. A knowledgeable attorney will seek evidence that helps to establish how negligence contributed to the crash.
Here are some types of evidence that can help to support a crash resulting from hydroplaning:
Photographs of the Accident Scene
Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible water pooling. This evidence can show how road conditions or vehicle maintenance may have influenced the accident.
The Police Report
An official accident report can provide critical information that highlights what occurred during the accident. For instance, a vehicle’s position after a car crash can reveal who may be at fault. Traffic violations after an accident can also show what happened during a collision. The report may also include statements from involved parties and witnesses that may give further insight into how the accident occurred.
Witness Statements
Collect contact information from witnesses who observed the accident. Their accounts could support your claim by detailing how the accident occurred and any dangerous conditions present. Witness statements can confirm your statement of what happened during a car crash.
Description of Vehicle and Road Conditions When the Crash Occurred
Show evidence of poor vehicle maintenance or hazardous road conditions. For instance, if worn tires or inadequate road drainage were factors, this information can help build your case. Also, you should show evidence of poor road conditions like cracked roads or uneven surfaces that could contribute to hydroplaning car crashes.
Expert Testimony
In complex cases, expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists or automotive experts may help establish how hydroplaning occurred and who is at fault. These experts can analyze factors like tire tread, road conditions, vehicle speed and braking patterns to explain what happened during an accident.
What Causes Hydroplaning Accidents?
Hydroplaning is what happens when a vehicle’s tires ride on the water’s surface rather than gripping the road. This condition is particularly dangerous if it the driver loses control of the vehicle as it increases the likelihood of a collision.
Several factors can contribute to hydroplaning, including the following:
Wet Road Surfaces
Rain causes the road surface to release oils, making it slick. Tires may be unable to grip the road surface, increasing the risk of hydroplaning accidents.
Undrained Water on the Road
If water does not drain appropriately on the road, it could leave puddles on the ground. As drivers maneuver through these areas, the risk of hydroplaning could rise significantly.
Worn Tires
Tires are made to push water away from the road. When the tread wears down, they do not work as well. Tires with low tread or heavy wear cannot move water away from the surface effectively, increasing the risk of hydroplaning.
Speeding
Driving at high speeds could cause your tires to have less time to push the water out from underneath it. Instead, the tires may glide over the water instead of gripping the road. This may sound harmless, but it can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
Improper Tire Inflation
Air pressure significantly impacts a tires’ performance in wet conditions. Overinflated tires have less contact with the road, making them less effective in the rain. In contrast, underinflated tires are too soft and may not provide sufficient traction. Both situations heighten the risk of hydroplaning.
Reach Out to Our Legal Team Today
Contact our legal team if you have been involved in a hydroplaning accident and are trying to determine if you are eligible to recover compensation for your medical costs, vehicle damages and other losses.
At Schmidt Kramer, our firm is deeply committed to helping you recover the compensation you need. We are prepared to guide you through every step of the legal process.
Find out if you have a case today by calling 717-727-2500.