Car Crashes in the Rain

cartwrightlaw - February 13, 2024 -

Rain has been reported as one of the leading causes of car accidents in the U.S. Reports indicate that pavement records 70% of automobile crashes due to adverse weather, and rain accounts for 46% of weather-specific traffic crashes.

Usually, victims of car crashes in Santa Rosa take steps to hold the negligent party accountable for their injuries. However, motor vehicle accidents that involve rain pose a big challenge in determining liability. This is because the case involves establishing whether or not the driver exercised reasonable care while driving in the rain. This includes factors such as maintaining a safe speed or using appropriate headlights, among others.

Below, car crash attorneys discuss more about car crashes that occur in the rain and the responsibility of drivers in inclement weather to avoid accidents. If you have been involved in such an accident, contact our Santa Rosa accident law firm today to discuss your claim.

Why Does Rainy Weather Make Driving Risky?

Inclement weather makes roads risky, causing serious accidents. Here are some ways rain can make driving risky:

Hydroplaning Makes Roads Risky in Rainy Weather

Hydroplaning means a layer of water building up between a vehicle’s tires and the road surface, which reduces traction. This loss of traction can significantly increase the risk of the driver losing control, leading to a car accident.

Hydroplaning is more frequent at higher speeds, so drivers must be cautious and reduce their speed when driving in the rain. Additionally, maintaining proper tire tread depth and inflation levels can help minimize the chances of hydroplaning.

Note that even with these precautions, hydroplaning can still occur, particularly during heavy rainfall or in areas where water accumulates on the road.

Rain Makes Roads Slippery

When rainwater interacts with oils, rubber, dirt, and other substances on the road, it creates a slippery surface, making it more difficult for tires to maintain proper traction. As a result, vehicles may experience reduced braking and steering capabilities, increasing the possibility of accidents.

In wet conditions, the stopping distance of vehicles also tends to increase. This means that even with appropriate braking, it takes longer for a car to completely stop on a wet road compared to a dry road. The reduced traction combined with longer stopping distances makes it challenging for drivers to react quickly to unexpected situations, hence increasing the risk of collision.

Decreased Visibility

Rain can significantly contribute to motor vehicle accidents due to decreased visibility. When it rains, the amount of moisture in the air can make it difficult for drivers to see clearly. This reduced visibility makes it hard to spot other vehicles, pedestrians, and other obstacles on the road.

Limited Maneuverability

Driving in the rain can also limit a driver’s ability to maneuver their vehicle effectively. Wet roads can affect steering response and make abrupt turns or lane changes more difficult. This can be particularly challenging for drivers who are not experienced or familiar with driving in wet conditions.

Liability for a Crash in Rainy Weather

When it comes to car crashes, drivers are generally held liable, especially if their actions are deemed negligent. Wet road conditions make driving more risky, and drivers may find themselves accountable for various reasons. They are responsible for preventing crashes, particularly in inclement weather, where factors like rain significantly impact road safety.

Here are some reasons drivers may bear liability in wet road conditions:

Driving at excessive speeds on wet roads, which reduces the ability to stop quickly, increasing the likelihood of a collision.
Failure to adapt their speed to the road conditions.
Worn-out or inappropriate tires can reduce traction on wet surfaces.
Abrupt lane changes on wet roads which can lead to loss of control and collisions.
Failing to use headlights or not maintaining clear windows during rain can compromise visibility.
Engaging in tasks that divert attention from the road, such as texting or adjusting the radio. These increase the risk of accidents in any weather condition.
Failing to properly signal, which is very crucial, especially in adverse weather, in alerting other drivers about your intentions.
Slamming on the brakes in wet conditions, leading to skidding and collisions.
Neglecting maintenance, such as malfunctioning brakes or ineffective windshield wipers, which can contribute to accidents on wet roads.
Leaving your lane in an inappropriate manner.

Drivers are expected to take reasonable steps to prevent crashes in adverse weather conditions beyond merely adhering to traffic rules. While they cannot control the weather, they can control their driving habits.

For instance, maintaining a safe following distance when the roads are slippery is crucial to collisions. The close proximity makes it difficult for the driver to react in time, which can result in a collision. In this case, the driver’s failure to maintain a safe following distance becomes a contributing factor to the crash. Hence, such a driver becomes liable for the accident.

Can I Sue After a Car Accident in the Rain?

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in the rain, you may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit. Under California comparative negligence law, the plaintiff proves negligence on the part of the defendant in order to hold them responsible for the accident. This means you must demonstrate that the other party did not exercise reasonable care while driving in the rain, which resulted in the accident.

However, your compensation is reduced according to your share of fault. If you can prove fault on the part of the other driver, you will be able to sue for damages, including:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment
Wrongful death benefits
Future earning capacity

Contact a Santa Rosa Car Accident Attorney from The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc. to Discuss Your Claim

If you’ve been involved in a car crash, don’t let insurance companies undermine the compensation you deserve. They often try to minimize settlements, and that means leaving you without adequate compensation for your losses.

Our dedicated legal team at the Cartwright Law Firm, Inc. has a proven track record in securing hundreds of millions for car crash victims. We’re not afraid to take your case to court to ensure you receive proper compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.