Driving Accidents that Happen When It Rains

By Pyle Law, November 21 2022 7:30 pm
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Driving Accidents that Happen When It Rains

By Pyle Law, November 21 2022 7:30 pm
Driving Accidents that Happen When It Rains

There is often a greater chance that a car accident will happen in poor weather, including rainstorms. Even light rain can decrease visibility and make it more difficult to stop a vehicle. If you suffered injuries while driving in the rain in Kansas, discuss your options for compensation with a car accident attorney from Pyle Law

 

How Rain Can Affect Driving

Rain can have a significant impact on driving. Factors that influence driving risks include the following:

 

Reduced Visibility

Rain can reduce visibility, making it more difficult to see other vehicles and pedestrians, and therefore creates hazards.

 

While high beams are meant to improve visibility on a clear night, you should never use them in fog, rain, or snow. Doing so will worsen your eyesight, as the beams will shine into the precipitation. This, in turn, reflects the resulting glare back to you.

 

Slippery Roads

The increased dampness leads to problems with traction. If you’re speeding, you’re bound to have an accident. 

driving in the rain

Hydroplaning

If tires lose contact with a road’s surface because of the buildup of water, it leads to hydroplaning. Hydroplaning can cause you to spin and lose control of your car. In layperson’s terms, your car becomes a boat.

Moreover, the risk increases with a vehicle’s velocity. Therefore, you can hydroplane when traveling faster than 45 mph and through water only 1/10th inch deep.

 

Loss of Traction

Because the road is not dry, your tires cannot grip the surface as they can otherwise. This leads to longer stopping times and an increased chance of skidding or sliding. Speed kills, regardless of the weather. Therefore, you need to drive slower or give yourself extra time whenever you drive.

 

The Most Common Types of Accidents in the Rain

Certain types of crashes often occur whenever it rains. These mishaps include the following:

 

Head-On Collisions

One of the most common rain-based accidents, a head-on collision, may take place because of reduced visibility. This may result in a driver veering head-on into traffic.

 

Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end accidents frequently happen when it rains. This occurs because of the loss of traction. As a result, a driver may not be able to stop in time, which leads to this type of crash. Again, increasing your speed can easily lead to an accident.

 

Side-Impact Wrecks

Vehicles tend to slide when the road is wet. If the driver loses control of their car, they may collide with another auto, resulting in a side-impact wreck.

 

Rollover Accidents

If a car hydroplanes on wet pavement or if a driver hits a puddle of water at high speed, they may end up losing control, which causes their vehicle to roll over. If the driver is ejected from the car, the accident is almost always fatal.

 

Filing a Personal Injury Claim or a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Kansas

Any of the above accidents can lead to a personal injury filing or wrongful death claim, especially if the injuries were severe or led to a fatality. Kansas is different from most states as it is a no-fault injury state. 

Plaintiffs also only have two years to file a valid claim. In some instances, if an injury emerges at a later date, the statute of limitations begins after the discovery.

 

How the No-Fault Law in Kansas Works

Under the no-fault law in Kansas, the claimant must file a claim with their insurer first instead of taking legal action. If you wish to bring a case to court, you must have run out of your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance.

driving in the rain

If your insurance company is stalling to pay a claim, contact a personal injury attorney without delay.

 

Injuries that Lead to Personal Injury Claims in Kansas

Also, you must have suffered a serious injury or a loved one must have died in a collision to file a third-party claim. Serious injuries include:

  • A displaced, compound, or comminuted fracture (a bone broken in more than one place)
  • Permanent dislocation
  • A broken bone
  • Permanent loss of body functioning
  • A permanent injury

 

How to Drive Safely in the Rain

When it rains, don’t underestimate the condition of the road. Here are some tips on how to drive safely:

  • Slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination.
  • Be sure to turn on your headlights so you can see and be seen.
  • Use your windshield wipers to clear away any rain or water on your windshield.
  • Increase the following distance between you and the car in front of you.
  • Brake early and gently when coming to a stop.
  • Avoid puddles of water, as they can cause hydroplaning.

By following these tips, you can arrive safely at your destination no matter what the weather conditions are like outside.

Rainy weather can be dangerous for drivers, and it’s important to take extra care when driving in these conditions. Remember to slow down and allow yourself extra time to brake. Also, be on the lookout for slick spots on the road. If you can do so, avoid driving during heavy rain.

 

Call A Kansas Car Accident Attorney Now

If you were involved in a car crash where you were severely hurt, or a family member was killed after a traffic accident, learn more about your rights for filing a personal injury claim. Contact Pyle Law at (620)-241-9000 to schedule a free consultation today.

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