Whenever the rain clouds roll into Austin, it’s an exciting moment. After all, the city rarely gets rain. But it also changes the roads. And when those changes occur, car accidents can happen.
We provide legal aid to Austinites and have seen our share of car accident cases that are related to wet roads. To give you the best advice possible, we put together this article that covers all you need to know about car accidents in the rain in Austin.
In this article, you’ll learn about common causes for these types of accidents, some tips on what you should do if you’re involved in one of these crashes, and more importantly, why having an experienced Austin car accident lawyer on your side is so important when facing this kind of situation.
Dangers of Driving in the Rain
When it rains in Austin, driving can become dangerous. While drizzle is nothing to worry about, heavy rainstorms with severe winds and lightning can be hazardous for all drivers on the road. The danger comes from the poor visibility and wet road conditions that come with a storm. Drivers need to be aware of their surroundings as well as their own driving habits when they’re out in the rain.
The best practice when driving in a rainy weather is to slow down, but that’s not all: you should also add extra time to your commute which allows you to drive at a safer speed and gives you time to react if need be. Additionally, increase your following distance to help you avoid any unexpected stops or slippery roads. It’s also important to stay up-to-date on local weather forecasts so that you can constantly be one step ahead of any potential hazards while out and about.
Remember, even if your car is properly equipped for the bad weather, it doesn’t mean that other cars are too. Be mindful of other drivers who may not be prepared and drive defensively. Ultimately, the goal is to stay safe on the roads no matter what mother nature throws at us!
Austin Wet Weather and Car Accidents
In Austin, the best advice we can give when it comes to car accidents is simple: drive with caution in wet weather. It's no secret that rain can drastically increase the risk of a car accident. Slick roads, poor visibility, and distracted drivers are just some of the dangers posed on Austin roads when it rains.
Statistics show that wet weather car accidents make up a significant portion of all reported collisions in Austin. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT), a significant portion of Texas crashes involve wet pavement or rain as a factor while 15% involve flooding or hydroplaning. Moreover, TXDOT data suggests a high amount of fatalities occur due to wet weather than dry road conditions.
At our firm, we know how dangerous rainy conditions can be on our roads and we urge all drivers to exercise extra caution while driving in inclement weather. You should always ensure your tires have enough tread, pay attention to traffic signs, and slow down if you notice any water accumulation on the road ahead. Be safe out there!
Common Causes of Car Accidents During Rainy Conditions
When the weather takes a turn for the worse and downpour begins, it can be a very unsettling experience, especially if you're behind the wheel. Driving in the rain is understandably more risky than when there's clear weather, and—unfortunately—it's all too common to end up in an accident. Here are some of the most common causes of car accidents in rainy conditions:
Poor visibility
Rainy weather means increased moisture on your car windows, making it harder to see clearly out of them. Not to mention fog and mist that can play with your visibility even further. It’s essential that you drive cautiously during these times, allowing extra time for braking and accelerating. Be sure to use your headlights and windshield wipers accordingly as well.
Slippery surfaces
Rain not only collects on your car windows but also on the roads. Once water gets into contact with oil, grease residue or mud it produces a slippery surface that decreases traction when driving over it at high speeds. This can lead to fishtailing or hydroplaning when driving at high speeds or even just coasting along until you regain traction with the road again.
Distraction from inclement weather
Driving during bad weather conditions is often daunting because of how suddenly thunderstorms can arrive. The distraction from loud noises coming from thunderstorms could be enough to take your eyes off the road for a few seconds which is how long it takes for a car accident to occur. Always keep your focus firmly on the road ahead of you no matter what's happening outside!
By being aware of these common pitfalls while driving in rainy conditions you can increase safety levels multiple folds and reduce risks associated with car accidents caused by
Liability Issues Involved When It Rains
Have you ever been involved in a car accident while it was raining? If so, you may be aware of the complex liability issues that can come with a rain-related collision. The weather can make it difficult to determine who is at fault and who is responsible for damages.
In a case of bad weather, it's important to consider the following liability issues:
- Visibility: visibility is reduced when it rains, making it more difficult for drivers to see the road ahead and other vehicles. Low visibility can result in collisions as drivers have less time to react.
- Road Conditions: When roads are wet and slick, this increases the chances for hydroplaning, skidding, or sliding. Wet roads also reduce tire traction.
- Driver Inexperience and Judgment: Even experienced drivers may not adjust their speed during rainy conditions or take other necessary safety precautions while driving - resulting in a potentially dangerous situation on the road.
Ultimately, the factors leading up to an accident — no matter what type of weather — will determine how liability is determined by the court or insurance company. It's important to understand your rights and responsibilities when driving in rain-related accidents, so you can seek appropriate compensation if necessary.
What to Do After an Austin Car Accident in the Rain
So, you've been in a car accident in the rain. What should you do? First and foremost, make sure everyone is safe and unharmed. If you need medical attention, don't hesitate to call 9-1-1 or go to a hospital.
Once any medical needs have been addressed, here are some steps you can take:
- Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the crash. Be sure to get their name and contact information, vehicle make and model, insurance company name and policy number.
- Contact the police so they can write up an official report detailing what happened at the scene of the accident.
- Document everything as soon as possible—take photos of all vehicles involved from every angle; get contact information from any witnesses; note down important details such as road conditions, speed limits and skid marks; write down your own version of what happened before, during and after the accident; etc.
- Contact experienced Austin car accident injury lawyers for legal advice about what to do next & potential monetary compensation for personal injuries & damages incurred from the car collision in the rain.
Taking these steps can help protect your rights if you were injured in an Austin car accident due to rainy weather conditions—and ensure that your legal interests will be looked after while navigating complicated auto insurance claims & lawsuits resulting from car crashes in wet weather.
When You Need a Personal Injury Attorney for a Rainy Weather Crash
Nobody plans for a car accident. But, rainy weather can be particularly dangerous for drivers in Austin due to slick roads and low visibility. If you have been in an accident and need a personal injury attorney, here are the top reasons why you should contact one right away.
Protect Your Rights
The first and most important step is to make sure your rights are protected. Personal injury attorneys are well-versed in dealing with insurance companies and know how to seek out a fair settlement for their clients. A personal injury attorney will also provide advice on how to handle any legal requirements related to your case.
Determine Fault
If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. An experienced lawyer can review the details of the crash and help determine who is at fault so they can begin building a strong case against the negligent party. They can also provide legal advice on potential avenues of compensation that may be available to you through courts or insurance companies.
Get the Best Possible Outcome
Simply put, it’s in your best interest to hire an experienced attorney when dealing with a serious car accident matter in Austin during bad weather conditions. They will fight aggressively on your behalf to ensure that you get the best outcome possible under the law — whether it’s through settlement negotiation or litigation in court.
Call Fletcher Law for help with your car accident in rain injury case
The bottom line is that car accidents in the rain are a real possibility and are one of the leading causes of car-related injuries and fatalities in Austin. As a driver, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with driving in wet weather and take measures to ensure you’re driving as safely as possible.
If you’re the victim of an accident, it’s important to seek medical attention and contact a car accident lawyer to ensure your rights are protected and you get the compensation you deserve. Call Fletcher Law for help.