Hazardous weather conditions can cause devastating car accidents that drastically alter the lives of victims. While many Floridians rarely have to contend with hazards such as ice and snow, they are exposed to the most hazardous weather condition of all: rain. According to the Federal Highway Administration, rain and wet pavement cause hundreds of thousands of car accidents annually.
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by poor weather conditions, an experienced attorney may be able to help you recover damages for your losses. At Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso, & Dennis, P.A., our attorneys are committed to putting your needs first as we advocate aggressively for your rights and interests. When you retain our services, you can trust us to thoroughly investigate your case and build a strong claim on your behalf.
What Makes Rain the Most Hazardous Weather Condition?
Rain is an especially dangerous road condition because of the many factors that could affect you or your vehicle. These factors may be exacerbated if it has not rained for a while. The water from the rain may mix with oil and other buildup on the road, creating a slick driving surface. A few of the other hazards rain can cause include the following:
Poor Visibility
In some instances, even the highest setting on your windshield wipers cannot combat the heavy rain. Pull over safely if you have trouble seeing during a storm until the weather subsides.
Hydroplaning
Often, rain may fall too quickly for drainage systems to keep up. If water accumulates on the road, hydroplaning may occur. When a vehicle hydroplanes, its tires lose contact with the road and instead glide on top of the water, making the vehicle difficult to control.
Abrupt Changes in Traffic Patterns
When heavy rain begins, it is many drivers’ instinct to slow down and drive carefully. This change in the flow of traffic can leave some drivers caught off guard and more likely to rear-end the vehicle in front of them.
Driver Negligence
Unfortunately, many drivers are unsure how to drive safely in hazardous weather conditions. If a driver fails to adjust their speed or follows another vehicle too closely, they may cause a severe accident.
These are only a few examples of how rain can contribute to a car accident. A skilled Orlando car accident attorney can investigate every detail of your case to determine the exact cause of your accident and help you recover compensation for your accident-related losses.
Can I Recover Compensation if Rain Caused My Accident?
Often, car accident victims are left with severe physical and emotional injuries as well as financial stress. Since Florida is a no-fault state, you must first go through your own insurance company to seek compensation for your losses. However, if your injuries are severe, you may have grounds to file a claim against the negligent party’s insurance.
Even if rain was a significant factor in your accident, all drivers have a duty to act responsibly behind the wheel. An experienced attorney may be able to help you hold the negligent party responsible for your losses and help you recover the following damages:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning potential
- Significant disfigurement or disability
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
Your attorney will work with you to review every aspect of your case to determine which damages you may be eligible to receive.
Discuss Your Case With a Trusted Orlando Car Accident Attorney
If you suffered an injury in a weather-related accident, you do not need to fight for justice alone. The skilled attorneys at Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis P.A., have over 100 years of combined experience helping accident victims in Florida recover the maximum amount of compensation possible for their losses. We are committed to taking a personalized approach to every case to ensure each of our clients’ unique needs are addressed.
To learn more about how we can help you and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, call us at (407) 843-7060 or complete our contact form today.