Any Houston resident knows that the city gets its fair share of wet weather. According to U.S. Climate Data, the Houston area experiences nearly 106 days of rain annually, with a yearly average of around 45 inches of rainfall. Nearly one-fourth of Houston car crashes are caused by weather-related issues. Wet pavement can cause or contribute to crashes, but that does not mean that a driver is not responsible for the collision. Although a driver may attempt to blame an accident on bad weather, the driver is still responsible for driving safely, regardless of underlying conditions. If you are injured in a car wreck, the liable driver may owe you financial compensation for your injuries and other damages associated with the crash. The team of Houston personal injury lawyers at West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD is here to help if you’ve been injured by a negligent driver on wet roadways.
How Does Water Impact Texas Roadways?
Rain can lead to hazardous roadway conditions, and drivers have to take necessary measures to provide for their safety when driving on wet pavement. Water can impact the safety of our roadways in many ways. Light rain can make roads slick due to the oil that is present on the surface. These slippery surfaces lessen the friction of tires on the road and make it harder to maneuver the vehicle. Tires with weak tread will not perform on wet roads. Heavy rainfalls may make it difficult to see lane markings and could also lead to hydroplaning. Flooded streets are impassable and can cause lanes to be engulfed, making it hard to continue down the road.
Also, worn wiper blades can make it difficult to see during heavy rain. Maintaining your car or truck in reliable operating condition by replacing worn tires and wiper blades should be priority. Let’s talk about some tips for safely driving in the rain.
Why Do Cars Hydroplane?
Hydroplaning is likely the most significant threat related to wet pavement. Hydroplaning — also known as aquaplaning — is an uncontrollable slide on wet roads. Hydroplaning takes place when water creates a layer between your car’s tires and the surface of the road. The water lifts the car’s tires off the road, causing the vehicle to ride on the layer of water instead of the pavement. The water essentially carries the vehicle, and the brakes and other control functions become inoperative. Driving too fast in dangerous conditions can lead to hydroplaning, even if you are traveling below the posted speed limit. Sudden movements and turns can also lead to a vehicle hydroplaning on wet roads.
Driver Negligence & Wet Pavement
A driver may be liable for a crash if he or she was acting negligently. Negligence occurs when a driver does something or fails to do something that he or she knows could cause harm to another. For example, speeding on a wet road could be considered negligent because the driver should have known that the conditions could cause a serious collision.
When someone drives a vehicle with worn tires, they know that the tires could cause a crash. A driver has to take the required steps to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. After a collision, the insurance provider usually assesses the accident and assigns fault to one of the drivers involved. Driving too fast in inclement weather can be considered negligence. Following too closely is also the cause of many car wrecks in Houston that occur during the rain.
If you were injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, you could be owed financial compensation for your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, disability, and other legal damages.
If you were injured in a crash, don’t hesitate to consult with a qualified car accident lawyer in Houston.
Texas Car Accident Lawyer
Being injured in a serious collision is not easy. In 2012 alone, there were 47,585 collisions reported in the Houston area, 5,387 of which resulted in injuries. Traffic fatalities are on the rise in the city, with a reported 11 percent increase from 2011 to 2012. Injured parties need the help of a qualified Texas car wreck lawyer to handle their case.
West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD is here to ensure your case is given the respect it deserves. Our team of experienced lawyers is here to fight for your rights after being unfairly injured in a sudden car accident. We want you to feel confident that your legal rights are being protected and that there is a committed team to advocate on your side. Contact our offices today at 713-840-7200 to discuss your case.
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