Winter berries and spring flowers may thrive during a healthy rain fall, but for drivers this weather represents a serious safety risk. According to the Auto Insurance Center, rain is responsible for more fatal car collisions than any other weather condition. While it’s best to stay off the road when it’s raining, life doesn’t just stop because it’s raining. For this reason, it’s critical that drivers bring their “A” game if they intend to travel, even if it’s just a light drizzle.
When you’re driving in the rain, it’s important to follow these crucial safety tips:
- Check the weather before leaving your house
- Make sure your vehicle is travel-ready and safe to drive
- Don’t drive unless you’re well-rested
- Leave early to avoid speeding
- Use your headlights and windshield wipers to ensure visibility
- Maintain a good distance between your vehicle and other cars
- Devote 100% of your attention to the road
- Don’t use cruise control
- Drive slowly to avoid hydroplaning
- Stay calm and be patient with other drivers
But what happens if you’re involved in an accident? Unfortunately, you can follow every safety precaution and still make a mistake because you’re not used to driving in the rain. Should you be held liable for an accident that only occurred because of the weather? Sadly, the answer is yes.
Understanding Liability
You have a responsibility to safely operate your vehicle no matter the weather or road conditions. This means that you can be sued if someone is injured or killed because you failed to take proper precautions or lost control of your vehicle. For example, you can be held liable for another driver’s injuries if you hydroplane into their vehicle, even if they slammed their brakes first. The best way to avoid an unfortunate accident is to practice safe driving habits and be cautious while driving in poor weather.
Injured in an Accident? Contact Our Trial-Tested Attorneys
At Goeing Goeing & McQuinn PLLC, we hope that you never have to experience a tragic rainy-day traffic collision. However, if you’ve been injured by the actions of a negligent or inexperienced driver, contact our Lexington auto accident lawyers today. We can investigate your case, establish liability, and help you secure a beneficial settlement or verdict.
Contact Goeing Goeing & McQuinn PLLCat (859) 253-0088 to schedule a consultation.