Blame It On The Rain: Rear End Collisions And Personal Injuries
Accidents can happen at any time of the day and in any weather, but slick roads and precipitation can just make a collision even more likely. Everyone knows that wet conditions mean paying more attention and slowing down, but unfortunately, accidents on rainy days can still occur. Read on to learn more about rear end rain-related collisions:
Wet and Dangerous
It doesn't take a lot of water to cause problems on the road, and the following situations are all too common when Mother Nature rains down.
1. Not leaving enough space between vehicles. Tires have a greater challenge when it comes to getting traction on wet pavement, which reduces a vehicle's stopping power greatly. You can become a safer driver by practicing the "3-second rule" at all times, but particularly when it's raining.
2. Using excessive speeds. Just because you are allowed to go 45 miles per hour on the road doesn't mean you must go that fast, especially when road conditions deteriorate. Leave yourself plenty of time to take evasive action and to come to a safe stop by slowing down during downpours and on wet roads.
3. Going too fast around corners. Just as tires will skid when braking on wet surfaces, they also can skid on turns if you are going too fast. Take it easy when making turns, or you could find yourself with an out of control vehicle situation.
4. See and be seen. Some cars are equipped with automatic headlights, but if not be sure to turn your lights on when conditions get dark and rainy. Worn out wiper blades won't move the moisture away from your windshield, so keep them fresh and new.
Who Is At Fault?
When rear end crashes do occur, it's only natural to assume the driver who did the hitting is at fault. When you consider how wet roads and rain can reduce stopping power and cause visibility issues, you can understand how these types of wrecks can happen. The truth is that the driver who hits someone is not always 100% at fault. In some cases, a collision was unavoidable.
For example, consider this scenario: you are trying to be extra careful due to the rain and have reduced your speed and heightened your attention on the road, just as you should. The driver behind you, however, did not take such precautions and slams into your rear when you come to a stop at the red light. The impact of the collision pushes you into the car in front of you. In this instance the, fault is not as clear. Were you following too closely? Were your brake lights working? There are simply too many variables to know ahead of time, and these cases can come down to a fault, or liability, resting on a certain percentage with other involved drivers.
If you have been involved in a rainy day accident, speak to a personal injury attorney like Jack W Hanemann, P.S. right away.
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