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The Driver Who Causes The Accident Is At Fault Even After A Hydroplaning Incident

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Rainfall can cause the roads to become slick and dangerous. However, if the rain is heavy enough, the driver might even lose full control of their vehicle as the tires fail to maintain contact with the road. This can lead to the vehicle no longer having any traction while traveling at a high speed. The driver might try to use the fact that they were hydroplaning as an excuse for the accident, but the driver will likely still be held responsible.

Drivers Are Responsible for Their Vehicles

Drivers are expected to be in control of their vehicles under all circumstances. Therefore, a driver can be held responsible for your car accident and any injuries that result. In some cases, the driver may be considered especially culpable and even liable for punitive damages if they were driving very fast and this contributed to the hydroplaning incident.

When the roads are unsafe to drive on, a motorist is responsible for driving more slowly. In some cases, a driver might even need to pull over to the side of the road until the road conditions can improve. The driver will need to avoid puddles, where hydroplaning is likely to occur, and will also need to avoid tailgating so they can give themselves more time to stop in the event of a hydroplaning incident.

Steps to Take After an Accident

After you have been involved in an accident with a driver who suffered a hydroplaning incident, you will want to take photographs of everything relevant to your accident, including the scene of the accident. For example, you will want to show the weather conditions at the time of the accident, the damage done to your vehicle, the damage done to the other vehicle, and any relevant road signs and traffic light indicators.

Make sure to also take photographs of your injuries and wait for the police to arrive. Once the police have arrived, you should seek medical attention after the police have filed a report and told you that you're free to leave. However, if you're severely injured, you should seek medical attention immediately.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Then, you will need to speak with a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer will:

  • Help you determine if you have a case
  • Gather evidence to prove that the other driver was at fault
  • Help you calculate your damages
  • Negotiate a settlement with the insurance adjuster

Then, you will be able to maximize your chances of receiving full compensation.

Contact a car accident lawyer for more information. 


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