There are countless causes of car crashes and many accidents do occur during inclement weather. When rain puddles on the roads, it can cause a car to hydroplane. Hydroplaning can result in a vehicle striking another car, hitting some other object, or completely leaving the roadway. There are several causes of hydroplaning crashes, but they can be prevented.
How Accidents Occur
While standing water on the road is the first culprit and poor drainage systems can contribute, the main responsibility falls back on the driver. Usually, hydroplaning accidents are caused by unsafe tire tread, driving too fast in wet road conditions, and the driver responding poorly or improperly to the situation and loses control of the vehicle.
Hydroplaning accidents might also be impacted by the aggressive application of the brakes by the driver and the steering reaction or over-reaction when the car starts to hydroplane and the driver panics. A hydroplaning crash can result in serious injuries to those involved. Medical bills can add up fast and you might not be able to go to work for a while.
Hypothetical Injuries After Hydroplaning
There are several injuries that can result from a hydroplaning crash. These injuries can vary from one crash to another, but here are some hypothetical examples of what might happen:
- You fell against your door, which resulted in a broken arm and wrist.
- You hit the steering wheel and suffered bruising and lacerations.
- The airbags deployed and caused cuts, bruising, and broken bones.
- The impact threw around in the car, causing back and neck injuries.
- Your vehicle overturned causing brain trauma.
- The seatbelt caused bruising and a broken collar bone.
Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim
If you have suffered injuries because of a hydroplaning accident, the driver who hydroplaned and caused the crash is liable for the damages. Although there is standing water on the road that contributed, the driver has the responsibility to exercise due care to avoid the crash and prevent injuries to others. To recover your losses, you would need to pursue a personal injury claim against the driver in an effort to recover the losses you sustained in the crash.
A personal injury claim might include various damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future lost wages and future medical expenses, property damages, and more. A personal injury attorney can help you pursue these damages and will work on a contingency basis, meaning he or she is not paid until they get you a settlement. At that time, they get a percentage of your settlement.
Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured in a hydroplaning car crash, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer. There are time limits for filing such claims, so you want to make sure your rights are protected. Your lawyer will investigate the accident and ensure you get the compensation you deserve to help you recover from your losses. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
