Last updated on May 9, 2022
It rains once about every three days in Seattle. If you have lived here long enough, you probably know when it is safe to drive at normal speeds and when you have to slow down. But, for even the most experienced and cautious drivers, rain can create many hazardous situations. For example, hydroplaning can force your vehicle to continue moving no matter how you attempt to slow down. These types of accidents often involve fast-moving vehicles capable of causing devastating injuries.
If a hydroplaning vehicle has injured you, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries, damages and losses. The experienced Seattle car accident lawyers at Pendergast Law have handled these types of cases successfully and can help you and your family as well. Call us at 888-539-9211.
What Is Hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning happens when water causes one or more tires to lose contact with the surface of the road. When this occurs, it can be impossible to brake or steer the vehicle until the tire regains sufficient contact with the road. Essentially, what happens is the water creates a barrier between the road and the tire, eliminating traction. This can happen when there is enough water on the road that the tread of the tire is unable to channel or dissipate water from the tire in time.
Hydroplaning often causes dynamic drag, where tires on just one side of the vehicle are slowed down. This can happen if only one side of the vehicle goes over a large puddle or accumulation of water. Hydrodynamic drag can cause the vehicle to jerk or to pull toward the deepest part of the water. It is common for vehicles experiencing dynamic drag to turn into another vehicle or crash into something off the road.
Auto Accidents And Negligence In Washington
To determine if a driver’s negligence caused an accident, you need to understand what causes hydroplaning. Some of the common factors in these types of crashes include:
- Inadequate tire depth
- Underinflated tires
- Vehicle speed
- Steering direction
- Driver reaction or overreaction
- Aggressive braking
- Uneven road surface
So, for example, when a driver travels at an unsafe rate of speed and that causes a hydroplane car accident, they can be held liable. Similarly, when a driver fails to maintain the vehicle or its tires, there is an unsafe condition and a potential risk of hydroplaning. This amounts to negligence as well.
Contacting An Experienced Seattle Lawyer
As personal injury lawyers in Seattle, we see firsthand the results of serious injuries involving hydroplaning crashes. In many cases, it’s not just the driver of the hydroplaning vehicle who suffers an injury. A vehicle that is out of control as a result of hydroplaning could strike one or more other vehicles. This can result in serious, catastrophic or even fatal injuries.
If you have suffered serious personal injuries in a hydroplaning accident, you may wish to consider legal action. Our skilled Seattle hydroplane car accident attorneys can help you seek and get fair compensation for your injuries and losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
Call us at 888-539-9211 for a no-cost consultation and case evaluation.