Hydroplaning happens when a vehicle slides or skids across a slippery or wet surface. It can happen when driving during heavy rains. Tire treads are specifically developed to move water from beneath the tires and away from them to allow for maximum traction with the surface of the roadway and reduce the risk of sliding, slipping, and ultimately, hydroplaning.
But when the tires can’t move water away quick enough, making them incapable of gaining traction with the road, the pressure at the tire’s front point causes it to lift off the road and takes away the ability of the driver to brake, steer, or control the vehicle.
Even if the road isn’t that wet, water will still mix with the oil buildup that has accumulated on the surface. Consequently, this creates slippery conditions, particularly for cars traveling at fast speeds. These elements create the perfect conditions for hydroplaning.
Determining Liability in Hydroplaning Accidents
All drivers have a legal responsibility to maintain their vehicles via regular inspections, repairs, and proper maintenance. Tires are especially crucial when it comes to avoiding crashes during severe weather conditions, like heavy rains. This means that when a driver fails to maintain their tires and causes a hydroplaning accident, they could be held liable for the injured party’s injuries and related losses.
In addition, a driver can be found liable for the crash if they were driving recklessly or negligently when the hydroplaning accident occurred. However, other parties may also be held liable for a hydroplaning crash:
- Tire manufacturers that sold defective tires may be found responsible for the crash if you can prove that the at-fault driver’s tires have a design defect, such as inadequate treads.
- Other motorists may have created a situation that forced you to react suddenly, causing your vehicle to hydroplane.
- State and local governments are legally required to ensure the safety of road users through proper and timely road maintenance. If water has accumulated on the roadway because of inadequate maintenance or a design defect in the drainage system, they may be found liable for hydroplaning crashes and other types of traffic accidents.
Talk to a Skilled Tampa Car Accident Lawyer Today
Victims of hydroplaning crashes can suffer a broad range of injuries from whiplash, multiple broken bones, severe lacerations, spinal cord injuries, brain damage, and internal organ damage, among many others. These injuries can wreak havoc on your life and make daily activities and tasks difficult. They can likewise drain your finances due to hefty medical bills, lost earnings, and other losses you incurred.
If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt in a hydroplaning accident that another driver caused, get in touch with Matthews Injury Law right away. Our Tampa car accident lawyers will obtain the necessary evidence to build a case and support your claim for maximum compensation. We will investigate the events of the crash thoroughly to prove fault and establish liability for it to make sure that you get compensated fairly. Contact us online or dial 813-530-1000 to arrange a free case evaluation with our Tampa car accident lawyer.
