How To Prevent Crashes in Rainy ConditionsWhen the road is wet, your chance of being involved in an accident increases. That’s because of several reasons, such as the lowered visibility level due to rain and mist and how the road becomes more slippery when water has accumulated on it. Hydroplaning becomes an issue when rain is especially heavy – a common occurrence in South Florida.
Wet pavement as a contributing factor is 73 percent of the weather-related crashes that were reported from 2004 to 2013.
Wet pavement played a role in 80 percent of these crashes that led to injuries and 77 percent of weather-related traffic fatalities during that period.
If you have been injured in a rear-end collision or any other type of car accident caused by a wet roadway, you could be entitled to monetary compensation for your damages through a personal injury claim. To learn more about seeking compensation through this type of claim, speak with an experienced physician at Chiromedix Accident & Rehab Centers today.
This final point can be avoided by routinely checking your windshield wipers to ensure their effectiveness. When your wiper blades become worn out and reach the point where they simply move around water on your windshield instead of pulling it away, have them replaced or replace them yourself with new wiper blades.
Presumption of Fault in Rear-End Accidents
You might have been told that when a rear-end car accident occurs, it is always the fault of the driver whose car collides with the car in front. This is false. Although the driver of the rear car is usually at fault for causing a rear-end collision, he or she can overcome the presumption of fault in certain circumstances. Sometimes, the driver whose car is hit can be the reason for the collision, due to a loss of control of his or her vehicle or another factor, such as distracted driving, that caused him or her to stop short or make an irrational move.
At Chiromedix Accident & Rehab Centers, we work closely with attorneys that can determine which driver is at fault by performing an investigation of the collision. The investigation involves the review of all pieces of evidence that are available, such as photographs or video surveillance of the accident, testimony from any witnesses to the accident, and a digital reconstruction of the accident that incorporates all relevant factors, such as the rainy weather.
Tips for Avoiding Accidents in the Rain
The most important thing you can do to protect yourself and others when driving in the rain is adjusting how you drive according to the current weather conditions. Drive more slowly, take turns slowly, and be sure to give your fellow motorists ample following distance. Always use your headlights whenever your wipers are on. Other ways you can reduce your chance of being involved in a weather-related car accident include the routine replacement of your windshield wiper blades and tires. Tires whose treads become worn down cannot grip the road effectively, putting drivers at a greater risk of sliding on wet pavement.
A good way to know when to replace your tires is the penny test. To perform the penny test on your tires, place a penny upside down between the tread at various points on your tire. Are there any points on the tire where you can see all of Lincoln’s head? If so, your tires have worn down to 2/32” of their total depth, and it is time to replace your tires.
Work with a Chiromedix Accident Physician
If you are suffering from an injury sustained in a weather-related car accident, you could be entitled to up to $10,000 in PIP benefits. But you may only have 14 days to seek medical evaluation and have your expenses and others related to your injury covered through a personal injury claim. To get started on your claim, contact our team of Car Accident Physicians at Chiromedix Accident & Rehab Centers today. To schedule your consultation with us, please call (786) 309-2225.
