Last Update: 01/13/16
Here in Florida, it rains a lot. Driving on wet, rainy streets and highways is part of everyday life in Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade Counties, and while people who had lived here a long time are accustomed to the storms and thunderclouds, people who are visiting Florida or who recently moved here may be surprised at how often it rains.
Common Causes of Car Accidents When It’s Raining
From a personal injury viewpoint, all of that rain means an increased risk of people getting hurt in a traffic accident caused by slippery road conditions and problems caused by impaired visibility.
Additionally, bald tires and worn brakes, which often leads to a car hydroplaning, are 2 more causes of auto accidents on our rain filled roads (and, of course, everyday reckless driving causes car accidents to occur when it’s raining.)
Presumption of Fault in a Rear-End Collision
Based upon our experience, rear-end collisions are some of the most common rain caused car accidents that end up with an injury lawsuit being filed. In these lawsuits, often the person driving that rear car is accused of being the driver at fault; however, this fact should not be assumed. An experienced personal injury trial lawyer will seek an investigation by and, at trial, the testimony of experts in order to determine and show the cause of the collision.
What is the 511 App?
Here in Florida, there is a site that provides continuous coverage of traffic weather conditions in our local communities. Visiting 511.com gives you the latest information of traffic conditions in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and all of Broward, Dade, and Palm Beach counties.
We think it’s a good idea to check it out before you start to drive, especially on a rainy day. You can also have the road conditions sent to your email or to your phone. Click on the image for more information:
10 Tips for Driving in the Rain and Avoiding a Rear End Collision
Based upon our past work dealing with car crashes, including rear-end collisions, we’ve put together some simple suggestions to help people avoid these kinds of accidents. Here are our Ten Tips for avoiding a rear end accident here in Florida when you’re driving in the rain or on wet slippery streets here:
1. Turn on your headlights so other drivers can see your vehicle easily in the lower visibility caused by storms and rain.
2. Keep your distance from the car in front of you on the road. Rain and stormy weather are no place for tailgating!
3. Turn off your radio and put both hands on the wheel. Be alert to the road and traffic and don’t be distracted.
4. Use your wipers and defrosters; even a bit of moisture on the windshield can hamper your visibility.
5. Monitor your position in traffic and make sure that you have ample space for moving out of danger or stopping quickly if necessary.
6. Be aware of the risk of high winds here. Gusty winds in a Florida storm can make it harder to maneuver your vehicle as well as tossing debris into the roadway.
7. If you see standing water ahead, then tap your brakes so that cars behind you can see that you are braking and slowing down. Do not attempt to enter any water standing on a road, no matter how well acquainted you are with that roadway. There may be hidden dangers (limbs, wires, etc.) in that water. Make sure that the traffic behind you understands that your path is blocked as you slow down and avoid the danger.
8. At traffic intersections where traffic lights are out, you are to treat the intersection as a four-way stop. Tap your brakes and let those behind you know that you are slowing down and stopping at an intersection where you might otherwise have the right of way.
9. Be patient and alert as you drive. Move over and let drivers pass you who are cavalier about road conditions, and keep your distance from those who are driving too fast or too close on wet slippery streets.
10. Simply put, slow down; you don’t want to hydroplane!
What Should You Do Now?
A good piece of advice if you have been harmed in an accident, is to at least speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer before you file a claim to learn about some of the issues that can arise with these claims, including the type of evidence needed to prove a claim and the type and amount of damages you can recover. Most personal injury lawyers, like Alan Sackrin, will offer a free initial consultation (over the phone or in person) to answer your questions.
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Do you have questions or comments? Then please feel free to send Alan an email or call him now at (954) 458-8655.
