Injured In A Hydroplane Car Accident? What You Need To Know.

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, there are over 6.9 million licensed drivers in the state of Michigan  alone. The greater the number of drivers means there is a higher chance of getting into a car accident. Unfortunately, car accidents happen as a part of everyday life and there are an infinite number of possible factors that can play a role in the cause of a motor vehicle accident. One preventable way a car accident can occur is called a hydroplane accident.

What is Vehicle hydroplane?

Hydroplaning is defined as a situation where the vehicle tires lose contact with the road surface because of water accumulation. This can happen during heavy rainfall, flooding, slush or any other condition where water accumulates on the surface of the road.

If your tire is not making contact with the road due to water, your tire is essentially floating on top of the water and loses traction like in the pictogram above.  Generally, several factors determine the speed at which a car can hydroplane, but as a rule of thumb a vehicle can hydroplane at speeds in excess of 35 miles per hour.  

What does it mean to be at fault in a car accident?

In a car accident, the driver deemed to have caused the accident is called the at fault driver. In addition to being responsible for your own injuries during the accident, if you are found liable for causing another person’s injuries or property damage, they can sue you for compensation. If a Court finds that both drivers are at fault, then the fault can be apportioned between the parties under Michigan law.

Who is at fault in car accidents caused by hydroplaning?

In most cases, the person who caused the car accident is at fault. In a hydroplane car accident, the person behind the wheel of a hydroplaning vehicle is at fault. Under Michigan law, every driver should remain in control of their vehicle at all times. This is still the case when it comes to car accidents caused by weather-related conditions like hydroplaning.

If your vehicle hydroplanes and causes a car accident crash, you will be deemed at fault for not reducing your speed for conditions and for not being in control of the vehicle.

How to avoid a hydroplane car accident?

The weather conditions are out of your control, but you are in control of your vehicle during the changes in weather conditions. Hydroplaning can occur on water or slushy conditions. Michigan law requires you to use due care and caution by adjusting your speed and distance for weather and traffic conditions. During the rainy season water can accumulate on the surface of the road and going at a high rate of speed across the water can increase your chances of hydroplaning.

In most cases, you can take steps to reduce the risk of hydroplane accident:

• Reduce Speed. You should reduce your speed and drive slow in heavy rain or flooding conditions before coming in contact with accumulated water. This is the best way to avoid a hydroplane accident if you must drive in the rain. Driving at high speeds increase the risk of a hydroplane accident.
• Keep tires properly inflated
• Replace tires with worn out tread
• Avoid hard turns
• Avoid hard braking
• Don’t Drive In The Rain. You can avoid hydroplaning by staying off the road in heavy rain or flooding conditions. However, you may have to drive in the rainy conditions so taking driving measures to reduce your chance of a hydroplane accident is the best option.
• Avoid Accumulated Water. Hydroplaning most often occurs in areas where there are is accumulated water and standing water. The large area of water accumulation or standing water in the path of your vehicle can pose a potential hazard for hydroplaning to occur. You should drive slowly or avoid pools of accumulated water accumulated on the surface of the road.
• Don’t use cruise control in the rain.
• Rotate and balance tires per maintenance recommendations.

Talk with a car accident expert lawyer

If you have been in a car accident, no matter what the cause, we highly recommend you talk with a personal injury attorney. Here at The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm, our Michigan car accident attorneys will investigate your case and deal with the insurance company adjuster for you such as negotiating a settlement and presenting a claim on your behalf. We will make sure you get the car accident compensation you deserve.

IF YOU OR ANY FAMILY MEMBER ARE INJURED IN A HYDROPLANE CAR ACCIDENT, GIVE US A CALL AT (866) 447-3563 OR CONTACT US ONLINE TO DISCUSS YOUR LEGAL OPTIONS DURING OUR FREE CASE EVALUATION PROCESS. GET FREE ANSWERS TO ALL OF YOUR HYDROPLANE ACCIDENT INJURY CASE QUESTIONS.