- When Rain Creates Hazardous Driving Conditions
- The Unique Dangers of California Roads
- How Drivers Should Behave in the Rain
- How to File a Hazardous Roadway Claim
Back to Top
When Rain Creates Hazardous Driving Conditions
While the weather in Southern California consists of mostly sunny days, we do get our share of rain and fog. These weather conditions can create a dangerous environment for driving, making it all the more important for drivers to be alert and responsible while operating their vehicles.
In addition, the streets must be designed with different weather conditions in mind, as a government agency failing to do so may result in unsafe driving conditions and preventable crashes.
If you or someone in your family was a victim in a roadway accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Our team of Glendale car accident attorneys at Aghabegian Law Group, P.C. can negotiate on your behalf for the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today at (818) 350-HURT (350-4878) for a free consultation to discuss your options.
The Unique Dangers of California Roads
The surface of each road experiences a build-up of oil. In other states, this oil is usually washed away by regular rain, but California does not get as much rain, which causes the oil to build up. The more time in between each bout of rain, the more hazardous this layer of oil will be during a new rainfall. Drivers should be especially diligent and aware of these slippery conditions when driving in the rain.
Hydroplaning is also a potential problem for drivers. This occurs when the tires travel on top of a layer of water. The tires must be able to make contact with the pavement in order to properly grip the road. Hydroplaning can happen at certain speeds with just a little water and can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Rainy streets are especially dangerous when you consider that most drivers in Southern California do not have much experience with them.
How Drivers Should Behave in the Rain
Driving during hazardous weather can be quite dangerous, whether it is in Southern California or up north, and drivers must be on high alert when out on the road. It is important for all drivers to remember the following while out on a rainy day:
- Keep the headlights on. No matter what time of day it is, headlights significantly increase a vehicleâs visibility during a rainfall. In fact, California law states that your headlights must be on while you are operating the windshield wipers.
- Drive slowly. Driving slowly will lower the risk of hydroplaning, allowing your tires to get a better grip on the asphalt. Leave extra room between your car and the vehicle in front of you, as you will need more time to make a complete stop.
- Do not use cruise control. It is important to have as much control over your vehicle as possible in the event of hazardous weather. You may need to quickly decrease your speed, which would be difficult while driving in cruise control.
- Plan for hydroplaning. If you realize that the tires are hydroplaning, slowly take your foot off the accelerator and steer straight ahead until the tires are able to properly grip the road again.
- Avoid sudden stops. Slamming on the brakes may cause your car to lose balance and swerve on a wet surface, so brake very slowly with enough room between you and other cars.
If a driver fails to follow these commonsense rules and causes a crash, âI wasnât used to the rain!â is not a valid excuse. You should file a claim to recover all your damages and pay for your injuries.
How to File a Hazardous Weather Claim
While the weather may be to blame for creating extra-hazardous driving conditions, drivers in Southern California must be alert and aware of their surroundings. Distracted driving is worse in the rain and fog, and can be twice as deadly.
After youâve been in a crash on a rainy day, the insurance company will look to pay you the lowest amount possible. They may make excuses based on the weather, or imply that you were also to blame for your injuries. Donât take their word for it. Our Glendale personal injury attorneys can investigate what really happened and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Aghabegian Law Group, P.C., today at (818) 350-HURT (350-4878) for a free consultation.
Auto Accidents
- Car Accidents
- Aggressive Driver Accident
- Bus Accidents
- Car Accident Hearing Loss
- Degloving Accident
- Delivery Driver Accidents
- Distracted Driving Accidents
- Drugged Driving Accident
- DUI Accident Victim
- Elderly Driver Accident
- Fatal Car Accident
- Fatigued Driver Accidents
- Government Vehicle Accidents
- Hazardous Roadway Accidents
- Head-On Accidents
- Highway Construction Accidents
- Hit-And-Run Accidents
- Intersection Accidents
- Lane-Change Accidents
- Lane-Splitting Accident
- Moped Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Motorcycle Defect Accidents
- Off-Roading Accident
- Parking Lot Accident
- Passenger Injury
- Passenger Van Accidents
- Rear-End Accident
- Rental Car Accident
- Road Debris Accidents
- Rollover Accident
- RV Accidents
- School Bus Accidents
- Scooter Accidents
- Seatbelt Injury
- Self-Driving Car Accidents
- T-Bone Collision
- Taxi Accident
- Teen Driver Accident
- Tour Bus Accidents
- Train Accidents
- Uber / Lyft Accidents
- Uninsured Motorist Claims
No Upfront Fees
Contact us today for a free consultation. We offer our services on a contingency fee basis-if we donât recover compensation for you, you donât pay. Call (818) 350-HURT (350-4878) to learn more.