Adverse weather conditions such as rain and snow can be the most dangerous aspects of driving. Many Lexington residents learned it the hard way after the city saw significant rainfall for the first time in a while. The likelihood of being in a car crash during rain and snow is high, which is why it is essential to know how liability is assigned in weather-related car accidents. Although drivers have a legal duty to operate their motor vehicles safely in all situations and conditions, including heavy rain, you may want to consult a Lexington car accident lawyer from Roberts Law Office to establish fault and fight for your right to receive proper compensation.
Lexington’s Uptick in Car Crashes During Rainfall
This past Sunday, Lexington witnessed an uptick in motor vehicle accidents as the city saw heavy rains. The combination of rainfall and the build-up of oil on the roadways was a recipe for disaster for many Lexington drivers, according to WKYT. With many drivers in the city complaining that Lexington roads were unreasonably slippery on Sunday, first responders were busy the entire day. As reported by Lexington Police, there were 36 non-injury and 13 injury crashes around town. One of the weather-related crashes involved two vehicles Iron Works Pike and Russell Cave Road. Two individuals sustained minor injuries in the collision that prompted authorities to shut down the road for more than an hour. With more rain in the forecast, local officials are warning Lexington drivers to drive defensively during rainfalls, leave an adequate amount of space between vehicles, and follow the posted speed limit.
Safety Tips for Driving in Heavy Rain
Bad weather conditions, especially heavy rain, can obstruct a motorist’s field of view and cause vehicles’ tires to lose contact with the road and hydroplane. That is why it is critical to follow safety tips for driving in adverse weather conditions:
- Adhere to the posted speed limit and drive more cautiously than during normal weather;
- Engage your headlights and windshield wipers to increase visibility and make your vehicle more noticeable to other motorists;
- Keep a safe distance from other vehicles to compensate for the reduced visibility and prevent hydroplaning in the event of sudden braking;
- Avoid braking too hard as this could cause your tires to lose traction on the road; and
- Avoid driving too fast for the weather conditions as this could cause hydroplaning, which is when your tires glide on top of the layer of moisture.
Can You Be Liable for a Rain-Related Car Crash?
Just because your car accident occurred in bad weather conditions does not make you immune from facing liability in personal injury lawsuits. In Kentucky, drivers have a duty of care to operate their motor vehicles safely in all situations, including rain, snow, and other types of inclement weather. If your car accident caused brain injuries, broken bones, or another injury to other parties, the injured party might argue that you failed to drive safely. For example, if you slammed on the brakes during heavy rain and the motorist behind you braked but hydroplaned and rear-ended you, both parties will most likely be held liable. The crash was partially your fault because you should not have slammed on the brakes, while the other motorist may have contributed to the crash by failing to maintain a safe distance.
Contact a Lexington car accident lawyer from Roberts Law Office to establish liability in your rain-related road crash. Call at (859) 231-0202 to get a free case evaluation.