Drivers in California should be especially aware while they’re driving in the rain. Wet roads can cause vehicles to hydroplane, leading to car accidents. In fact, hydroplaning is one of the biggest causes of crashes during the rainy parts of the year.
Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle slides on a wet road, and the driver cannot steer or control the vehicle. It happens when there is more water on the road than the tires can handle, so the car is riding on a thin layer of water rather than on the road. Water pressure in front of the tires forces water under the tires, and they float above the surface of the road, so the vehicle has no traction.
Large amounts of rain or water on the road are not necessary for hydroplaning to occur. In many cases, the most dangerous time is the first 10 minutes or so after the rain begins as the early rain can mix with oil and other substances on the road to create an especially slippery driving surface. As the rain continues, these residues are washed away, and hydroplaning actually becomes somewhat less likely to happen. Anytime there is rain, though, drivers should be cautious to avoid hydroplaning.
Generally speaking, drivers who are hydroplaning should let off the gas but not apply the brakes as that can cause further skidding and loss of control. They should turn into the slide, wait for the car to regain traction and pull over.
People who are injured in hydroplaning car accidents may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, medical expenses or other damages. An attorney with experience in personal injury law might be able to help in such a case by gathering evidence in support of a claim or negotiating a settlement with insurance companies. If a settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer may draft and file a complaint in civil court.