Rain can negatively impact visibility, braking ability, and can easily result in hydroplaning. Weather related accidents are not at all uncommon in New Jersey, which is why the accident lawyers at Levinson Axelrod, P.A. are committed to helping crash victims recover the compensation they need.
If you or a loved one was involved in a crash due to poor weather, such as rain and wet pavement, we encourage you to get in touch with the New Jersey car accident lawyers at Levinson Axelrod.
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration has averaged crash data from a ten-year period between 2004 and 2013 to arrive at the following accident statistics.
Rain causes 573,784 crashes annually. That's 10% of all vehicle crashes.
Wet pavement causes 907,831 crashes annually. That's 16% of vehicle crashes.
Rain related accidents result in 228,196 injuries annually.
Wet pavement accidents result in 352,211 injuries annually.
Rain related accidents cause 2,732 fatalities annually, amounting to 8% of total crash fatalities.
Although not a guarantee that you will avoid a hydroplaning crash, the following tips can help if you are driving in rain or on wet roadways.
Rotate and replace your tires often. Low tread on your tires can increase your chances of hydroplaning.
Drive slower than you normally would in rain. The faster speed you travel, the more difficult it will be for your tires to distribute the underlying water.
Avoid driving on areas with obvious puddles and pools of water.
Do not slam on your brakes if you begin to skid, as this can make hydroplaning worse.
Make turns and other maneuvers slowly, as any abrupt movements can cause your car to hydroplane in wet conditions.
Does my insurance cover hydroplaning accidents?
New Jersey, as a no fault auto insurance state, allows drivers to recover financial coverage from their own insurance company, regardless of fault, after a collision. This means that you can get money for an accident caused by wet road conditions whether you were or were not at fault, provided that you are covered by an auto insurance policy.
Did you get in a crash because of the rain or wet roads? Contact the New Jersey car accident lawyers at Levinson Axelrod, P.A. to discuss your rights and options!