In almost every part of the nation, weather is a leading cause of road accidents. Rain in particular is the most common and causes a number of dangerous conditions for drivers. Road slickness, hydroplaning, and low visibility are all common issues when driving in the rain.
These driving conditions not only call for extra vigilance while driving, but also extra caution when in an accident. Even in small fender benders, rain can cause continual danger for those involved.
Steps to take when in an accident in the rain:
- If possible, pull your vehicle out of the way of traffic and come to a stop.
- Put your hazard lights on.
- Check yourself and your passengers for injury.
- Call for help. Police for minor accidents, 911 for major ones.
- Proceed cautiously to exit your vehicle. Visibility could be low, so check traffic.
- If either car is equipped with warning triangles, deploy them to warn cars driving by.
- Exchange info with other driver. Remain calm, even if you think other driver is at fault.
- Do not admit fault or make accusations. Wait for authorities to arrive.
- Photograph any damage to your vehicle if possible.
- If there are any witnesses, get their contact information.
- Lastly, contact a car accident attorney if you have suffered serious injuries.
Determining Fault During Bad Weather
Just because there is bad weather doesn't mean that all drivers are innocent of negligence. Rain calls for heightened caution on the road and common negligent actions, like distracted driving and speeding, can still happen. This is difficult to determine for insurance companies, as well—but they don't get the final say.
If you suspect that a driver's actions, and not solely the rain, were the cause of your accident, then contact a Pasadena car accident lawyer as soon as possible. At the Law Offices of Paul P. Cheng & Associates, we've been handling car accident cases for years and recovering deserved money for injured clients. We're ready to do the same for you.
Call us for a free consultation today!