Why Hydroplaning Is so Dangerous and How You Can Prevent It

Hydroplaning is a term that describes what happens when your car starts to skid or slide across the road. The results of that happening can be dire, as an out of control car is a hazard to its driver and everyone around it. Below, we tell you everything you need to know about this concept including why it happens, what makes it so dangerous, and what you can do to avoid it going forward.



Why Hydroplaning Happens


First, let’s discuss how cars work. When you drive, you rely on the friction between your tires and the road. This force allows you to turn and stop. What happens when the streets are wet is that you lose some or all of that friction. Rather than having your tire on the asphalt, there is a thin layer of water or snow between them, which causes you to spiral out of control. Though tires are built to resist this event from occurring, it often happens anyway. The most dangerous times to drive are when there is ice on the road and in the first ten minutes of rainfall.



What Makes it So Dangerous


The reason hydroplaning is so dangerous is that it leads to the following deadly types of accidents.


    Intersections - If you are driving up to an intersection and see a stop sign or red light, you’ll need to slow down. Unfortunately, you could be hydroplaning and end up skidding into the intersection. This can lead to high-speed collisions and severe injuries.

    Wrong Way Accidents - You also might skid onto the wrong side of the road. These head-on crashes are always damaging and often fatal.

    Jumping Off the Road - Losing control can lead to you jumping off of the road. In a mountainous setting, that can mean going over a steep cliff. In a city, you might hit a light post or person on the sidewalk. Either way, the result will be tragic.




How You Can Avoid it Going Forward


The following are some excellent ways to reduce your chances of hydroplaning.


    Slow down significantly in wet weather to reduce stopping distances and help your tires scatter water more effectively.

    Increase your following distance so you have plenty of room to stop when needed.

    Don’t drive on roads with large puddles or standing water.

    Don’t use your cruise control. Instead, be ready to slow down at any moment.

    Avoid sharp turns and never change direction at high speeds.

    Make sure your tires have enough tread and are inflated to the correct level.




As you now know, hydroplaning is incredibly dangerous and avoiding it is well worth your attention. That being said, accidents can happen no matter how careful you are, whether you are the one hydroplaning or if it is someone else. If you ever experience one of these collisions and come out with an injury, you should speak with a St. Louis car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Doing so will give you an advocate who will fight for you to get as much compensation as possible. Give The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. a call 24/7 for a FREE Legal Advice :: (314) 361-4242

Financial Impact of Car Accidents - St. Louis Auto Wreck Attorneys

Car accidents can affect you in ways more than one. They cost us financially in terms of medical expenses for injuries, vehicle repair costs, and wage loss as a result of not being able to go to work. In car this post, our St. Louis car wreck lawyer will explain in detail how car accidents can cost you financially.


In the U.S., more than 5.5 million motor vehicle accidents occur each year. Of these, a third involve injuries. It is needless to say that all accidents, whether minor or serious, cost something financially.

 The costs can be divided into four categories:

 

Medical costs

The most obvious cost of a car accident injury is medical bills. The overall effect your injuries has on your financial situation depends on the severity of the injuries, the treatment required, and the financial compensation you are able to recover.


In cases involving serious injuries, expenses can quickly spiral out of control. Right from the cost of taking you the hospital by ambulance, hospitalization costs, specialist costs, X-rays, medications, and other costs, things can snowball easily. In Missouri, unless you have a specific type of car insurance policy, you will likely be expected to pay the medical bills through your health insurance or some other option. Some options include:

• Medical Payment Insurance (Med Pay)
• Health insurance cover
• Medicare
• Medicaid

Wage loss

When you suffer injuries in a car accident, you will likely miss work. This time period could range from a few days to a few moths depending on the severity of your injuries and the treatment they require. Even once you are in a position to return to work, you may not be able to return full time. Being away from work for a long time can cause a huge financial strain.


In Missouri, the amount of lost wages you can recover after a car accident depends on your role in causing the crash, or “comparative fault.” If you were 0% at fault for the accident, you will likely be entitled to 100 percent of your losses. However, if you think you are 10% at fault, but the other driver says you are 50 percent at fault, you will need to prove your claim.

Diminished Earning Capacity

Even after you recover from your car accident injuries, your ability to earn could be diminished. You might lose opportunities such as a promotion while you are recovering from your injuries. Also, you may not be able to recover completely from injuries, and thus would not be able to advance as far as you could have if you had not suffered injuries.

Pain and Suffering

Another way a car accident injury can affect a victim financially is pain and suffered. Missouri law allows for pain and suffering to be factored into damages. It compensates you for having to endure physical or mental pain. It could also include compensation for emotional anguish.

 
If you are struggling to recover adequate damages for your car accident injuries, you should contact a competent St. Louis accident lawyer. Give us a call, 24/7, nights and weekends, at (314) 361-4242 to discuss your claim with an experienced attorney.