Did you know every year 1.35 million people are killed on roadways worldwide? Los Angeles is known for its beautiful weather and sunny skies, but when it does rain, it can lead to hazardous driving conditions. Rainy weather can create a variety of problems on the road, including decreased visibility, slippery roads, and hydroplaning.
As a result, drivers need to be extra cautious when driving in the rain. Let’s dive into Los Angeles rain.
Decreased Visibility
One of the biggest issues with driving in the rain in LA is decreased visibility. Rain can cause water to accumulate on your windshield, making it difficult to see the road ahead. Additionally, rain can create a mist on the road, which can further reduce visibility.
If you’re having trouble seeing, it’s important to slow down and turn on your headlights. This will not only help you see the road better, but it will also make it easier for other drivers to see you.
Slippery Roads
Another problem with driving in the rain is that it can make the roads slippery. When it first starts raining, the water mixes with the oils and dirt on the road, creating a slick surface.
This can make it difficult to stop your vehicle, especially if you’re traveling at high speeds. To avoid this, it’s important to slow down and increase your following distance.
This will give you more time to stop if you need to. It can be frustrating when you’re in a hurry, but that’s why we suggest giving yourself extra time for your trip when you know the roads might be slippery.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is another issue that drivers may face when driving in the rain. Hydroplaning occurs when your tires lose contact with the road due to a buildup of water between the tire and the road surface.
This can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, which can lead to an accident. To avoid hydroplaning, it’s important to make sure your tires have adequate tread depth and to slow down when driving in wet conditions.
Tips for Driving in the Rain
To stay safe when driving in the rain, it’s important to follow a few key tips. First, make sure your vehicle is equipped with good windshield wipers and that your headlights are working properly.
You should also make sure your tires have adequate tread depth and that they’re properly inflated. Additionally, it’s important to slow down and increase your following distance. This will give you more time to react if you need to stop suddenly.
Limited Control
Driving in the rain can limit your control over your vehicle, especially if you are driving at high speeds. Water can cause your tires to lose traction, and the slick road conditions can cause your vehicle to slide or hydroplane.
This can make it difficult to maneuver your car, increasing your risk of an accident.
Increase in Accidents
According to statistics, rain is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that there were a total of 5,891,000 crashes in the United States in 2019, and of those, 1,235,000 crashes were weather-related.
Importance of Safe Driving
Safe driving in the rain can not only help prevent accidents but can also reduce the severity of injuries if an accident does occur. As a driver, it’s important to remember to slow down.
You must also maintain a safe following distance. Equally, you must avoid sudden movements on the road.
The Role of a Car Accident Lawyer
If you are involved in a car accident in the rain, it’s important to contact a car accident lawyer. At Titan Law Firm, our injury lawyers can help you navigate the legal process. We service many locations in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.
Our car accident attorneys will work day and night to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages so that you can continue working on other projects.
Proving Liability
To receive compensation for your car accident, you will need to prove liability. This means demonstrating that the other driver was at fault for the accident.
This can be especially challenging in rainy conditions. This is when the cause of the accident may be less clear to all involved.
Importance of Seeking Medical Attention
If you are involved in a car accident in the rain, it’s essential to seek medical attention, even if you don’t think you are injured. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not become apparent until days or weeks after the accident.
By seeking medical attention immediately after the accident, you can ensure that any injuries are diagnosed and treated promptly, which can help reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Additionally, seeking medical attention can provide documentation of your injuries. This can be important if you decide to file a personal injury claim.
Los Angeles Rain Accidents Do Happen
Although California is known as the Golden State, Los Angeles rain does happen now and then. This can lead to hazardous driving conditions.
But by following a few key tips, drivers can stay safe on the road. Decreased visibility, slippery roads, and hydroplaning are all issues that drivers may face when driving in the rain, so it’s important to be extra cautious.
By slowing down, increasing your following distance, and making sure your vehicle is properly equipped, you can reduce your risk of getting into an accident. Remember, it’s better to arrive late than not at all.
If you or a loved one haven recently been in a car accident as a result of someone else’s negligence driving in the rain, contact us to schedule a free case evaluation.
At Titan Law Firm, our experienced car accident attorneys are ready to assist you and walk you through the legal process, step-by-step. Call 888.848.2656 today or fill out your information here.
