Seattle is a city that is well-known for seeing significant rainfall. With nearly three feet of rain falling annually, there is sure to be a time when you have to drive during rainy weather conditions.
When sharing the road with other drivers, there is always a risk that one will speed, switch lanes recklessly, or engage in other careless actions that can cause accidents. If you are hurt in an accident with a negligent driver, our Seattle injury lawyer can help you get justice.
Common Accidents During Rainy Weather in Seattle
Slippery and wet road conditions in rainy weather increase the likelihood of motor vehicle accidents. Some of the most commonly reported types of collisions include:
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning happens when a thin layer of water separates the tires from the road surface, causing the loss of traction. This can lead to a loss of control over the vehicle.
Rear-End Collisions
Reduced visibility, slippery roads, and longer stopping distances can increase the risk of rear-end collisions, especially if drivers are not maintaining a safe following distance.
Skidding
Rain can make roads slippery, leading to skidding incidents, particularly when drivers take turns or brake suddenly.
Poor Visibility Accidents
Rain can make it challenging for drivers to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and road signs. This can contribute to collisions, especially if drivers fail to adjust their speed accordingly.
Aquaplaning
Like hydroplaning, aquaplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between the tire and the road surface, causing the vehicle to lose traction. This can lead to skidding and loss of control.
Flooding-Related Accidents
Heavy rain can lead to flooding on roads, making them impassable. Drivers may attempt to cross flooded areas, resulting in stalled vehicles or even submersion.
Collisions at Intersections
Reduced visibility, wet roads, and potential traffic signal malfunctions can contribute to crashes at intersections. Drivers may not see road signals or misjudge the speed and distance of approaching vehicles.
Slippery Turns
Wet conditions can make turns and curves more challenging. Drivers may lose control while navigating a turn, leading to accidents.
You can pursue a personal injury claim after being hurt in a car accident. Our car accident attorney in Seattle will help you prove negligence for your case.
Proving Negligence in Rainy Weather Accident
Establishing negligence is a key element in personal injury claims related to traffic accidents during rainy weather. Negligence involves proving that a party failed to exercise reasonable care, leading to the accident and subsequent injuries.
In rainy weather, negligence may involve speeding, failure to use headlights, or inadequate maintenance of vehicles. Our Seattle injury lawyer will help you gather evidence to prove your case against the defendant.
If you contributed to the accident in any way, you can still legally recover compensation for any damages caused by others involved in the crash.
Comparative Negligence Laws in Washington
Washington follows a comparative negligence system, which means that the court may assign a percentage of fault to each party involved in an accident. This means that, in an accident, the court might assign a percentage of fault to each party involved.
Even if you, as the injured party, are determined to bear some responsibility, you could still qualify for compensation. However, the awarded amount might be reduced depending on the extent of your responsibility for the incident.
Recoverable Damages from Your Car Accident
After your accident, you can seek compensation for damages caused by the defendant, including:
- Medical Expenses: You can recover costs related to hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and other medical treatments required from the car accident.
- Property Damage: Any damage to your vehicle or personal property as a result of the accident can be included in the claim for recovery.
- Lost Wages: If the accident leads to missed workdays and income loss, you may be eligible to recover these lost wages through a compensation claim.
- Future Earnings: In cases where the accident causes long-term or permanent injuries affecting your ability to work, you can claim compensation for future earnings.
- Pain and Suffering: You can recover compensation for the pain and suffering caused by the crash. This can be physical, psychological, or emotional, based on the impact that your injuries have on your life.
- Loss of Consortium: If the accident negatively impacts your relationship with a spouse or family member, you could recover damages for consortium loss.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Expenses related to rehabilitation, physical therapy, or other forms of ongoing treatment needed for recovery may be included in the claim.
Our car accident attorney in Seattle will negotiate fair compensation on your behalf to ensure you recover the financial resources needed throughout your recovery.
Call Our Seattle Injury Lawyer Now
In the aftermath of a car accident, having the right legal representation by your side is crucial. Given how confusing and time-consuming it can be to navigate legal proceedings and challenges from insurance companies, having an experienced car accident attorney in Seattle can make all the difference in securing justice and fair compensation.
At Bernard Law Group, we are dedicated to understanding each client’s unique situation and advocating for their rights with expertise and a client-centered approach. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Seattle, please contact us for a consultation. Let our team guide you through this challenging time with the knowledge and determination you deserve.
