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Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC | Car Accidents in Heavy Rain in Kentucky -  Image Name
In September 2018, thunderstorms and heavy rains pounded the Lexington area. Motor vehicle accidents and injuries sent several victims to emergency rooms, and one driver was taken straight to the county jail. The Lexington Police Department reported that between midnight and 2:00 a.m., it responded to about a dozen rain-related accidents. Continued rains threatened roads in the area. We may get heavy rain next week in Louisville and everywhere else in the state from the remnants of Hurricane Florence.

Get The Tiger After An Injury In The Rain

Rain doesn’t cause an accident. Accidents that occur on wet roads or while it’s raining are caused by the carelessness and negligence of drivers. If you’ve been hit and injured by one of those drivers in or around Louisville, Lexington, or anywhere else in Kentucky, call 911 to report the crash and seek immediate medical attention. After that, call us right away to arrange for a free consultation and case review.

Accidents Increase With Rain

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, rain is the most dangerous condition that we can drive in. About 76 percent of all motor vehicle collisions occur on wet pavement, and about 46 percent of them while it’s raining. As per ice and snow, only about 12 percent of all vehicle accidents occur on icy roads, while 14 percent happen on snowy or slushy roads. What that translates into is that you’re five times more likely to be in an accident on a wet rainy road than on an icy or snowy road.

Rain results in wet roads that become slick and dangerous from a combination of water and motor oil, especially after a long period of time without rain. Like snow or ice, wet and oily roads operate to increase stopping distances while decreasing the tire traction and maneuverability of every vehicle on those roads. Poor visibility, wet brakes, increased stopping distances and hydroplaning can also factor in with rain. As a result of these factors, the number of motor vehicle accidents increases dramatically.

Can I Be Held at Fault For an Accident in the Rain?

While giving due regard to traffic and weather conditions, every driver of a motor vehicle in Kentucky has a legal duty to drive their vehicle in a safe and careful manner. What that means is that a motorist can still be held responsible for a crash, even if rain contributed to an accident that the motorist was involved in. If a driver is found to have breached the duty of care and caused an accident with injuries, it’s likely that he or she will be responsible for compensating the injured claimant for his or her damages.

Rain Safety Reminders

Kentucky doesn’t have a mandatory headlights law when windshield wipers are in use, but when it’s raining, you’ll want to let other drivers know that you’re around. Turn your lights on in the rain. You’ll probably want to drive slower than the posted speed limit when it’s raining, and leave some extra room between you and the vehicle ahead of you. If your wipers are streaking, replace the blades. You need to be able to read and process the information that you get from the road ahead of you. Never use your cruise control on wet roads, and stay attentive rather than distracted.

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