Florida is known for torrential rains, leading to increased risk of car accidents on slippery roads.
Florida is one of the country’s wettest states. According to the Florida Climate Center, “Florida is situated within a part of the United States where torrential rain is a common occurrence,” particularly along the coast. Torrential rain being defined as at least 3 inches in a single day.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, bad weather conditions, including snow, rain, ice, and sleet, are responsible for more than 20% of all car accidents in the United States. Specifically, 70% of weather-related accidents happen on wet pavement and 46% during rainfall.
Although bad weather can play a significant role in causing Florida car accidents, it doesn’t mean that a driver cannot be partially or fully at fault for a weather-related crash, especially if they failed to adjust their driving for the bad weather conditions. To help you navigate these murky waters, it is advised to contact Fetterman & Associates, P.A. West Palm Beach car accident attorneys if you were involved in a car accident when driving in the rain.
Driving in the rain is dangerous and increases the risk of car accidents on Florida’s roads due to the following six factors:
Under Florida’s pure comparative negligence rule, multiple drivers can be found at fault for a car accident. Under Section 768.81, Florida Statutes, a driver who was found partially responsible for causing a crash is entitled to compensation, but his or her compensation will be reduced in proportion to the degree of fault.
When it comes to establishing fault in car accidents caused by rain or other adverse weather conditions, it must be considered whether the drivers involved acted reasonably. What is “reasonable” depends on the specific weather conditions.
For example, under Section 316.183, Florida Statutes, you are prohibited from driving a motor vehicle at a speed “greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions.”
This law applies to every driver, so be sure that you are adjusting your own driving in order to be safe on the rainy Florida roads. Below we’ve provided eight safety tips to protect yourself and others when driving in the rain.
Follow these eight safety tips when driving in the rain to minimize the risk of being involved in a car accident on Florida’s roads:
Unfortunately, the best safety tips don’t completely eliminate the risk of car accidents, especially if the rain is particularly bad, as Florida torrential rains can often be. If all else fails and you find yourself injured in a weather-related accident on Florida’s rainy roads, don’t hesitate to contact our West Palm Beach car accident attorneys at Fetterman & Associates, P.A. Give us a call at 561-464-6186 to get a free consultation and discuss how you can obtain maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.
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