Hydroplane Car Accidents in Florida

With hurricane season officially upon us, Florida drivers need to use more care than ever when navigating our state’s roads, especially in inclement weather. Hydroplaning, which occurs when a vehicle loses traction on wet roads, is a particular risk in Florida, where heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions are common. Understanding the factors that can result in a hydroplane accident can make all the difference when it comes to avoiding them. Read on to learn more about the steps you can take to prevent a hydroplane accident.

What is Hydroplaning? 

Hydroplaning occurs when a thin layer of water on the surface of the road causes a vehicle’s tires to lose contact with the asphalt, making it much harder, if not impossible to steer, brake, or control the vehicle’s speed at all. Essentially, when a vehicle’s tires encounter more water than they can disperse, it creates a wedge of water beneath the tires themselves, lifting the tires off of the surface of the roadway. The longer a vehicle’s wheels are lifted off the road, the greater the chances of a collision with another vehicle or object. Even when these collisions happen at relatively low speeds, they can still result in a lot of damage, both to the vehicle and the parties involved.

Hydroplaning Risk Factors 

There are a variety of factors that can increase a person’s chances of hydroplaning, including:

• The amount of water on the road’s surface, with the danger of hydroplaning increasing when the water is equal to or deeper than 1/10th of an inch;
• The driver’s speed, as the faster a person is driving, the less time the tires have to displace enough water to retain traction;
• The condition of the vehicle’s tires, as tires with less tread depth are much less effective at pushing water out from underneath and retaining contact with the road;
• Tire width, as tires with wider treads and a larger surface area more susceptible to hydroplaning;
• Vehicle weight, with lighter vehicles less able to displace water and so less resistant to hydroplaning; and
• The type of road surface, with non-grooved asphalt less able to shed water and so more likely to cause a vehicle’s tires to hydroplane.

By having a thorough understanding of these risk factors, drivers can take more safety precautions when driving during or soon after heavy rainfall and so improve their chances of avoiding a potentially serious collision.

Liability for Hydroplane Accidents in Florida 

Determining who is legally responsible for a hydroplane accident can be difficult, as these kinds of collisions are usually the result of a combination of factors. At Anderson & Anderson, we are well-versed in the kinds of arguments that insurers use to try and avoid liability for an accident. We can help you investigate the cause of your crash, gather evidence, navigate the legal process, and seek fair compensation for your losses. Call 813-251-0072 or send us an online message to learn more about how our experienced Tampa auto accident lawyers can help with your case.

Sources: 

clickorlando.com/traffic/2022/09/28/fatal-crash-prompts-roadblock-in-astatula-troopers-say/

leesburg-news.com/2022/09/28/lake-county-driver-killed-after-losing-control-of-hydroplaning-vehicle/