While California is well-known for its beautiful weather and climate, there are instances where sudden rain storms can hit. If you’re driving while in one of these rain storms, you know how difficult it can be to see and maneuver your car. Even with windshield wipers and lights, driving in a rainstorm offers a lot of difficulties.
Sometimes, visibility is so low that you may think about putting your hazard lights on. However, this can sometimes confuse other drivers. So, what happens if you put your hazard lights on during a rainstorm in California and there’s an accident?
Regardless of the circumstances, being in a car accident in California can result in certain injuries and other damages that you can get legal help for. At Maison Law, our team of California car accident lawyers has extensive experience handling accident claims and making sure our clients get the treatment and care they deserve. If this has happened to you and you want to know more, contact us today for a free consultation.
What Challenges Come Up While Driving During a Rainstorm in California?
California’s climate stands out as one of its defining features. It boasts a relatively stable weather pattern, but its proximity to the Pacific Ocean brings occasional rainfall into the picture.
Driving in heavy rain or other wet conditions unquestionably presents greater challenges compared to driving in clear weather.
Several factors contribute to this increased risk, and these adverse conditions can lead to accidents resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities. While these dangers are real, understanding the challenges that come from rainstorms in California can sometimes help you handle these risks. Typically, these challenges include:
- Low visibility – Rain can significantly reduce visibility, especially during heavy downpours. Water on the windshield, combined with rain and spray from other vehicles, can make it difficult to see the road ahead, road signs, and other vehicles. Reduced visibility is one of the main risks of accidents.
- Slick roads – Rain creates slick road surfaces, particularly in the initial stages of a storm when oils and debris on the road mix with water. This reduced traction can lead to skidding and loss of control, making it essential to drive more cautiously.
- Hydroplaning – When water accumulates on the road surface faster than it can be dispersed, a vehicle can lose contact with the road and hydroplane. This can result in a loss of control and make steering and braking ineffective.
- Poor braking – Rain reduces the effectiveness of your car’s brakes. Wet brake pads and discs take longer to engage, increasing the stopping distance. This means you need to brake earlier and with less force to slow down or stop safely.
- Reduced traction – Wet roads can significantly reduce tire traction. This is especially problematic during the first minutes of rainfall when oils and debris on the road create a slippery surface. Even vehicles with good tires may struggle for grip.
- Increased stopping distance – Rain increases the distance it takes for a vehicle to come to a complete stop. Drivers should maintain a safe following distance to ensure they have enough room to stop or react to sudden changes in traffic.
- Limited maneuverability – Rain can affect a vehicle’s handling, making it less responsive to steering inputs. This reduced maneuverability can make it challenging to navigate curves and corners safely.
Even with these challenges, it’s still possible to drive effectively in a rainstorm. That said, sometimes a storm is so severe that you have little to no visibility. In these instances, should you turn your hazard lights on?
Should You Put Your Hazard Lights On During a Rainstorm in California?
Generally speaking, your car’s hazard lights–also known as flashers or emergency lights–are only to be used in certain situations, like:
- Your vehicle is broken down and stationary
- There’s an emergency and you need to stop on the shoulder of the road
- You want to warn other drivers of a pothole or collision ahead
Thus, using your hazard lights while driving in a rainstorm can be confusing and potentially dangerous for other drivers. It may give the impression that your vehicle is stationary or experiencing an emergency, which can lead to misinterpretations and accidents.
Rather than using your hazard lights during a rainstorm, there are some other ways you can effectively battle the rain:
- Use your regular headlights, not high beams, to improve your visibility and make your vehicle more visible to others.
- Slow down and drive at a safe and appropriate speed for the rainy conditions. This helps you maintain better control of your vehicle.
- Leave more distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Rain can increase stopping distances, so having more space allows you to react to sudden stops or hazards.
- Ensure your windshield wipers are in good working condition and use them to keep your windshield clear of rainwater.
- Be especially careful when driving on wet roads, as they can be slippery. Avoid sudden maneuvers, such as quick lane changes or sharp turns.
- Listen to weather reports or use a weather app to stay informed about the current conditions and any road closures or advisories.
Remember that while hazard lights are not appropriate for driving in the rain, using your regular headlights and driving cautiously are the best ways to take care of your safety during a rainstorm in California. Still, if an accident does happen, our team of car accident lawyers can help with your legal options.
Options After a Car Accident During a Rainstorm in California
In cases of car accidents caused by heavy rainfall in California, assigning liability involves considering various factors and parties. Determining fault in such situations can be challenging but typically revolves around negligence, which is your duty to drive in a way that keeps others safe. Other drivers have this duty as well, so when there’s an accident, any of the following could potentially be liable:
- The other driver
- The government agency that’s responsible for maintaining the road and keeping it safe from things like downed trees or potholes
- The car manufacturer
- The manufacturer of faulty parts
California also has what’s known as “comparative negligence”, which holds that any fault you contribute to the accident will reduce any potential financial reward you get by the same percentage.
Regardless, the team of experienced car accident lawyers at Maison Law can help you explore your legal rights and options, and help you navigate the claims process to get financial support for your injuries and things like your medical bills and emotional distress you went through. To get started, contact us today for a free consultation.
