California Rain Accident Lawyers
- PAY NOTHING UPFRONT
- OVER $0 MILLION RECOVERED
- ZERO-FEES UNTIL WE WIN
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our California Rain Accident Lawyers Offer Compassionate Help, Skilled Representation
Rain is a major contributing factor in some road crashes and accidents. For this reason, motorists must adjust their driving behavior accordingly. If you or a loved one got injured in a road accident due to rain, the California rain accident lawyers at Arash Law provide legal assistance in pursuing compensation for your injuries and damages. Call us at (888) 488-1391 and have your case evaluated in a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
Most of us consider rain a nuisance when we’re driving. What’s dangerous is when we forget just how hazardous it is. Rain affects how we drive, so we need to be extra careful when traveling. Nevertheless, someone always gets hurt in road accidents due to rain. Negligent drivers continue to traverse our roadways, and they’re particularly deadlier when it’s raining. Other accidents, such as slip-and-falls, construction accidents, and other premises liability incidents, may also occur during the rainy season.
Our rain accident attorneys in California have experience handling weather-related accident cases in ways that protect clients’ legal rights and best interests. Our legal team has helped accident victims navigate the legal process. We can bring the same dedication to your case. Call us now or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form to know if you have a valid claim.
How Our Experienced California Rain Accident Lawyers Can Help Your Case
There are many car accidents every year that are directly attributed to rain. In states like California, where the weather is usually dry, the number of injuries and casualties is higher. If such an incident happens to you, know that you may have legal options depending on the facts of your case. Our rain accident attorneys in California understand the profound effect of rain on driving and can help victims assess if someone may be liable for their accidents. To help you with your case:
- We will thoroughly investigate your accident and gather the necessary evidence to build your case.
- We will take into account all your losses to help assess the potential value of your case based on the specific circumstances and available evidence.
- We will negotiate on your behalf and work to protect your interests throughout the process.
- We will handle all the legal stuff, from paperwork and observing the deadline to negotiation and litigation.
- We may be able to take your case to court if a settlement isn’t reached with the insurance company and if it is a viable option for your situation.
Let Our California Rain Accident Attorneys Handle Your Claim
Our legal team can advocate for you in pursuing fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Our personal injury attorneys aim to handle the legal processes while you focus on getting well. Keep in mind that it is best not to delay in reporting an accident claim, as waiting too long could allow factors such as the statute of limitations to reduce or bar your claim once an injury has occurred.
Because of their familiarity with the state’s climate, our accident attorneys in California understand that rain causes more accidents than other weather conditions, especially in areas where people are less accustomed to driving in wet conditions. It’s not an excuse, however, since most car accidents are preventable if only drivers adjust their behavior accordingly. In order to promote safety on the road, drivers may need to be aware of how rain causes collisions and what injuries victims usually sustain.
Our client was driving with his wife and son on a two-lane highway when a drunk driver crossed the double yellow lines, causing a head-on collision that claimed the life of a loving wife and mother.– Arash Khorsandi
Common Injuries In California Rain Accidents
In inclement weather, distracted or careless drivers can cause severe injuries to themselves and others. When such accidents happen, injured victims may forget to seek the necessary medical care in a timely manner. This action ultimately lowers their chances of making a complete physical and financial recovery.
Therefore, if you’re injured in an accident due to rain, it’s crucial to get medically evaluated, even if you think there’s no problem at all. Our California rain accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation if you have sustained any of the following injuries:
Head Injuries
A head injury affects the brain, skull, or scalp and ranges from minor bumps and bruises to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). From the most common concussions to the more severe open-head injuries where an item penetrates the skull and goes into the brain, TBIs often lead to devastating and even permanent damage. Headache, dizziness, insomnia, loss of consciousness, convulsions, nausea, confusion, and blurred vision are common symptoms.
Spinal Injuries
Damage to the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (lower back) spine may result in a spinal injury. Severe back pain or pressure in the neck, head, or back; numbness or tingling in the hands, fingers, feet, or toes; and weakness, incoordination, or loss of control in any body part are common emergency symptoms.
Neck Injuries
Medical professionals often diagnose soft tissue injuries — the most common neck injury after a traffic collision — as whiplash, neck sprains, or neck strains. Whiplash, like the cracking of a whip, is the result of the intense and rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck due to the accident’s impact. The duration of these injuries ranges from a few days or weeks to several months, depending on the severity.
Amputations
Sometimes, the damage an accident inflicts on the victim can restrict the circulation of blood to their limbs (arm or leg) or digits (fingers or toes), causing the tissue to die. Given enough time, this results in that body part getting amputated. The more severe traumatic amputation happens when a limb detaches during the accident. Survivors of amputations are more likely to use aids such as wheelchairs, crutches, scooters, and prosthetics.
Bone Fractures
A car accident can result not only in cuts, bruises, scrapes, and swelling in some body parts but also in broken bones. Fractured tibia (shinbone), hip, hands, wrist, or ankle are the most common bone fractures. In some instances, rib fractures occur due to the seatbelt or the vehicle itself crumpling during the crash.
Emotional Trauma
The often unseen psychological impact of any traumatizing event is just as important as physical injuries. Survivors of traffic accidents frequently experience nightmares and flashbacks that bring them back to the traumatic scene. These symptoms can be extremely distressing and crippling. The victim’s family and friends need to be aware of the signs, including avoidance behavior, social disengagement, and social distancing from anyone close to them.
The Dangers Of Driving In The Rain
There’s a whole lot of science behind tire traction that involves friction, inertia, and gravity. To put it simply, how the tires and the vehicle perform on the road is affected by a lot of factors, including the amount of moisture on the roadways.
Over time, oils naturally accumulate on the road’s surface due to the daily traffic that uses it. Heavy rains can wash these oils away, but light and moderate rains can help them to rise, lubricating the road, interfering with tire traction, and making driving extremely dangerous.
Take into account the following additional risks:
- Visibility on the road is greatly reduced in rainy conditions. On a related note, rain can distort the light a car’s headlights emit, making them less visible.
- Potholes, road debris, warning signs, and other hazards on the road are obscured by the rain, making it more challenging for drivers to recognize and respond safely.
- It can get more challenging to maintain the clarity of safety mirrors and windshields when it’s raining. It can also be difficult for wipers to keep up, further reducing visibility.
- The stopping distance — the critical distance traveled when the driver sees a hazard, applies brakes, and comes to a complete stop — increases in the rain. Even the ability of the vehicle to brake safely is affected.
- Aside from hiding a potential hazard on the road, standing water can cause a vehicle to lift off the road. Known as “aquaplaning,” the vehicle’s tires can lose contact with the road, causing you to lose control.
- Heavy rain is frequently accompanied by strong gusts, creating a deadly combination of extremely hazardous driving conditions.
Negligent Driving In The Rain Mainly Causes Road Accidents
Negligence is a common cause of accidents on the road. Rain is a major contributing factor. But it’s seldom the only factor. Speed, for instance, increases the risk of crashes and collisions on roadways made wet and slick by rain.
Oil and grease float to the road’s surface after a rain. Therefore, it’s important to adjust your speed and driving behavior accordingly. Drivers risk hydroplaning and flying off the road immediately after rainfall. They may slip into the berm, shoulder, or another person. Sunny California drivers need to learn how to adjust their driving behavior based on the weather conditions.
Some drivers take photos of the rain and text them to loved ones while behind the wheel. To stay safe, pull over before using your phone. Distracted driving is just as dangerous as driving while drowsy or impaired.
What To Do After A Road Accident Due To Rain In California
Whether a truck, motorcycle, or passenger vehicle is involved, it may be easy to feel confused and overwhelmed after a road accident. However, it’s crucial to collect yourself together and follow the steps below, recommended by our rain accident lawyers in California, to help protect your safety and well-being. This may also be useful if you consider filing a claim in the future.
Stay In A Safe Place
Move your vehicle or walk to a safer spot after an accident only if it’s safe and possible to do so. Take videos and photos of the exact location of each vehicle and anything else that can be relevant to your case, such as lane lines on the road and traffic signals, before moving them.
Call The Police
Call 911 to request police assistance at the accident scene. Officers may investigate and prepare a collision report, which can become important evidence in a legal claim. When speaking with law enforcement, explain the facts as you know them without speculating or admitting fault.
Collect Information From Drivers & Witnesses
Get the names, phone numbers, addresses, and emails of all other drivers involved in the accident. Take photos of their driver’s licenses, license plates, and insurance details. In case photos or videos are irreversibly lost or deleted, it’s best to have these details written down or emailed and texted to you. Also, gather the names and contact information of all possible witnesses.
Get Medical Attention Immediately
Going to the local hospital emergency or urgent care center is vital, even if you feel fine. Some injuries do not show symptoms immediately. Seek an ambulance if you cannot drive safely. Our legal team may also be able to connect you with medical providers who can provide appropriate treatment.
Contact Arash Law
Our rain accident and injury attorneys offer free initial consultations. We can advise you on what to say, what not to say, and what to do when dealing with the police, insurance companies, and other parties. We provide legal support so you can pursue the compensation available to you under the law.
Regarding Auto Body Repair
Visit a reliable body shop if your vehicle can be fixed. If it cannot be driven, have a professional tow truck driver tow it. Consider avoiding unsolicited tow trucks and instead contact a towing company that you know or your insurer recommends. You may also want to research auto body repair shops before choosing one recommended by your insurance company.
Ask us how to prove and establish a Diminished Value claim if your vehicle can be fixed. After repairs, your automobile, truck, motorcycle, or other property has a diminished value (DV) relative to its pre-collision worth. In other words, following collision repairs, your vehicle is generally worth less, especially if it has a frame and other serious damage.
Liability In A California Road Accident Due To Rain
To help prevent traffic accidents and promote safety, all drivers need to constantly fulfill their legal duty of care to operate their vehicles safely. Upholding this duty is critical when driving in the rain, as the roadways become even more hazardous and the chance of an accident increases. Liability in a road accident entails proving the driver didn’t fulfill their duty to drive carefully and holding them financially accountable for any resulting injuries and damages.
In summary, our California attorneys for rain accidents need to prove the following to establish liability:
- The defendant had a duty of care to drive cautiously.
- The defendant breached that duty by not being cautious.
- The resulting accident directly led to your injuries.
- You suffered actual damages due to your injuries.
Liable Actions In Rain Accident Cases
The success of a claim often depends on identifying the cause of the accident. An attorney can review the facts and help determine whether negligence played a role. Examples of negligent behavior that may create liability for motorists include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Violating traffic signals or road signs.
- Fatigued or distracted driving.
- Driving beyond the speed limit.
- Not maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them.
- Not using their windshield wipers or turning on their headlights.
- Not inspecting their vehicle regularly and properly.
- Incorrect handling of a hydroplaning incident.
Product Liability In Rain Accident Cases
Sometimes, a mechanical problem causes a car accident, no matter how safely the driver operates their vehicle. In such cases, the product manufacturer, designer, or retailer can be held liable for the resulting losses.
Accidents due to rain and product liability cases may include the following:
- Defective Tires — Tires lose tread over time, which makes them less effective at gripping the road. As tires wear down in a process called “balding,” they become more prone to sliding on wet roads and then hydroplaning. In establishing liability, your lawyer may need to consult auto mechanics to assess the vehicle’s roadworthiness.
- Faulty Brakes — Brake pads wear out like tires, preventing a car from stopping completely. Therefore, all car owners should test their brakes regularly. Faulty brakes may open the door for you to pursue a claim against the manufacturer.
- Windshield Wipers — In a rainstorm, cracked and broken windshield wipers are ineffective. Thus, all drivers should replace them regularly to maintain clear visibility while driving. However, a design error or manufacturing defect may have prevented a driver from seeing out of their window and avoiding an accident. This scenario may allow them to file a product liability claim.
In establishing liability, the burden of proof lies on the victim’s side. As discussed, numerous factors are at play, making the process of proving negligence too complex for someone with little to no legal knowledge and experience. Let our California rain accident lawyers from Arash Law support you throughout the legal process.
Premises Liability In Rain Accident Cases
It’s vital to remember that rain not only affects road conditions but also causes traffic accidents. Any surfaces aside from roadways, such as parking lots and business establishments, can get wet and slick due to rain. Walking on these properties can be dangerous. In fact, tripping or slipping and falling can become more commonplace and devastating in inclement weather conditions.
Slip-and-fall accidents are a common occurrence during the rainy season. Due to customers coming in and out of commercial establishments, water gets tracked indoors. This ultimately causes slippery floors, which then leads to slipping accidents. If the employees of the store fail to put up wet floor signage, mop the moisture, and maintain the safety in their premises, victims may be able to seek damages for their injuries.
Property owners and managers are expected to maintain their establishments regularly and properly to avert the risk of slip and fall accidents. Victims, especially elderly ones who are more prone to severe injuries from falling, can file premises liability cases to pursue financial reparation for their damages. Let our California attorneys with experience in rain accidents guide you through your possible legal options.
Legal Damages To Recover In California Rain Accident Cases
Getting injured because of another’s careless driving behavior in the rain is incredibly unfair. However, accident victims may still have options to address their losses. In certain cases, some injured victims may be able to pursue compensation if someone else’s negligence contributed to the accident. Our rain accident lawyers in California may be able to assist you if this applies to your case.
In general, accident victims can recover two types of compensatory damages: economic, which are tangible losses that can be easily calculated, and non-economic, which are intangible and harder to measure. Punitive damages are also awarded on rare occasions where the at-fault party’s actions are found to be extremely negligent or intentional.
The following are common legal damages in these types of accidents.
Present & Future Medical Costs
Physical injuries from accidents often incur high medical bills. Severe injuries, in particular, can lead to prolonged hospitalization and medication, increasing the total cost of medical care. Future medical expenses should also be calculated, as complications and secondary healthcare issues can arise even after the original injuries have healed.
Lost Wages & Reduced Earning Capacity
You need time off work to allow yourself to recover from injuries with no interruptions. Even then, the damages you sustained in the accident may prevent you from returning to work for an extended period of time. All these present and future lost income could result in substantial financial losses.
If your career, in general, takes a hit and your ability to make money over time is compromised, the consequences can be significant.
Pain & Suffering
Your mental anguish and suffering are real, even though you are unable to see them or accurately measure them. In actuality, these psychological effects may seriously impede your recuperation and result in long-term issues.
Other Damages To Recover
We aim to account for the damages victims have suffered to determine the compensation that may be available for them. Our rain accident lawyers in California can help preserve relevant evidence that could help show possible negligence by the at-fault party and support a claim for financial compensation. Aside from the main damages mentioned above, we will also look at whether the following applies to you:
- Property Damage — This compensation may include replacement, repair, loss of use, and sentimental value of a damaged property, depending on the circumstances and available evidence in the case.
- Disability — Monetary reparation may be available for accident victims left with permanent impairments due to another driver’s negligence.
- Disfigurement or Scarring — Financial restitution may be available for certain cases. These may include facial scarring, nose fractures, ear or nose deformities, loss of teeth, jawbone fractures, and other disfigurements.
- Loss of Companionship — A spouse may pursue non-economic damages if an accident causes the loss of love, companionship, comfort, support, or care. These damages can arise when a partner dies or when injuries significantly affect the marital relationship.
- Loss of Quality of Life — Victims may be able to pursue compensation for their loss of enjoyment of life, including the loss of the ability to perform everyday activities.
- Wrongful Death — The eligible family of a deceased accident victim may qualify for compensation for hospital bills, funeral expenses, and burial costs, among others, depending on the legal factors involved.
Statute Of Limitations For California Rain Accidents
There is a two-year statute of limitations in California for filing lawsuits related to injuries sustained in an accident. This holds true whether you are claiming monetary compensation for a motorcycle crash, pedestrian collision, or car accident due to rain.
When precisely the two-year period starts depends on the type of case.
- In accidents involving non-fatal injuries, the timeframe begins on the date of the incident or the date of the injury’s discovery.
- In accidents involving a wrongful death, the two-year deadline starts on the date of the death, which may or may not coincide with the date of the accident.
- In accidents involving property damage only, the state stipulates a three-year timeframe.
- In claims against a government agency, the deadline is shortened to just six (6) months.
- In claims where the claimant is a minor, the statute will officially begin after they turn 18.
California Rain Accident Statistics – The Rain Accident Traffic Study
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), wet pavement from rain can reduce traction and affect vehicle handling. They also note that every year:
- Approximately 75% of weather-related crashes occur on wet pavement, about 47% of which happen during rainfall.
- More than 544,000 people are injured on wet pavement each year, and nearly 5,700 fatalities are reported.
- Approximately 3,400 deaths and over 357,000 injuries occur in crashes during rainfall.
According to research for the Crosstown Project of USC Annenberg, about 80% of drivers are more likely to have an accident in the rain than when the weather is clear. California sees all weather hues, so expect several road accidents due to adverse weather. Blaming nature is simple. However, we can’t blame nature for accidents and sue for damages. Unfortunately, humans cause more road accidents than nature.
Driving In The Rain – Tips For Preventing Car Accidents
Experts, including our rain accident attorneys in California, suggest the following tips to prevent road accidents in the rain.
- Defog Your Windows Beforehand — Make sure to prepare ahead of time. That includes having clear windows. Use your car’s “defog” function or have your air conditioner blowing at the main windows.
- Drive Slowly — This is a no-brainer, but every driver needs to be constantly reminded. There are proper times to speed and to slow down. Speeding in rainy weather almost always translates to road accidents.
- Maintain Focus on the Car in Front — Keeping your eyes on the vehicle in front of you allows you to anticipate the driver’s actions. This way, you can react to any possible situation properly and on time.
- Avoid Braking Suddenly — Stay aware of your surroundings to avoid having to apply sudden brakes. Otherwise, if you need to stop quickly, use the emergency brake or pull over to safety. Good wear on your tires also helps. It’s also helpful to have tires with good tread.
- Avoid Driving Through Standing Water — One of the easiest ways to lose traction and get into a crash is to drive through standing water. If it’s really necessary, lightly apply the brake to dry off the tire after driving over it.
- Pull Over and Wait It Out — During especially heavy rain, it’s better just to pull over to the side of the road and wait for the bad weather to calm down. Avoiding the risk, if possible, is always wise, so heed caution. Losing a loved one in an auto accident is indescribable.
Call Arash Law’s Rain Accident Lawyers In California
Get in touch with us as soon as you can after a road accident due to rain. If you or a family member suffered injuries, losses, and hardships, you may have legal options when pursuing compensation. Our rain accident and injury attorneys offer a free initial consultation, together with a contingency fee arrangement once they take on your case. In this arrangement, you don’t have to pay upfront lawyer fees. We can explain this fee structure and other case-related costs, such as court filing fees, expert witness fees, and any additional expenses that may arise during your claim.
Arash Law, under the guidance of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., has assisted many clients in injury cases. We aim to provide the legal support you may need and are committed to seeking appropriate compensation for your damages.
Our California rain accident attorneys provide legal services for clients throughout the state, including its major cities: Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Fresno, Anaheim, Long Beach, Oakland, Riverside, Kern County, Sutter County, Alpine County, and San Bernardino County.
