Ventura County is known statewide for its beautiful vistas and excellent weather, making road trips or daily commutes a bit more pleasing. Even though Ventura County’s arid climate is fairly stable, there is always the possibility of rain, especially in the winter months. When sudden downpours strike, it can make driving on Ventura County roads a much more difficult prospect.
Statistics bore this out, with data from the U.S. Department of Transportation showing that around 21% of the over 5 million car accidents per year are related to rain and other inclement weather.
No matter what the weather is, drivers have a responsibility to operate their vehicles in the safest way possible at all times. This is even true during sudden downpours, but this also, unfortunately, increases the risk of an accident due to slick roadways and poor visibility.
Ventura County Car Accident Attorneys Can Help You
When you or a loved one suffers a car accident because of a downpour, it can have life-changing effects. Injuries, property damage, and even death can occur in these accidents, which occur for a variety of reasons during rainy or other bad weather. If you have been injured in a Ventura County downpour car accident, our team of experienced Ventura County car accident attorneys at Quirk Accident & Injury Attorneys, APC can help.
To learn more about we can help you through this process, contact us today for a free consultation.
Causes of Ventura County Downpour Accidents
One of Ventura County’s most distinguishing characteristics is its climate. While it is fairly stable, there is tangible rainfall due to the county’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean. According to data from Visit Ventura, the city’s visitor’s bureau, Ventura County averages around 17 inches of rain per year. While this is much lower than the national average, the possibility of a sudden downpour always exists.
Driving in downpours or other wet conditions is obviously much more dangerous than driving in good weather. This is due to a variety of different factors, from decreased visibility to poor vehicle performance that makes controlling your car more difficult. In turn, these conditions can lead to accidents in which you or a loved one could be seriously injured or even killed. While dangerous, understanding the causes of accidents during downpours in Ventura County can sometimes help you reduce this risk. Causes of these accidents include:
- Reduced visibility – Among the most common causes of accidents during downpours in Ventura County is decreased visibility. When a sudden rainstorm hits, your windshield and windows can become foggy because of the increase in humidity. More than that, heavy rain and foggy conditions outside of the vehicle can quickly decrease visibility, which makes it harder to control the car and see potential dangers.
- Reduced traction – Wet roads are quite often slippery, especially after sudden downpours. This reduces tire traction, causing cars to slide. Also, surface oils on the roadway from vehicles create additional slippery conditions that cars have to deal with. Even vehicles with newer or specialized tires can fall victim to slippage in these conditions.
- Driving capability – Driving in rainy conditions can also alter how certain drivers operate their cars. This is especially true in places like Ventura County, where the climate is usually drier, meaning that drivers may not have as much experience driving in downpours and wet conditions. Usually, drivers are either more timid, which can lead to hazards for other vehicles that are trying to move at faster speeds. Drivers can also be too aggressive in these conditions, which can cause accidents because wet, rainy roads are more difficult to negotiate at higher speeds.
Knowing the causes of accidents in rainy conditions is only one part of the equation. The other is what to do if you do find yourself in an accident. As with any other car accident, determining liability is key to getting the support you need to recover from injuries.
Liability in Ventura County Downpour Accidents
When there is a car accident because of a downpour in Ventura County, liability could be placed on multiple parties, depending on the circumstances. Figuring out who was at fault for the accident can sometimes be difficult, but usually involves one of the following:
- Yourself
- Another driver
- The entity responsible for maintaining the roadway
- Car or part manufacturer
When the car accident is caused by another driver’s reckless or negligent driving–speeding, following you too closely–their insurance company will be responsible for covering any injuries or damages you suffer.
Conversely, if you cause the accident by driving slowly or not using your headlights or windshield wipers, you could be liable for any damages.
Sometimes, poor road maintenance can lead to potholes or uneven pavement. In downpours, these already dangerous conditions are magnified and can lead to accidents. In that situation, the entity responsible for maintaining the road could be held liable for damages.
Lastly, if your car’s tires or brakes fail in a downpour, the manufacturer of the part or car company itself could be responsible for covering your damages.
Experienced and Compassionate Support From Ventura County Car Accident Attorneys
Driving in downpours and rainy conditions is sometimes a fact of life in Ventura County. When these conditions lead to a serious car accident, you or a loved one will be faced with injuries and other damages that can have far-reaching implications for your life going forward.
In these unfortunate situations, having our team of experienced and compassionate Ventura County car accident attorneys at Quirk Accident and Injury Attorneys, APC on your side can make your recovery process much easier.
If you or a loved one have suffered a car accident in a downpour in Ventura County, don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation.