To say that Houston gets its fair share of rain throughout the year would be an understatement. Heavy rainfall, like all inclement weather, leads to dangerous driving conditions that significantly increase the risk of car accidents. But how is liability determined for an accident in heavy rainfall?
Salazar & Velazquez, P.C. is here to help you understand the way liability works for accidents in heavy rainfall. Our car accident attorneys in Houston have helped countless clients get the compensation they deserve for their injuries, and we are ready to help you, too! Keep reading to learn four ways that drivers can be held liable for accidents during heavy rainfall, and schedule a free consultation with our legal team today!
1. Driving Without Headlights On
Under Texas law, there are two conditions in which drivers are required to have their vehicle’s headlights turned on:
- When driving at night
- When visibility is less than 1,000 feet
Driving during periods of heavy rainfall lands firmly under condition number two. Thus, liability for an accident involving two or more drivers can fall on any drivers who didn’t have their headlights on at the time of the crash.
2. Reckless Driving
There are many driving violations that fall under the umbrella term of reckless driving. When you are operating a motor vehicle, you assume a duty of care to other drivers who share the road with you. Chief to this duty is the responsibility to drive in a manner that does not endanger the lives of others. In Texas, speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, drag-racing, running red lights, and following another driver too closely are all examples of reckless driving behavior. An experienced car accident attorney can investigate your claim to determine whether someone’s reckless driving contributed to the accident.
3. Distracted Driving
Texas enforces a state-wide ban on texting while driving. If any driver involved in an accident is found to have sent or received electronic messages while driving, and these actions are determined to have contributed to the accident in question, they may incur some or all of the liability for the accident.
4. Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Drivers are held responsible for the routine maintenance and upkeep their vehicle needs to operate safely on public roadways. This is true whether an accident occurs amongst heavy rainfall conditions or under clear blue skies, but tire upkeep is especially important to prevent vehicles from hydroplaning on wet roads. That’s why our car accident attorneys always encourage clients to keep up with vehicle maintenance — it could be the difference between being held liable for an accident or being compensated for one.
Salazar & Velazquez, P.C. takes pride in helping car accident victims get the compensation they deserve for their injuries. Schedule a free consultation with our car accident attorneys in Houston!
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