Florida Legal Information Blog
The rainy season in West Palm Beach typically lasts from May until October. During this time the area experiences an average of 12 inches of rainfall per month. The rains usually come in the form of thunderstorms, which can sometimes be severe.
While the weather can be a bit unpredictable during this time of year, it’s also one of the most beautiful times to be in West Palm Beach. The area is lush and green, and the rains help to cool off the hot summer temperatures.
However, the rainy season can also be a dangerous time to be on the roads. Due to the increased rainfall, the roads can become slick and slippery. This can lead to a higher number of car accidents. As a West Palm Beach Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyer, my office understands that:
- Rain can reduce visibility. This makes it more difficult for drivers to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and potential hazards on the road. Make sure your windshield wipers are in good working condition. You don’t want to be caught in a rainstorm with bad wipers; it’ll make it harder to see and increase your chances of getting into an accident.
- Rain can make roads slick and slippery. This can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, especially if they’re going too fast or make sudden turns. There’s no need to rush when you’re driving in the rain. Slow down and give yourself extra time to get where you’re going.
- Rain can cause a vehicle to hydroplane. This occurs when a vehicle’s tires lose contact with the road surface because of water build-up. Hydroplaning can lead to loss of control and accidents. If you start to hydroplane, gently take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want to go until you regain control.
- Storms can cause downed trees and power lines, which can block roads and create dangerous driving conditions. Stay in your car if you encounter a sparking or downed power line.
It is important to remember that when driving a motor vehicle, we all have a duty of care to other road users. This means that you must take care to avoid causing injury or death to another person. There are many ways to do this, but some of the most important things to remember are:
- Slow your speed and allow extra space between your vehicle and others
- Use your headlights, even during daylight hours
- Avoid driving through puddles, which can cause hydroplaning
- Don’t make sudden moves or turns. And avoid braking or accelerating too quickly
- Watch out for pedestrians, who may be more difficult to see in the rain
- Never drink and drive
- Never use a mobile phone while driving
If you are involved in a collision, there are certain steps you must take to ensure that everyone is safe and that the scene of the accident is not made worse. These include:
- Checking for injuries
- Calling emergency services
- Exchanging insurance details with the other driver
- Taking photos of the damage and the accident scene
- If there are witnesses, it is also important to get their contact information so that they can provide a statement if necessary
By following these simple guidelines, you can help to make our roads safer for everyone. Duty of care is something we all have to think about every time we get behind the wheel. Let’s all do our part to make sure that everyone gets home safely.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. The experienced team at the Law Office of Roger P. Foley can help you to understand your rights and options, and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
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