John D. Sloan Railroad Accidents Law Blog on Lawyers.com

Hydroplaning occurs when your car’s tires move fast enough that they ride up on a film of water and lose contact with the pavement. Coming into contact with this pooling of water causes your car to lose control and dramatically increases the possibilities for a car accident.

The American Association for State Highway and Transportation Officials and its predecessor, the American Association of State Highway Officials, has been studying highway design and its effect on hydroplaning for more than 50 years. It has found that your car’s speed, the amount of tread on your car’s tires, and roadway conditions affect the potential for hydroplaning.

Speed continues to be an issue, especially above 50 mph, and speed limit increases on our highways only exacerbate the problem. Standard maintenance of your car should always be performed, including monitoring tire tread. But more concerning is the condition of our roadways.

Grade, pavement construction quality, and the curve of the road are just a few of the circumstances that catalyze hydroplaning. Others include:

• Potholes
• Uneven pavement
• Lack of proper signage
• Roadway obstructions
• Lack of proper guardrails

If you have been involved in a hydroplaning accident, you should immediately contact a hydroplaning accident law firm. With in-depth knowledge of the conditions that cause these accidents, a hydroplaning car wreck lawyer can help you pursue proper compensation for damages. Look for a firm that routinely handles vehicle hydroplaning accident litigation and knows specifically how to litigate with the municipalities responsible for the road conditions at the accident site. Only an attorney with this specialized knowledge increases your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve.