When wet weather strikes North Alabama, drivers face more than just reduced visibility. Water accumulation on roadways creates conditions where vehicles can suddenly lose traction and slide uncontrollably across the pavement.
Serious accidents caused by another driver losing control on wet roads can result in serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and questions about legal options for seeking compensation. If you have been injured when another motorist hydroplaned and struck your vehicle, you have the right to explore your options for recovery.
The Huntsville hydroplaning accident lawyers at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., work with clients throughout North Alabama to investigate these crashes and pursue the maximum compensation they deserve.
Contact us now for a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer at our firm.
What Is Hydroplaning and Why Does It Lead to Serious Crashes?
Hydroplaning occurs when water builds between a vehicle’s tires and the road surface, causing the tires to lose contact with the pavement. It most often happens at higher speeds when tires cannot channel water away quickly enough. As the vehicle rides on water instead of gripping the road, steering, braking, and acceleration control are reduced.
Several factors increase hydroplaning risk:
- Standing water forms when heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems or collects in low areas.
- Road design plays a role, as surfaces with limited texture or improper grading may not disperse water effectively.
- Vehicle speed is critical because faster-moving tires have less time to push water aside.
- Tire condition also matters, since worn tread reduces traction on bald tires.
When hydroplaning begins, the vehicle may feel light or unstable, with steering response and braking effectiveness diminishing abruptly.
Who Can Be Liable for a Hydroplaning Accident in Alabama?
Determining responsibility after a hydroplaning crash depends on the specific facts involved. Alabama follows contributory negligence rules, which can affect recovery options, but liability may still rest with one or multiple parties based on conduct and conditions at the time of the incident.
Driver Behavior
A hydroplaning driver may be liable if they failed to operate the vehicle appropriately for wet conditions. Driving too fast in bad weather conditions, even within posted limits, may be considered negligent. Continuing at highway speeds through heavy rain or visible standing water could be unreasonable. Poor tire maintenance, including worn tires or underinflated tires, may also support liability.
Vehicle Defects
Manufacturers may share responsibility in certain situations. Tire defects that reduce water channeling and fail to maintain grip, brake malfunctions, or stability control failures can contribute to loss of control and may support product liability claims.
Roadway Conditions
Companies or local government agencies responsible for road design or maintenance may be liable when drainage failures, water pooling, a lack of traffic signs warning about deep water, or inadequate surface texture create foreseeable hazards.
How to Prove Fault in a Huntsville Hydroplaning Crash
Building a successful claim after a hydroplaning accident requires showing that another party’s negligence caused or contributed to the crash and resulting injuries. That involves collecting, reviewing, and connecting several forms of objective evidence, such as:
- Police reports – Law enforcement officers who investigate the crash may document weather conditions, roadway surfaces, vehicle positions, and initial observations. Police reports often note standing water, skid marks, and witness statements recorded at the scene.
- Photographs and video – Images from the scene can show water depth, road conditions, and vehicle damage. Dashcam and nearby surveillance footage may capture the hydroplaning event and vehicle movements.
- Weather records – Rainfall data establishes intensity and duration near the time of the crash, providing context for road conditions and expected driver conduct.
- Vehicle and tire records – Tread depth, inflation levels, and maintenance history may indicate whether vehicle condition played a role.
- Accident reconstruction – Analysis of speeds, trajectories, and impact points helps explain how hydroplaning occurred.
- Road maintenance records – Prior complaints, inspections, or drainage issues may link infrastructure conditions to the crash.
- Medical records – Treatment documentation connects injuries to the accident and outlines severity and ongoing care needs.
What to Do After a Hydroplaning Accident in Huntsville
The steps taken immediately after a hydroplaning crash can significantly influence later compensation outcomes.
- Safety is the priority, so move to a safe location if possible, turn on hazard lights, and call 911 to report the crash and request medical help.
- Medical attention is critical, even when injuries are not obvious, because adrenaline can mask symptoms, and early documentation helps connect injuries to the incident.
- Scene documentation matters and should include photographs or video of standing water, road conditions, vehicle damage, and surrounding areas, captured from multiple angles.
- Information exchange is also important, including insurance information for all drivers and contact details for any witnesses who stopped. Their observations may support your account.
- Limit discussions about fault by avoiding apologies or speculative statements, while providing factual answers to responding officers.
- Consulting our car accident attorneys in Huntsville can help you protect your right to seek compensation for all your losses.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Hydroplaning Accident?
People injured in hydroplaning crashes may pursue several forms of compensation. Alabama law allows recovery for economic and non-economic damages, with each category addressing different losses tied to the incident.
- Medical expenses often include emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages may be recoverable for income missed during recovery, as well as for reduced earning capacity when injuries affect future work ability.
- Pain and suffering damages account for physical discomfort, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life, including limitations on daily activities.
- In cases involving permanent disability or disfigurement, additional compensation may reflect long-term effects such as scarring or mobility restrictions.
- Property damage compensation applies to vehicle repair or replacement and personal items damaged in the crash.
Why Choose Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., for Your Hydroplaning Accident Claim?
Since 1966, Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., has represented injured individuals throughout North Alabama. Our law firm handles personal injury matters with a focus on thorough investigation and detailed case development. We have secured over $168 million in verdicts and settlements for our past clients, including:
- $5 million settlement for a client injured in a utility truck collision,
- $4.9 million settlement for a client harmed by a negligent driver,
- $3.1 million for surviving family members in a crash-related wrongful death claim.
Client reviews frequently highlight our firm’s clear communication and support. For example, one of our past clients wrote:
“Mr. King was amazing when my cousins and I were in a car accident. He kept us up to date and let us know everything that was going on with the situation. If I’m ever in need of an attorney, I definitely know who to call.” – T. Caudle (Read more client reviews)
Schedule a consultation to discuss your hydroplaning car accident case with our Huntsville personal injury attorneys and find out why clients recommend legal representation from Morris, King & Hodge, P.C.
