Kansas City Accidents Caused When a Truck Hydroplanes

Tractor-trailers are some of the most deadly and dangerous vehicles on the road. These extremely large, heavy vehicles can cause catastrophic accidents. Therefore, truck drivers need to exercise a high degree of caution when operating a semi-truck, especially during poor weather conditions. A truck driver must monitor weather conditions and road conditions to take steps to avoid hydroplaning.

An out-of-control truck becomes a deadly weapon on the road. If you or a loved one have been injured in a hydroplaning truck accident in Kansas City, contact the Law Office of Kevin J. McManus for a free consultation.

Call 816-203-0143 or contact us online. You do not have to face this situation alone. Our legal team handles all aspects of your injury case and fights to get you the money you deserve for the pain, suffering, and financial losses caused by a truck accident.

What Causes Trucks to Hydroplane on Kansas City Roads?

Hydroplaning Truck Accident Attorney in MO & KSHydroplaning occurs when a truck’s tires lose grip with the road’s surface. Instead of traveling on the road, the tires travel on a film of water sitting on top of the road. The driver’s ability to brake and steer dramatically decreases.

Factors that contribute to hydroplaning include, but might not be limited to:

  • Road Conditions – A vehicle can hydroplane in just 1/10th of an inch of water. As the depth of water increases on the road surface, the risk of hydroplaning increases.
  • Tread Depth – Tread depth is a critical factor in hydroplaning truck accidents. When the tread is worn, the risk of hydroplaning significantly increases.
  • Vehicle Speed – Speed is also a critical factor in hydroplaning. Traveling at faster speeds gives tires less time to evacuate water between the treads and road surface, thereby increasing the risk of hydroplaning.

The first few minutes of a rainstorm can be the most dangerous. The water mixes with oils on the road causing slippery conditions until the rain washes away the oils. Also, heavy rains that cause fast-moving water along the roadway can increase the risk of a truck hydroplaning.

Factors Involved When Trucks Hydroplane and Cause Accidents

Trucks hydroplane because of rain, ice, and snow cause poor road conditions. However, other factors could play a role in why the truck hydroplaned. Factors that could contribute to a hydroplaning truck accident include:

  • Excessive speed or driving too fast for conditions
  • Failing to check truck tires before each trip
  • Failure to replace worn truck tires
  • Inexperienced truck drivers
  • Distracted driving
  • Failing to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles requiring the driver to slam on the brakes to stop
  • Improperly inflated truck tires

A truck driver cannot control the weather or road conditions. However, when the truck driver’s negligence contributes to the cause of an accident, the truck driver and trucking company could be liable for damages.

Who Is Responsible for Damages Caused When Trucks Hydroplane?

The first step in determining liability is to identify the factors that contributed to the cause of the truck crash. For example, if the truck driver or trucking company failed to inspect and maintain the truck tires, they could be liable for a hydroplane truck accident. Likewise, if the truck driver was negligent or reckless, the driver and the company could be liable.

In some cases, defective tires could contribute to the cause of a hydroplaning truck accident. If so, the tire manufacturer could be liable for damages. In addition, government entities could be liable if defective roads or inadequately maintained roads contributed to the cause of the truck hydroplane accident.

Recovering Compensation for Damages Caused by Hydroplaning Trucks

You could recover compensation for your damages after a truck accident including:

  • Medical bills and expenses
  • Nursing care and personal care
  • Loss of income, benefits, and future earning potential
  • Disabilities and impairments
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Pain and suffering from physical injuries, emotional distress, and mental anguish

Before you can recover money for your damages, you have the burden of proving that another party’s negligence or wrongdoing caused the accident. Proving fault can be complicated because several factors may have contributed to the cause of the hydroplaning truck crash.

Our legal team at the Law Office of Kevin J. McManus investigates the cause of the truck accident thoroughly. We examine each factor that contributed to the crash and employ experts to assist in the investigation. We gather evidence proving who is liable, and then we aggressively pursue those parties to get you the money you deserve.

Contact Our Kansas City Hydroplaning Truck Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation

You deserve fair and just compensation for your injuries and damages. The insurance company may attempt to blame the accident on the weather. And it will deny any liability for your injuries.

Do not accept a low settlement offer or a denial of your claim without a fight. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation with our Kansas City truck accident attorney.

 

Call  816-203-0143, chat with a representative online, or complete our online contact form. We are here to help you when you need trusted legal advice about a truck accident in Kansas City.

 

Kevin J. McManus
Connect with me
Kevin McManus is an accident injury and disability lawyer in Kansas City, MO, and Overland Park, KS