Rain brings welcome relief from the heat, but it also creates dangerous conditions on the road. Across Georgia and Tennessee, accidents during the rainy season lead to serious injuries and financial losses every year. Wet pavement reduces tire traction, visibility decreases, and hydroplaning becomes more likely. When drivers fail to adjust their behavior, the consequences can be severe.
Since 2006, The Roth Firm has represented accident victims throughout the Southeastern United States. Our attorneys have witnessed the preventability of many rain-related crashes and the protective benefits of proper safety practices, legal expertise, and timely insurance claims for victims, thereby safeguarding them from devastating financial hardship.
Key Takeaways for Drivers
- Rain is a leading factor in weather-related crashes across the U.S.
- Wet pavement reduces traction and increases braking distances.
- Slowing down and increasing following distance saves lives.
- Negligence, not weather alone, determines legal responsibility.
- Insurance companies may challenge rain-related claims.
The Leading Causes of Rainy Season Accidents
Driving in the rain presents unique challenges that many motorists underestimate. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports that nearly 77% of weather-related crashes occur during rain or on wet pavement. Each year, approximately 744,911 weather-related crashes result in 268,239 injuries and 3,807 fatalities.
One of the primary culprits is hydroplaning, which occurs when a thin layer of water prevents direct contact between tires and the road. This can happen even at speeds as low as 35 mph if tires are worn or roads are poorly drained. Reduced visibility compounds the risk, as heavy rainfall impairs both driver vision and vehicle sensors, such as cameras and radar. Poorly maintained infrastructure, such as clogged drainage systems, further worsens conditions, turning highways into hazards.
A closer examination of accident data reveals that speeding in wet conditions remains a leading factor. Many drivers mistakenly assume rain is less dangerous than ice or snow, but rain causes more crashes annually than both combined. Driver inattention, texting, adjusting the radio, or rushing through familiar routes can make rainy commutes even riskier.
Additional studies from the FHWA also note that speed reductions on freeways can range from 3% to 17% during heavy rain. This illustrates how weather conditions influence driver behavior and traffic flow, thereby increasing the likelihood of multi-vehicle collisions.
Smart Safety Tips for Wet Weather Driving
Driving safely in the rain requires adapting to conditions. The AAA Exchange recommends reducing speed by at least one-third, since stopping distances increase on slick surfaces.
Practical strategies include:
- Avoiding cruise control, which reduces a driver’s ability to respond to hydroplaning.
- Increase the following distance to at least four seconds to allow more time to react.
- Using headlights in any rainfall to enhance visibility for other drivers and pedestrians.
- Maintaining windshield wipers and ensuring washer fluid is topped off.
Beyond basics, defensive driving is key. Keeping both hands on the wheel helps stabilize the vehicle if it skids. If hydroplaning starts, easing off the accelerator rather than braking sharply allows tires to regain traction. Proper tire maintenance, ensuring the tread depth is at least 4/32 of an inch, dramatically reduces the risk of hydroplaning. Studies show that tires with worn treads are nearly three times more likely to hydroplane than those with well-maintained treads.
According to the National Weather Service, even six inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult, while twelve inches can carry away a small car. These numbers illustrate how even shallow flooding during rain poses a serious threat.
Understanding Legal Responsibility in Rain-Related Crashes
While the weather creates challenges, courts consistently hold that rain does not constitute an excuse for negligence. Drivers are legally required to exercise reasonable caution under hazardous conditions. That may mean driving below the posted speed limit, using headlights, or pulling over if conditions become too dangerous.
Both Georgia and Tennessee apply comparative negligence laws. In Tennessee, drivers more than 50% at fault cannot recover damages. Georgia also follows a 50% bar rule. This means that even if rain contributed to the crash, liability still hinges on whether drivers acted reasonably.
In court, evidence such as police reports, witness testimony, and weather data plays a central role. Attorneys familiar with rain-related crashes often introduce expert testimony about how drivers should have responded to conditions. This evidence strengthens claims for victims and highlights that responsibility lies with negligent drivers, not solely with the weather.
For additional legal insights, review our personal injury practice areas.
Navigating Insurance Claims After a Rainy Season Accident
Insurance claims stemming from rain-related accidents often face unique hurdles. Insurers may argue that accidents were “acts of nature” rather than negligence. However, as the Insurance Information Institute (III) emphasizes, insurers investigate whether drivers acted reasonably before determining payouts.
Common claim issues include:
- Delayed reporting: Waiting to file can make it more difficult to prove the conditions at the time of the crash.
- Incomplete documentation: Without police reports, photos, or weather logs, insurers may reduce the settlement amount.
- Disputed liability: Insurers often claim both parties shared fault, lowering payouts under comparative negligence rules.
Substantial evidence, such as dashcam footage, weather reports, and vehicle maintenance records, bolsters claims. Victims should also keep a record of symptoms, injuries, and medical treatment to strengthen personal injury claims.
At The Roth Firm, our attorneys guide clients through this process, ensuring that insurers cannot unfairly deny or reduce rightful claims. With contingency fee structures, clients only pay if we recover compensation on their behalf.
Preventive Measures Communities Can Take
Prevention goes beyond individual drivers. Municipalities and state agencies play a critical role in reducing rainy season accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlights that reflective road markings, skid-resistant pavement, and effective drainage systems are essential infrastructure improvements.
For example, proper stormwater management reduces standing water that causes hydroplaning. Studies show that cities with regular drainage maintenance report significantly fewer rain-related crashes. Roadside signage warning drivers of flood-prone areas also helps reduce the number of collisions.
Public awareness campaigns also matter. Programs that teach drivers about the risks of the rainy season, safe speeds, and the dangers of distracted driving contribute to safer roadways. Schools and employers can incorporate wet-weather safety into education efforts, creating community-wide benefits.
Weather and Crash Statistics You Should Know
Weather plays a defining role in roadway safety. The FHWA notes that 75% of weather-related crashes occur on wet pavement and 47% during rainfall. These numbers are staggering when compared to snow and ice, which cause fewer crashes annually.
In 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 42,795 traffic fatalities nationwide, with a fatality rate of 1.35 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. A large portion of these deaths occurred in adverse weather conditions, rain being the most common factor. This proves that rain is not only more frequent but also more dangerous than many drivers assume.
The NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information also reported that in 2023, the United States experienced 28 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters, many of which were tied to severe storms and flooding. These events caused $92.9 billion in damages and at least 492 fatalities. Such statistics highlight the financial and human toll of severe weather events.
These statistics underline the importance of infrastructure investment, driver education, and legal accountability in reducing crashes. Rainy season accidents must be viewed as preventable public safety issues rather than unavoidable consequences of nature.
How Rain Impacts Pedestrians and Cyclists
Pedestrians and cyclists face disproportionate risks during the rainy season. Drivers struggle to see road users in dark, wet conditions, while slick surfaces increase the likelihood of falls.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported nearly 7,000 pedestrian deaths in 2020, equating to about one death every 75 minutes. In rainy conditions, these risks rise sharply due to poor visibility and slower driver reaction times.
Cyclists are also more vulnerable, as rain can cause tire slippage and reduce braking efficiency. Reflective gear, bright lights, and dedicated bike lanes can reduce accidents, but responsibility also lies with drivers to exercise caution. Attorneys often see rain-related pedestrian and cyclist cases where liability hinges on whether the driver slowed appropriately for conditions.
Vehicle Maintenance: A Hidden Factor in Rainy Season Safety
Safe driving depends not only on the driver’s behavior but also on the vehicle’s readiness. The National Safety Council (NSC) emphasizes that worn brakes, bald tires, and failing windshield wipers significantly increase the risk of accidents.
For instance, studies show that tires with a tread depth of less than 2/32 inch can increase stopping distances by up to 87% on wet roads. Brake inspections ensure vehicles can stop effectively, and wiper replacements improve visibility. These small but critical steps are often overlooked, yet courts may consider poor maintenance evidence of negligence in crash claims.
Regular maintenance is an investment in safety, protecting not just the driver but everyone sharing the road.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rainy Season Accidents
What are the most common causes of rainy season accidents?
The leading causes include hydroplaning, reduced visibility, speeding, distracted driving, and poorly maintained roads.
How can I stay safe while driving in the rain?
Drivers should reduce their speed, increase their following distance, use their headlights, and ensure their tires and wipers are in good condition.
Does rain excuse a driver from liability in an accident?
No. Liability depends on whether the driver acted reasonably under the conditions. Rain does not eliminate negligence.
What evidence should I collect for an insurance claim after a rain-related crash?
Essential evidence includes police reports, weather data, photos of the scene, dashcam footage, and witness statements.
How long do I have to file a claim for a rain-related accident in Georgia or Tennessee?
Both states have statutes of limitation. Acting quickly is critical to protect your rights and preserve evidence.
Can pedestrians or cyclists injured in rain-related accidents file claims?
Yes. Vulnerable road users may pursue claims if another party was negligent or failed to drive safely in the rain.
Protecting Your Rights After a Rainy Season Accident
Rainy season accidents can change lives in an instant. Victims may face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and long-term recovery challenges. You do not have to navigate these hardships alone. With the right legal team, you can hold negligent drivers accountable and secure compensation for your losses.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a rain-related crash, contact us today for a free consultation. Our attorneys will review your case, explain your options, and fight for the financial recovery you deserve.
About the Roth Firm
Founded in 2006, The Roth Firm, LLC has offices in Atlanta, Marietta, Fayetteville, and Nashville. We focus exclusively on personal injury cases, including weather-related car accidents.
Our attorneys’ backgrounds in insurance defense give us unique insight into how insurers evaluate rain-related claims. This enables us to anticipate challenges and develop robust cases.
To learn more about our history and values, you can explore our About Us page.