Skidding occurs when the wheels of a vehicle lose traction on the road. Skidding may be caused by:
- Driver error;
- Inclement weather;
- Speeding;
- Hard acceleration;
- Excessive braking; or
- Bald tires.
When a car skids, its tires slide over the road’s surface. This can lead to a loss of vehicle control and result in a car accident.
The best way to prevent a skidding accident is to know what to do if your car starts to skid. The following article offers tips on regaining control over your vehicle during a skid.
If you suffered injuries in a skidding accident through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your accident-related injuries. Contact an experienced car accident attorney in Denver for a claim consultation.
What Should I Do If My Car Starts to Skid?
If your car starts to skid, you must slow your vehicle down. This will make it easier to regain control of your car.
To reassert vehicle control, do the following:
- Remove your foot from the brake and gas;
- Turn your steering wheel in the direction you want to go;
- When your car turns back, steer in the other direction to stop the turn and resume your route;
- Do not jerk the steering wheel in an attempt to overcorrect a skid. Doing so could cause your car to fishtail out of control.
Some road conditions require specific skid instructions, like ice.
What to Do If Your Car Skids on Ice
If your car skids on ice, take your foot off of the gas. If needed, correct your direction by turning your wheel in the direction that the vehicle’s rear is sliding, not the direction you want to go.
Do not oversteer your vehicle. As your car straightens, resume steering to the center of the road.
What is Hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning happens when a thin film of water gets between a vehicle’s tires and the road’s surface. The tires are lifted from the road, and the car loses traction and control.
Hydroplaning increases braking distances, reduces steering responsiveness, and can result in a car accident. You can avoid hydroplaning by lowering your speed in the rain and increasing your distance from other drivers on wet roads.
What to Do If Your Car Skids in the Rain
If your car skids in the rain, reduce your chances of hydroplaning. Remain calm, and take your foot off the brake and gas to slow your vehicle.
As your vehicle slows, be sure to:
- Gently tap the brakes;
- Avoid slamming the brakes or oversteering; and
- Slowly and gently steer your car in the direction you wish to go.
Regardless of the road condition that causes your skid, always compose yourself before driving. If a skid does result in you crashing or being crashed into by another driver, call for medical and police assistance right away.
Contact an Experienced Denver Car Accident Attorney Today
Liability for a skid accident usually rests with the driver who entered into the skid and caused the crash. However, there are instances where another driver or third party was to blame for accident-related injuries.
If you were injured in a skid accident, an experienced injury attorney at Dulin McQuinn Young can review your case and identify the responsible parties. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, property damage, and physical pain and suffering.
Call Dulin McQuinn Young to schedule your no-obligation consultation. We have a track record of success in both negotiations and the courtroom.
Find out how Dulin McQuinn Young can help you today.