Residents throughout the state of Missouri this week have been dealing with catastrophic flooding throughout the area. As of Monday, the floods have closed hundreds of roads throughout the area including 57 miles of Interstate 44. The flooding was caused by extremely heavy rainfall with some areas getting more than one foot of rain.

While driving on the roads during such times even while exercising extreme caution can be dangerous, at least two people have died in the state while their vehicles were swept away by flash floods, even roads not known for flooding can pose serious dangers to drivers.

Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle’s tires are not able to scatter away water on the roads. It is not uncommon for drivers to drive too fast while in wet road conditions. In fact, hydroplaning is common when vehicles are travelling faster than 35 miles per hour, which we all know is quite common on the roads.

What is troubling about hydroplaning is that even if you are on the roads and travelling in a cautious fashion, the same may not be true for others on the road. When a vehicle on the road hydroplanes, it may lose control and veer off into your lanes, causing a car accident.

If you have been in a car accident and you believe the other driver may have been driving recklessly, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. A reckless or negligent driver who causes a crash may be responsible for your medical expenses, pain and suffering compensation, and even a recover of lost wages while you recover from injuries from the crash.

Source: Fox2now St. Louis, “Map of roads closed by flooding in Missouri,” By Associated Press and Staff Writer, May 1, 2017