The state experiences harsh winters and receives a great deal of precipitation throughout the year. These factors can make driving more dangerous in some areas of the state, and accidents can happen in various ways. It is crucial for every driver to know the risks they face on the road and how to minimize their chance of causing a serious accident. One of the most important things for all drivers to know is what to do if their car begins to skid. This can be a terrifying experience and has a high chance of causing an accident, but knowing what to do can potentially mean the difference between a swift recovery and a serious accident.
Skidding occurs whenever a vehicle’s tires lose traction with the road surface. Vehicle tires have grooves and textures designed to grip the surface of the road, and when the vehicle loses this grip, the driver could lose control of the vehicle and crash. There are a few tips you should keep in mind should you experience skidding, and if you suffer injuries in an accident that someone else caused, a Denver, CO, car accident lawyer can assist you in holding them accountable for the damages they inflicted.
What to Do if Your Vehicle Starts to Skid
Vehicle skidding can happen from braking too hard, accelerating too quickly, driving too fast for conditions, or turning too sharply. The vehicle’s momentum will overtake the strength of the tires’ grip on the road, and the tires will start to essentially slide along the road surface instead of rolling as usual. When your vehicle begins to skid, it will turn left or right. When this occurs, the driver should take their vehicle off of the gas pedal and the brake. While it may seem counterintuitive, attempting to brake can make the skid worse and increases the chance of an accident.
As the vehicle turns, the driver should adjust their steering wheel, turning in the direction of the skid. Turning out of the skid will not correct the skid; it will increase the chance of the vehicle spinning out of control or rolling over. As the vehicle naturally slows down and the driver turns into the skid, this will allow the vehicle’s momentum to realign with the path of the tires’ travel. The driver should feel the vehicle’s tires regain traction on the road, at which time they can safely slow down and adjust accordingly to continue driving safely.
While easier said than done, it is crucial to avoid panicking if your vehicle starts to skid. A skid can happen very suddenly and can be very startling to the driver, but panicking will make the situation worse. Drivers can reduce their chance of having a skidding accident by always driving cautiously and taking any adverse road or weather conditions into account before getting into their vehicle. It’s also important for drivers to know how to stop problems with their tires and how to check for balding. When a tire begins losing its gripping surface from regular wear, the tire should be replaced as quickly as possible.
FAQs
Q: What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Skidding?
A: A car will begin to skid when the vehicle’s tires lose their grip on the road surface. This loss of traction can occur in various ways. The most common causes of car skidding include braking too hard, causing the inertia of the vehicle to carry it along the road surface despite the application of the brake; turning too sharply, which causes the tires to skid at an angle different from the path of travel; accelerating too fast, which prevents the tires from gripping the road surface correctly; or driving too fast for road conditions.
Q: Am I at Fault if I Have a Car Accident From Skidding?
A: Skidding happens when a driver fails to maintain control over their vehicle or when they are negligent in certain driving conditions. All drivers are expected to maintain control over their vehicles at all times and to drive responsibly for road conditions. If you experience an accident from skidding, it is likely that you will be found liable for the resulting damages. Depending on the terms of your personal auto insurance policy, you may have limited recovery options available to you, but this is not guaranteed.
Q: Why Should You Turn Into a Skid?
A: When your vehicle begins to skid, your tires are moving in a different direction than your vehicle is pointing. Turning into the skid effectively realigns your tires with the vehicle’s path of travel. It’s important to do so carefully while taking your feet off of the brake and accelerator. Allow the vehicle to naturally lose momentum as you turn into the skid, which enables the tires to re-grip the road surface so you can regain control of the vehicle.
Q: How Do You Avoid Going Into a Skid While Driving?
A: A few practices that can help you reduce your chance of going into a skid include defensive driving, maintaining reasonable speed for current driving conditions, and applying the brakes gently when necessary. The state is subject to dangerous road conditions in many areas, and it is vital for drivers to eliminate distractions and pay close attention to the road while operating their vehicles.
Q: What Can I Do if Another Driver Skids into My Vehicle?
A: If another driver lost control over their vehicle and skidded into you, they would be liable for the resulting damages. Colorado upholds the fault rule for car accidents, so a driver found at fault for an accident absorbs liability for the damages they inflict on others. If you believe another driver is liable for causing your recent accident, it’s ideal to consult an experienced attorney as quickly as possible who can explain your most viable options for legal recourse.
The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal has helped many past clients recover from all types of serious car accidents, including those resulting from skidding. We develop individualized legal strategies for each client, taking time to learn as much as possible about their circumstances to ensure we address their unique needs and concerns in their cases. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation with our team and learn how we can help you recover from your recent accident.
