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Rain transforms Georgia’s roads into unpredictable hazards. From Atlanta’s interstates to small-town two-lanes, wet pavement contributes to thousands of collisions each year. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) estimates that nearly one in five crashes involves wet conditions or active rainfall.
But it’s not the weather itself that causes wrecks—it’s how drivers fail to adjust to it. A driver who continues to speed, follow too closely, or drive on bald tires in a downpour is not just careless—they may be legally negligent under Georgia law.
Hydroplaning: Tires lose grip on the roadway, often due to excessive speed or low tread depth.
Reduced visibility: Heavy rain and fog can obscure stoplights, brake lights, and lane markings.
Tailgating: Following too closely on wet pavement leads to rear-end collisions.
Speeding for conditions: Georgia law requires drivers to operate at a reasonable and prudent speed—not merely below the posted limit.
Vehicle maintenance failures: Worn brakes, tires, or wipers can make a driver unfit for the conditions.
Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means fault is divided among all involved parties. If you are less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages—but your award will be reduced by your share of fault.
When another driver fails to take precautions during rain—such as maintaining a safe speed, keeping headlights on, or controlling their vehicle—they can be held fully liable for the collision. Common examples include:
A driver hydroplanes into oncoming traffic after speeding through standing water.
A motorist rear-ends you because they didn’t increase following distance.
A truck driver loses control on an exit ramp due to bald tires or overloading.
A driver runs a red light or fails to yield while visibility is poor.
These actions can amount to negligence per se if they violate Georgia’s traffic safety statutes. In many cases, rain simply heightens the duty of care—it doesn’t excuse careless driving.
At Kevin Patrick Law, we focus on showing that the other driver failed to act reasonably given the weather. Key evidence includes:
Accident reports documenting “wet roadway” or “rain” as conditions
Eyewitness statements confirming erratic or unsafe driving
Dashcam or traffic camera footage capturing loss of control or excessive speed
Tire and brake inspections showing poor maintenance
Expert testimony on traction, speed, and reaction times in wet conditions
Weather data from the National Weather Service for the crash location and time
We use this evidence to prove that the other driver’s actions—not the weather—caused the crash.
Insurance companies often argue that rain makes an accident “unavoidable.” However, under Georgia law, poor weather does not eliminate driver responsibility. Drivers are expected to operate their vehicles safely for the conditions, no matter the forecast.
At Kevin Patrick Law, we regularly counter the “act of God” defense by demonstrating that:
The driver could have slowed down or stopped safely.
The vehicle was improperly maintained.
The driver failed to use headlights or wipers as required by law.
If the evidence shows these failures, the driver remains fully liable—even in heavy rain.
If the other driver is found at fault, you may recover damages for:
Medical expenses (emergency care, therapy, long-term treatment)
Lost wages and future earnings
Property damage and vehicle replacement costs
Pain and suffering for physical and emotional distress
Diminished value of your repaired vehicle
Punitive damages, in rare cases of reckless disregard (e.g., racing or driving drunk in rain)
Our firm ensures that every category of damage is fully documented and presented to the insurer—or a jury.
Move to safety and call 911 immediately.
Photograph everything: road conditions, puddles, skid marks, and vehicle damage.
Gather contact information from all parties and witnesses.
Seek medical attention—some injuries take time to appear.
Contact Kevin Patrick Law before speaking with the insurance adjuster.
Early action helps preserve critical evidence that can establish fault and increase the value of your claim.
Slow down when rain starts—the first 15 minutes are the slickest.
Avoid cruise control on wet roads.
Check tire tread and wiper blades regularly.
Keep headlights and taillights clean and bright.
Stay patient—arriving late is better than not arriving at all.
Kevin Patrick Law represents individuals and families across Georgia who’ve been injured in weather-related car accidents. Our team investigates crashes from every angle—collecting weather data, accident reports, and expert analyses to show exactly why the other driver is responsible.
We don’t let insurers hide behind the rain. Whether the crash happened in Atlanta, Macon, Augusta, or anywhere in between, we’ll fight to prove liability and recover the compensation you deserve.
If you were injured in a rain-related car accident in Georgia caused by another driver’s negligence, contact Kevin Patrick Law today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, preserve vital evidence, and hold the at-fault driver accountable.
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