Considering the wet, icy conditions that prevail in Colorado from November through March, and high amounts of precipitation during the spring and early summer months, every driver must be able to handle a skidding motor vehicle. You should be aware of the potential dangers when on the road and have the necessary driving skills to reduce the risk of crashing.

When the tires lose their grip with the road, it can be a terrifying experience. The key is not to panic: steer gently into the skid, keep the wheels aligned with the direction of travel, and resist the urge to brake abruptly. Knowing the right steps can mean the difference between safety and a catastrophic accident.

Why Does Your Car Skid?

Skidding is a result of insufficient friction between the tires and the road. Tires have tread patterns (grooves and textures) to help channel water away from the contact patch (the part of the tire touching the road). This reduces the risk of hydroplaning on wet roads by allowing the tire to maintain better contact with the road surface. The texture in treads is designed to increase traction/friction on rain-soaked roads, mud, snow, or gravel.

Abrupt braking, aggressive acceleration, or sharp turns can also cause the car to spin out or fishtail. In some cases, negligence of other motorists on the road is also a factor in a vehicle losing control. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a crash caused by someone else, an experienced car accident attorney in Colorado can help you in holding them accountable for their actions and demanding compensation for your damages.

What to Do When the Car Starts to Skid?

The steps you need to take depend on the type of skid:

Front-Wheel Skid (Understeer)

When your front wheels skid, it feels like the steering wheel is not responding well. The front of your car might feel light, and it is harder to control where you are going. This may occur when entering a corner too quickly or braking too hard while turning. Do not hit the brakes suddenly or jerk the steering wheel. Instead, gently ease off the gas pedal and steer gently in the direction you want to go. If your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS), you can press the brake pedal firmly, but if not, tap the brakes lightly and repeatedly to slow down without locking them.

To regain control, steer gently in the direction of the skid, i.e., turn the steering in the same direction that your car is sliding to help straighten it out.

Rear-Wheel Skid (Oversteer)

This is when the rear of the vehicle feels unstable and may start to slide sideways or to the left or right. Take your foot off the accelerator gently to reduce power to the rear wheels. Avoid sudden steering inputs or braking. Steer gently in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go to regain control. If the rear of your vehicle is sliding to the right, turn the steering wheel slowly to the right to align the vehicle’s path.

All-Wheel Skid

Also known as an all-wheel drive (AWD) skid, this occurs when all four wheels of your car lose traction simultaneously, but each wheel may skid differently. For instance, the front wheels may slide due to excessive braking, while the rear wheels might struggle to maintain stability through sharp turns or acceleration. You feel the steering wheel tense up, as if fighting against the road itself.

Unlike front-wheel or rear-wheel skids, simply lifting off the accelerator or slamming on the brakes might not suffice. You will need to back off the accelerator gradually to minimize speed and get onto a stable trajectory without unsettling the vehicle further.

Car Hydroplaning On A Wet Road

Skidding vs. Hydroplaning

Both skidding and hydroplaning may seem like the same thing, but there are key differences. Skidding happens when the tires encounter a loss of traction. Hydroplaning refers to a situation where a vehicle’s tires lose contact with the road due to a layer of water between the tires and the surface of the road. During heavy rains or when there is standing water on the road, your car may feel like it is sliding on top of the water; this is hydroplaning.

Driving at high speeds increases the likelihood of hydroplaning. The faster you go, the harder it is for your tires to channel water away, and they can lose contact with the road. Tires with worn or shallow treads may hydroplane because they cannot effectively disperse water.

Who is At-fault in a Colorado Car Accident Caused by Skidding?

The driver of the skidding vehicle is generally held liable in car accident claims in Colorado. All drivers have a “duty of care” to operate their vehicle in a manner that is safe and responsible, considering the current road conditions and the safety of other road users. The onus is on them to drive more cautiously in the presence of rain, snow, ice, fog, or strong winds.

Based on multiple safety studies, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends a minimum tread depth is 2/32 of an inch (approximately 1.6 millimeters) for all passenger cars; in areas with heavy snow, experts often recommend a deeper tread depth of 4/32 of an inch (approximately 3.2 millimeters). This is because tires that have less tread depth are more likely to hydroplane and take longer distances to stop, both of which heighten the risk of an accident.

If a driver is not mindful of these considerations – either because their tires, braking systems, headlights, wipers are worn out, or their attention was not on the road – the Colorado law may consider them in breach of their duty and thus “negligent”. Negligence means that the driver did not take reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others. Such a driver is typically liable to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, legal fees, and other costs incurred by the injured victims.

It is noteworthy that even if you are partially to blame for the skidding/hydroplaning and subsequent crash, the modified comparative negligence law in Colorado gives you the right to seek compensation for your injuries – as long as your share of the fault is less than 50%. If 50% or more fault is assigned to you, you may not recover anything at all.

Types of Evidence an Accident Reconstructionist will Analyze to Show the Negligent Driver’s Fault in a Skidding Car Crash

Skilled and resourceful Colorado car accident attorneys may hire investigators and accident reconstruction specialists to prove liability. These experts will collect and analyze various types of evidence and data to recreate the accident and demonstrate that the negligent driver failed to control the vehicle while it was skidding, leading to the collision and resulting injuries. Here are the key types of evidence and data they would examine:

Scene Evidence

  • Skid Marks: The length, direction, and depth of skid marks can provide insights into the speed of the vehicle and the driver’s attempts to brake or steer.
  • Gouge Marks and Debris: Locations of gouge marks, broken glass, and other debris help pinpoint the exact point of impact and the movement of vehicles post-collision.
  • Road Conditions: Information about road conditions (wet, icy, or dry) can influence vehicle control and braking effectiveness.
  • Roadway Geometry: Curves, inclines, and intersections at the accident scene affect vehicle dynamics and driver reactions.

Vehicle Data

  • Vehicle Damage: Analyzing the extent and location of damage on both vehicles helps determine the angles and points of impact.
  • Airbag Control Modules (ACM) or Event Data Recorders (EDR): These devices, often referred to as “black boxes,” can provide crucial data such as vehicle speed, braking, steering input, and throttle position seconds before and during the crash.
  • Tire Condition: Examining the tire tread and pressure can indicate if the tires were properly maintained and suitable for the road conditions.

Car Skidding On Snow

Witness Statements

  • Eyewitness Accounts: Statements from witnesses can provide a narrative of the events leading up to the accident, including the behavior of the drivers and the condition of the vehicles.
  • Driver and Passenger Statements: Testimonies from both drivers and any passengers can offer additional context and details about the actions taken just before the crash.

Weather Data and Surveillance Footage

  • Weather Reports: Historical weather data can confirm road conditions at the time of the accident, such as rain, fog, or snow.
  • Traffic Camera Footage: Video evidence from traffic cameras or nearby surveillance cameras can show the sequence of events in real-time.

Measurements and Surveys

  • Accident Scene Survey: Detailed measurements of the accident scene, including distances, angles, and locations of evidence, are crucial for accurate reconstruction.
  • Photographs: Comprehensive photographs of the scene, vehicle positions, skid marks, and damage provide visual documentation for analysis.

Technical Analysis

  • Simulation Software: Accident reconstruction software can model the dynamics of the vehicles based on collected data, providing a visual and mathematical representation of the crash.
  • Forensic Analysis: Forensic experts may analyze mechanical failures, vehicle maintenance records, and any modifications to the vehicles that could have contributed to the loss of control.

Expert Testimony

  • Accident Reconstruction Expert: The expert’s analysis and testimony can explain the technical aspects of the reconstruction, demonstrating how the negligent driver’s lack of control led to the collision.
  • Medical Specialist: A medical specialist can testify about the injuries sustained by the other driver and how the accident caused those injuries.

By thoroughly analyzing this evidence, an accident reconstructionist can recreate the sequence of events leading to the crash, showing that the negligent driver failed to control the vehicle while it was skidding and subsequently hit the other vehicle, resulting in injuries to the other driver.

Discuss a Winning Legal Strategy with Our Top-Rated Colorado Car Accident Lawyers

If you have suffered injuries in a skidding auto accident, our experienced Colorado car accident attorneys at Fuller Personal Injury Law will build a strong case for compensation and aggressively negotiate with the insurance company for maximum settlement on your behalf. We will also be prepared to take your case to trial in case a fair settlement cannot be reached. It does not matter if you lost control or the other driver skidded into your vehicle, you likely have a legal recourse you are not aware of. Call us at (720)-770-3832 or send us a message online to schedule a free consultation with our legal team.