What Should You Do if Your Vehicle Starts to Skid?

If your tires suddenly lose grip on the road and your vehicle starts to slide, your instinct might be to slam the brakes or jerk the wheel. However, reacting the wrong way when your car skids can make things worse. 

Skidding is one of the most common causes of car accidents, especially during bad weather. Whether you’re driving through rain, snow, flat tire or even loose gravel, understanding how to respond when your car starts to skid can help you avoid a serious crash.

What is the first thing you should do when a motor vehicle starts to skid? At Shapiro Law Team, we’ve worked with countless skid accidents, and we know just what to do. Our brief guide will cover what causes skidding, the steps to regain control, and what to do in the event of an accident. 

We’ll also cover legal considerations, such as who might be at fault and whether you can receive a ticket for skidding.

What Is Skidding?

Skidding happens when your vehicle’s tires lose their grip on the road surface, causing the car to slide uncontrollably. This typically occurs when a driver accelerates too quickly, brakes too hard, or turns too sharply, especially on slippery roads.

There are several types of skids:

• Front-Wheel Skid: The car moves straight ahead even when you turn the wheel.
• Rear-Wheel Skid: The rear of the car slides sideways.
• Four-Wheel Skid: All four wheels lose traction, often due to heavy braking.
  

Skids are most common in icy or wet conditions, but they can also happen on dry roads due to gravel, oil slicks, or sudden maneuvers. Understanding the kind of skid you’re in can help you correct it more safely.

The key to handling a skid is to stay calm and avoid overcorrecting. Panicking and slamming on the brakes can lock your wheels and make the situation worse.

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What Is the First Thing You Should Do When a Motor Vehicle Starts to Skid?

In instances where your tires lose grip with the road, the most important thing you can do is remain calm and avoid sudden movements. Your first reaction sets the tone for how effectively you can regain control.

If your vehicle begins to skid, you should:

1. Ease Off the Accelerator: Taking your foot off the gas helps reduce speed gradually and keeps the wheels from spinning faster.
2. Steer in the Direction You Want to Go: If the rear of your vehicle is sliding left, gently steer left. If it’s sliding right, steer right. This is called “steering into the skid.”
3. Do Not Slam the Brakes: Braking hard can lock your wheels, especially if your vehicle doesn’t have anti-lock brakes (ABS).
4. Keep Your Eyes on a Safe Path Ahead: Focus on where you want to go, not on obstacles.
5. Avoid Overcorrecting: Jerking the wheel too far can cause the car to spin out or skid in the opposite direction.
   

Knowing how your car reacts in different skidding situations can help you stay in control. You can practice these maneuvers in a safe, open area or attend a defensive driving course to prepare you for real-world emergencies.

What Is the Difference Between Handling a Front-Wheel Skid vs. a Rear-Wheel Skid?

Skid recovery depends on which wheels have lost traction. Each skid demands a different recovery technique. The most important thing is to stay relaxed and make smooth, controlled movements.

Here’s how to tell them apart, and how to respond:

Front-Wheel Skid 

• Signs: The car won’t turn even though you’re steering, and it continues straight.
• How to Recover:
  1. Ease off the accelerator
  2. Shift to neutral if needed
  3. Avoid braking
  4. Wait for the tires to regain grip, then steer gently back on course
     

Rear-Wheel Skid

• Signs: The rear of the car swings out sideways.
• How to Recover:
  1. Steer gently in the direction the rear is sliding
  2. Don’t panic or overcorrect
  3. As traction returns, straighten the steering wheel gradually

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Can I Get a Traffic Ticket for Skidding?

Surprisingly, yes, you can be ticketed for skidding, especially if it leads to an accident or unsafe driving conditions. Law enforcement may issue citations for:

• Driving too fast for the current road conditions
• Reckless or careless driving
• Failure to maintain control of the vehicle
  

If the skid results in a crash, these charges can become more serious. A skid might seem like an unavoidable road hazard, but police and insurance adjusters often evaluate whether the driver was behaving responsibly given the road conditions.

Who Is At Fault for a Car Skid Accident?

In most cases, the driver who lost control is held responsible, even if the weather played a role. This is because drivers are expected to adjust their speed and behavior based on conditions like rain, snow, or ice.

However, there are exceptions, including:

• Poorly maintained roads (e.g., unplowed snow or potholes)
• Vehicle defects (e.g., brake failure or bald tires)
• Taking evasive actions to avoid other drivers
  

If you’re involved in a skid-related crash and believe another party contributed to the incident, speaking with a car accident attorney can help you understand your options. Liability can be complex, especially when multiple vehicles or environmental factors are involved.

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What to Do in Case of a Skid Crash Accident

Even minor skids can lead to serious injuries and long-term consequences. Having legal support ensures you’re not left dealing with medical bills or insurance disputes alone.

If you end up in a crash after skidding, follow these steps immediately:

• Check yourself and passengers for any injuries
• Move to a safe location, if possible
• Call 911 and report the accident
• Exchange insurance and contact info with other drivers
• Document the scene with photos and witness statements
• Contact a personal injury attorney for legal guidance

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If you were involved in a skid-related crash, it’s important to understand your legal rights. You shouldn’t have to face insurance companies or injury recovery on your own.

The experienced attorneys at Shapiro Law Team help clients across New Mexico navigate the legal aftermath of motor vehicle accidents, including those caused by skidding or loss of control. Our Farmington car accident lawyers provide statewide legal representation, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

We’re here to investigate your case, determine fault, and protect your interests, whether through a settlement or litigation. If your accident involved serious injuries or even a wrongful death, don’t wait to take legal action.

Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you move forward. You don’t pay a nickel unless we win your case.

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