It has been constantly raining for three days straight, and you’re about sick of it. You have puddles that could be considered small ponds in your backyard, your flower beds are underwater, and you can barely see eight inches past your windshield.
Thankfully, you know how to drive in poor weather, and you take it slowly. Unfortunately, nothing could prepare you for what was about to happen. You’re driving down Chain Bridge, about to make the turn onto Judicial, when all of a sudden the intersection fills up with water. Without any warning whatsoever, a flash flood wipes out the entire road in front of you, trapping you in your car.
Although you’re stopped, the flood water currents are starting to push your car toward the vehicle in front of you. Your brakes aren’t working and turning your wheels aren’t helping either. You brace yourself for impact.
CRASH
Your windshield breaks, showering you with glass, as your airbag deploys and slams your head back into your seat. Instantly your entire body starts to ache. You manage to turn your head to the door, and see that the flood waters are still rising and are about halfway up your door.
You start to panic as the pain in your head and legs gets worse. Just before you pass out from the pain, you see the driver of the car you hit wading toward you, screaming that he’s coming to help.
Then nothing.
Flooding Risks That Can Happen in a Flash
Floods are the most common weather-related hazards in the United States. Although most people worry about property damage when floods threaten their cities, driving risks are far more substantial due to their dangerous and often fatal outcomes.
The National Weather Service estimates that over 75 people a year die and thousands are injured as a result of these flood accident risks:
- Hydroplaning and decreased brake time. When there is excess water on the road, your tires lose traction and can spin out of control. Flooding also can prevent you from being able to brake.
- Decreased visibility. Heavy rain, splashes, and water on the road can decrease your perception and ability to anticipate possible problems ahead.
- Abrupt stops. Due to the decreased visibility and control of other vehicles, drivers may abruptly stop, leaving you with no room to maneuver.
- Loss of control. Excess water can not only make your tires lose traction, but if the flood waters are high enough, they can prevent you from moving at all.
- Mudslides and washed-out roads. It can be extremely difficult to see and stay on roads that are flooded, muddy, or washed out, and mudslides could even wind up carrying your car away.
- Debris. Downed trees, power lines, and other debris in roads can cause serious barriers to movement.
- Flood waters overturning your car. Depending on the height of the flood waters as well as the speed of the current, your car could potentially be forced on its side, pushed into a ditch or tree, or trap you inside.
- Drowning. If you become trapped in your vehicle, rising waters could potentially put you at risk for drowning.
Keeping Yourself Afloat: What to Do After a Flood Accident
Floods are extraordinarily disastrous. They can damage or destroy homes, vehicles, roadways, and even lives. Don’t allow the weather to harm you or your family. Take proper precautions while driving in heavy rainstorms or flood areas, to prevent a disastrous collision.
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Already been in a flood accident? We know how frustrating and complicated injury claims are to pursue on your own. Thankfully, you don’t have to be alone. Let our experience and knowledge work for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.