Flash floods often happen multiple times each year in Houston. Many drivers immediately start thinking about which roads may be closed. Others fail to adjust their driving for heavy rain and standing water. Even a small amount of water on the road can cause hydroplaning, increased stopping distances, and other hazardous conditions.
Some drivers, and even insurance companies, want to argue that the flash flood alone caused the accident. The truth is that drivers are still responsible for adjusting their speed and driving safely and responsibly under the conditions. Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about insurance and injury claims after a flash flood car accident.
What to Know About Flash Flood Warnings in Houston
When a flash flood warning is issued, it should be taken seriously. A warning means a flash flood is either currently occurring or will occur very soon. Drivers should be especially alert to changing road conditions and adjust their driving accordingly. Due to the terrain of Harris County, water can quickly overwhelm storm drains and begin to pool on the roadways.
Flash floods are often accompanied by lightning and high winds. This can cause electricity and traffic signals to go out. Intersections with malfunctioning traffic signals can be very dangerous. This is especially true during flooding, when visibility is already limited.
Flash floods tend to increase the frequency of accidents. This is because drivers are distracted by external factors. Many of them forget to follow basic rules of the road.
Determining Fault After a Flash Flood Accident
If you have been hurt in a flash flood accident, the insurance company may be quick to say that no one was at fault because of the weather conditions. That blanket statement is simply not always true. The truth is that drivers still have a duty to operate their vehicles in a reasonable manner under the current conditions.
Proving fault after a flash flood event usually comes down to proving negligence. For instance, if a driver was traveling too fast or following too closely under the conditions, they could still be held responsible for both your economic and non-economic damages.
After a flash flood accident, the Texas comparative negligence rules often come into play. Under that rule, you may still be able to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. In Texas, an injured driver can still recover compensation as long as they were not more than 50% responsible for the crash.
Driving Tips to Remember During a Flash Flood
There are a few things that drivers can do to reduce their risk of an accident during a flash flood.
Helpful safety tips include:
- Slow down, especially before driving through standing water
- Do not use cruise control on wet roads as this can increase your chances of hydroplaning
- Remember to treat intersections with a dead traffic signal as a four-way stop
- Increase the distance you maintain between your vehicle and the cars in front of you
- Never drive through standing water when you are unsure of the depth
Even following these tips cannot completely eliminate the risk of an accident. If you are involved in a crash during a flash flood, seeking medical attention, documenting the scene when it is safe to do so, and speaking with an attorney can help protect your rights.
Contact the Houston Car Accident Attorneys at The de la Garza Law Group for Help Today
Flash floods can create dangerous driving conditions, but they do not automatically excuse negligent behavior. Drivers are still expected to operate their vehicles safely based on the weather and road conditions. If another driver’s careless actions caused your injuries during a flash flood, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
At The de la Garza Law Group, we help injured Texans understand their legal rights after serious car accidents. Our experienced Houston car accident lawyers can investigate your case, work with the insurance companies on your behalf, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (713) 784-1010 to schedule a free consultation.
The de la Garza Law Group
1616 S Voss Rd Suite 870, Houston, TX 77057
(713) 784-1010
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