Dangers of Driving During a Flash Flood

As hurricane season approaches in South Carolina, so does the threat of flash floods, one of the most dangerous natural disasters.

During hurricanes, flash floods can develop without much warning and create rapid rises in water that spill over to dry land. The unpredictability and speed of flash floods can cause devastating destruction and even death.

One of the worst places to be during a flash flood is in a car. In 2015, historic rainfall in South Carolina brought floods that led to 19 fatalities – eight involving individuals being trapped in vehicles underwater. Moreover, state highway patrol officers responded to more than 2,000 calls of car accidents, according to then-Governor Nikki Haley.

It is never safe to drive through a flooded area as cars can be swept up in water that is 12 inches deep. The National Weather Service instituted a “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” campaign to deter people from attempting to drive through flooded roadways. However, because flash floods happen without much warning, many drivers already on the road end up steering their vehicles in dangerous conditions, increasing the likelihood of car accidents.

If you have been hurt in an auto collision due to another driver’s carelessness during a flash flood, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Because floods are forces of nature, not all accidents are someone’s fault. For example, a driver who hydroplanes on a wet street may not be considered negligent. But a driver who was aware of the street’s conditions and was careless by following another vehicle too closely, failing to signal or driving while distracted may be found liable for your injuries.

We hope everyone stays safe and off the roadways during flash floods this hurricane season, but we know the weather can be volatile and cause unfortunate accidents. The experienced attorneys at Steinberg Law Firm can discuss your flash flood car accident case with you and advise you on the best avenue to take.