San Diego County is known for its sunny and pleasant weather, but sometimes rain strikes, leading to flash flooding. When such weather hazards occur, places like Pine Valley, Mount Laguna, and Julian get inundated, and roads turn risky. While flash floods do not last for long, they make driving unsafe. Vehicles getting washed away and colliding on wet roads are not uncommon.
After getting injured in a flash flooding-related car accident, you should seek expert legal intervention. In such cases, you may find it hard to claim compensation and figure out the responsible party. Multiple parties can be liable, and you may find it hard to assess the due compensation. Only a veteran car accident lawyer can resolve the puzzle and fetch you compensation minus complications.
How do flash floods cause vehicle accidents?
There are several factors that can lead to car accidents during a flash flood. Some of the major ones are discussed below:
- Hydroplaning and loss of control- As rainwater accumulates on roads, car tires do not come into direct contact with the surface, affecting the car’s braking capability. Hydroplaning, as it is called, causes plenty of car accidents. It can occur even at low speeds, at 40 mph or so. Vehicles may swerve unpredictably, colliding with people and other cars.
- Rear-end collisions- Flooding on roads can sometimes make the car engines immobile, causing them to stop suddenly. This may lead to rear-end crashes. The lower visibility on rainy nights makes it hard for drivers to spot stalled cars ahead.
- Poor road conditions- Flash floods can weaken road conditions, too. It can lead to potholes and collapsed pavements. Drivers can lose control when driving on such flood-damaged roads.
- Stranded and swept cars- San Diego flash foods can cause vehicles to get swept away and stranded on roads. This makes things hard for other drivers and enhances the risk of collisions.
- Consult lawyers atcom to learn more about the risk of accidents caused by flash flooding and similar natural hazards in San Diego.
Who is liable in flash flood-caused car accidents?
While flash floods may be the primary cause of car accidents, other liable parties can also be involved. A veteran car accident lawyer will analyze all evidence and witness testimony to determine liability.
- Sometimes, the liability of such mishaps can be shared by the driver if he/she ignores weather forecasts and drives without safety measures on affected roads.
- The San Diego civic authorities may face legal consequences if they do not maintain roads in proper conditions.
- In some cases, the carmaker may also be responsible if car components malfunction on flooded roads. This may include brakes failing on wet roads and electrical short circuits leading to sensor failure.
How to avoid flash flood car accidents?
Avoid driving in San Diego when the weather forecast calls for flash floods. If you must go out, choose roads carefully and stay updated with weather alerts.
Summing it up
After you get involved in a flash flood vehicle accident in San Diego, call a reputed and reliable car accident attorney soon. Make sure you take images and record videos, as that will help build the case. Do not do anything without consulting your lawyer. Veteran lawyers in this domain guide their clients through such overwhelming situations.