Surviving Car Accidents Due to Flooding in North Palm Beach

Anyone who has ever had a flooded basement knows that water will always find a way down. After a particularly rainy spring, Florida is more at risk of car accidents due to flooding than ever.

However, there are ways to prepare yourself and your family while traveling in flood conditions-and a little preparation could save your life.

A few roadway hazards caused by floods (and how to avoid them):

• Lowered roadways. After filling rivers and ditches, water will begin to saturate roadsides and make its way onto the pavement. Beware driving around a watery street: the flooded ground beside the road may look like a tempting way out, but can cause your tires to sink and leave you marooned.
• Roadblocks. Rising water can sweep debris into the road, making streets and highways impassable. If a flooded road is blocked by trees, cars or other obstacles, the best thing to do is turn around and find another route-you never know what else could be lurking underwater.
• Fast currents. People may think that if they drive quickly enough, they can make it through rising water. What they do not realize is that even if the water is moving at a slow pace, it can still have enough momentum to sweep a car off the road-or even push it over.
• Sinking. If your car is sinking underwater and you cannot drive out, always exit the vehicle. If the water continues to rise, climb on top of your car or seek higher ground and call 911.
• Other vehicles. Many flood-related accidents are caused by partially-submerged cars being hit because other drivers could not see them. If your car becomes trapped, turn on your headlights, emergency lights and windshield wipers so oncoming motorists will be able to spot you.

As experienced North Palm Beach car accident attorneys, we have seen not only the damage flooding has caused, but the frustration when victims attempt to file claims for their losses. Even if you have comprehensive coverage, you may find that your insurance company is reluctant to pay for your flood accident auto damage, including:

• Fire caused by sparking electrical systems
• Storm damage, such as high winds and hail
• Falling debris from trees and roofs
• Vandalism or theft, as a result of drivers forced to abandon their cars in the water

We don’t believe that anyone should be forced to suffer after a crisis-and especially not by someone they trusted to care for them. If your car insurance claim was denied after a Palm Beach auto accident, call Fetterman & Associates today.