The Dangers of Flooded Roadways
Road hazards come in a number of different forms, but one of the most dangerous is flooding, especially during hurricane season. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that as many as 50 percent of all flood-related drownings occur when a car is driven into flood water. This risk is especially high for Florida residents, as the state faces higher flood risks than any other in the nation, due in large part to the combination of flat terrain and the high likelihood of hurricanes, rising seas, and high tides. If you were involved in an accident due to a roadway hazard, such as flooding, you could be eligible for compensation. To learn more about your legal options, you should consider contacting an experienced Fort Lauderdale auto accident attorney who can advise you.
Liability for Hydroplaning Accidents
Hydroplaning accidents occur when a roadway becomes slick due to the presence of water and a vehicle’s tires lose traction, resulting in a loss of control. Although it is possible to hydroplane during rainstorms and hurricanes, many of these types of accidents can also be linked to broken water valves, water mains, and irrigation or sprinkler systems. In these cases, the entity that owns or maintains the broken sprinkler or water main, whether private or public, can be held liable for failing to properly install, maintain, or repair the irrigation system or pipes in question if that negligence leads to a vehicle accident.
Road design also plays a significant role in many hydroplaning accidents. For instance, designing a road with few drains increases the likelihood of flooding and subsequent accidents, especially in cases of severe weather. Problems with the drains themselves is also a problem in many cities, whether they are blocked up due to improper maintenance or just badly designed, defective drains can prove deadly to motorists in the state. Designing and installing adequate drains is especially important in Florida, as the terrain is generally flat and often below sea level.
Melted snow and water runoff from overflowing drains can also result in the creation of ruts and ridges. If these problems aren’t repaired, water can pool up in the ruts themselves, turning even a minor leak into a serious hazard. When an accident can be linked to this type of issue and another entity’s negligence, injured parties could be eligible to collect damages compensating them for lost wages, medical expenses, property damage, and even pain and suffering.
Contact an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney Today
If you were involved in a car accident because a roadway was flooded and you have evidence that your collision can be linked to the negligence of a municipality or private company, please call Boone & Davis at 954-566-9919 to speak with a dedicated Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney who can explain your legal options. Initial case evaluations are offered free of charge, so please don’t hesitate to call or contact us online today about collecting compensation for your own accident-related injuries.
Resource:
weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown
