Texas Accident & Injury News
Flooded roads present an extreme hazard to drivers.
Woman Crashes, Flips Into Pond in East-Side Accident
According to a KSAT News report, a woman was taken to the hospital after flipping her car into a pond.
Police reported the accident happened at around 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 26th, in the 600 block of Gembler Road near Interstate 35 on the East Side. Police say the woman was speeding through a wooded area when she hit the road at an angle, causing her vehicle to flip over. It ended up in a nearby pond when it rolled. The report did not specify if the woman was injured in the accident–SAFD only reported that she was transported to the hospital as a precaution. The identity of the woman and the type of vehicle she was driving were not reported.
Did You Know?
San Antonio is located in “Flash Flood Alley” and is prone to heavy flooding.
Driving Safety During Flash Flood Season in San Antonio
San Antonio is a beautiful city and a wonderful place to live, no matter what stage of life you’re in. However, it’s also very prone to flash flooding.
San Antonio is close to the Balcones Escarpment, a geological fault zone that traps warm weather masses that move in from the coast. This leads to heavy rainfall, which, combined with our city’s narrow river channels, steep terrain, and shallow soil, makes us especially prone to flash flooding.
As we approach peak flash flooding season (April/May), it’s a good time to review driver safety tips during a flash flood event so you can keep yourself and your family safe.
How to Drive in a Flash Flood
Obviously, you shouldn’t drive during a flood if you can help it. But the very nature of flash flooding means that it can happen suddenly, and drivers can find themselves trapped and forced to navigate an extreme hazard.
If you have to drive during a flash flood event, remember these tips:
- Never Ignore a Barricade — Don’t drive past a barricade. Water can be much deeper than it appears and almost impossible to see at night.
- Try to Avoid Standing Water — If you can get to higher ground, do it. Even 12 inches of running water on a road can sweep your vehicle away. You are also much more likely to stall, stranding you in dangerous water.
- Driving Through Standing Water — Sometimes, you don’t have a choice. If you can’t avoid standing water, remember to:
- Drive slowly and steadily
- Stay off your phone (except to call 9-1-1 to report injuries/accidents)
- Abandon your car if trapped in rising floodwaters.
After driving through standing water, test your brakes to make sure they’re still working. You can also dry your brakes by lightly pressing the brake pedal while maintaining speed. Driving on a clear roadway will take care of the rest.
What to Do If Swept Away By Floodwaters
If your vehicle is swept away and floodwaters are rapidly rising around your car:
- Don’t Panic
- Don’t Call 9-1-1 Immediately — You only have about 30 seconds to save yourself. Don’t waste precious time.
- Unbuckle — Immediately unbuckle and instruct your passengers to do so.
- Lower Your Window — As soon as you have unbuckled, lower your window and your passenger’s window if you have passengers with you.
- Swim Out of the Window
- Abandon the Vehicle — Immediately kick away from your car (or wait until your passenger is clear if you have one). Most people think to cling to their car as a floatation device, but your car will sink. Abandon it and swim with the current to higher ground.
- Call 9-1-1 — Once you and your passengers have gotten to safety.
Once you’re safe and have reported the accident, report the accident to your insurance company. If you have the right coverage, you can get your vehicle replaced or repaired.
Injured in a Car Accident Caused by Flash Flooding? Call Shaw!
Sometimes, an injury from flash flooding isn’t anyone’s fault. However, negligence can contribute to flash flooding accidents in some cases. If you or a loved one were hurt in an accident caused by flash flooding in San Antonio, you may be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Medical Bills,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Trauma/PTSD,
- Missed Work,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer in San Antonio. You’ll get the expert legal advice you need at no cost and with no obligations attached. Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in San Antonio for over 32 years because we put our clients first. We look forward to serving you.