In Florida, floods, severe wind, storms, and other natural disasters can happen in an instant. Unfortunately, these events can cause traffic accidents and car damage and it can be challenging to get the money you need from your insurer, who may be dealing with many claims at once.
Don’t tackle this complex situation yourself. Contact Flaxman Law Group. Our law offices in Miami, Homestead, and Hollywood and our family-based legal team are here to help. If you’ve been in a car accident or have suffered car property damage because of a natural disaster, we’ll set up a consultation with an accident or property damage attorney so you can talk about any rights you may have to seek compensation.
Preventing Car Accidents Caused by Natural Disasters in Florida
You might not always have lots of warning before disaster strikes, but you can always be prepared by:
- Checking conditions before you drive. Make it a habit to check road conditions before you leave home and consider staying put if dangerous weather is moving in.
- Keeping an emergency kit in the car. This should include non-perishable food, water, reflective blankets, a first aid kit, flashlight, fire extinguisher, and anything else you may need.
- Maintaining your gas tank. Keeping your gas tank full increases the chances you can make it to safety if you are suddenly impacted by dangerous conditions.
- Maintaining your car. The worst time for your car to break down is when you’re trying to get to safety. Make sure your vehicle is reliable and ready for different conditions.
If the worst happens and you’re stuck in a natural disaster, make sure you:
- Avoid driving through water if you can’t tell how deep it is. It’s very easy for cars to be swept away, even when the water doesn’t look deep. Don’t take the risk. If you get stuck in water, get out of your car and get to higher ground at once. This is a life-threatening situation.
- Pull over if you can’t see. In heavy rain or poor weather, get to the side of the road and call for help rather than driving without seeing what’s in front of you.
- Know what to avoid. Avoid contact with any downed power lines or any water near downed power lines. Avoid touching metal or getting out of your car if you see lighting. In a lightning storm, you’re safest in your vehicle.
- Tune in to local news. Follow any instructions about what to do to stay safe. Contact emergency services if you find yourself stuck and need help.
Even after a natural disaster, you may encounter challenges. A common issue happens if you need to make a claim because of property damage or a traffic accident. Insurers are sometimes overwhelmed with calls after a natural disaster and may want to resolve claims quickly. This doesn’t always get you fair compensation that can pay for your losses.
That’s why after a natural disaster it can be useful to contact Flaxman Law Group if you’ve sustained injuries or losses. Our father-son attorney team has helped plaintiffs secure large settlements and judgements and we’d be pleased to meet with you in a consultation to review your possible claim. We may be able to negotiate with insurance companies for you and seek all liable parties in your case. Reach out today to find out what we may be able to do for you.