Driving in bad Texas weather? These tips for driving in flooded areas may save your life.

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Many in South Texas are cleaning up after the flooding caused by Hurricane Alex and the rains last week. Flooding on this scale is not so common in the Rio Grande Valley; the last big flood occurred in 1998. However, weather scientists say the risk of large hurricanes and associated flooding is increasing.

The majority of flood fatalities are vehicle-related; they involve people who are driving through flash-flooded areas. in fact, Texas leads the nation in vehicle-related flood fatalities. So, the Laredo car crash attorneys at Cowen Law Group have put together this list of tips for driving in flooded areas.

1. Flash flooding often happens quickly and unexpectedly, so during hurricane season check for flash flood warnings before travelling.

2. If there is a flash flood warning for your area, do not drive unless it is absolutely necessary.

3. Do not drive through flooding. If the road ahead of you is flooded, turn around and take another route.

4. If you can’t find another route, get to higher ground and wait for the flood waters to go down.

5. If your car stalls, get out and climb to higher ground.

6. If your vehicle is swept away by flood water,

Remember:

• Just six inches of water is enough to reach the bottom of most passenger cars and cause loss of control or stalling.
• One foot of water is enough to float many passenger vehicles.
• Two feet of rushing water will sweep away most vehicles including SUVs and pick-up trucks.
• Once cars are swept downstream they may roll to one side or flip over. If this occurs, the driver has only a few seconds to escape from the vehicle. Many drivers panic when the vehicle submerges and are found later still buckled into their seats.
• The water may appear shallow enough to cross, but water hides dips in the road.
• There may not be a road under the water. Flooding can easily scour away both the road surface and much of the ground beneath.
• Flood damage to your car is covered by your comprehensive auto insurance coverage.

Be careful this hurricane season. If you are involved in a Texas car accident and need help getting insurance compensation, the South Texas car wreck attorneys at Cowen Law Group can help. Contact our Brownsville law office at 1-877-385-1282 to learn more and to request a free copy of The Insiders Guide to Texas Accident Cases.

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Brownsville, Texas 78521
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Offices

Brownsville Office
62 E. Price Road
Brownsville, Texas 78521
Phone: 956-541-4981
Toll Free: 877-385-1282

Laredo Office
6909 Springfield Ave., Suite 106
Laredo, Texas 78041
Toll Free: (877) 385-1282

Rio Grande City Office
611 Main
Rio Grande City, Texas 78582
Phone: 956-487-0105
Toll Free: 877-385-1282

"Principal office in Brownsville, Texas. Meetings with lawyers at the McAllen and Rio Grande City offices are by appointment only."

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