Bergen County Flood Watch Increases the Risk of Serious Car Accidents
📞 If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey car accident, truck accident, pedestrian accident, bicycle accident, rideshare accident, or weather-related crash, contact Khorozian Law Group today for a free consultation. Call (201) 944-9200, complete our online contact form. We proudly represent injury victims throughout Bergen County and across New Jersey. Hablamos Español.
It only takes a few minutes of heavy rain to turn an ordinary commute into a life-changing accident.
That's the reality facing drivers across Bergen County today as a Flood Watch remains in effect following a weekend of severe storms that left flooded roadways, fallen trees, and even prompted Paramus to declare a local State of Emergency. According to Patch, additional heavy rainfall is expected through Tuesday morning, increasing the risk of flash flooding and dangerous driving conditions across communities including Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Fort Lee, Cliffside Park, Hackensack, and Teaneck.
While many people assume weather alone is to blame when a crash occurs during a storm, New Jersey law often tells a different story. Drivers still have a legal duty to adjust their speed, maintain a safe following distance, and operate their vehicles responsibly—even when the roads are wet.
The National Weather Service warns that periods of heavy rainfall may quickly overwhelm storm drains, reduce visibility, and flood roadways throughout northern New Jersey. For thousands of commuters, what begins as an ordinary drive can become a serious collision in a matter of seconds.
Every year, our attorneys speak with people who assume they cannot pursue a claim because "it was raining." In reality, New Jersey law still requires every driver to slow down, maintain a safe following distance, and operate their vehicle with reasonable care. If another driver's negligence contributed to the crash, you may still have the right to recover compensation with the help of an experiencedNew Jersey Car Accident Lawyer.
What Does a Flood Watch Mean for Bergen County Drivers?
A Flood Watch means conditions are favorable for flooding. It doesnot necessarily mean flooding has already occurred.
According to the National Weather Service, today's storms may produce intense rainfall capable of flooding intersections, highways, underpasses, parking lots, and residential streets within a short period of time.
Dangerous conditions commonly include:
- Hydroplaning
- Standing water concealing potholes
- Reduced visibility
- Downed trees and utility lines
- Traffic signal outages
- Multi-vehicle crashes
- Vehicles becoming stranded in floodwaters
Even shallow standing water can cause drivers to lose control.
Can Someone Still Be Liable for a Weather-Related Car Accident?
Absolutely.
One of the most common misconceptions after a storm is that "the weather caused the accident."
In reality, New Jersey law requires every driver to adjust their driving to current conditions.
A driver may still be negligent if they:
- Drive too fast for wet roads
- Follow another vehicle too closely
- Ignore flooded roadway warnings
- Make unsafe lane changes
- Use a phone while driving
- Operate a vehicle with unsafe tires or brakes
- Fail to maintain a safe stopping distance
Insurance companies frequently argue that heavy rain—not another driver's actions—caused the collision. An experienced New Jersey car accident lawyer can investigate roadway conditions, crash reports, witness statements, photographs, and available surveillance footage to determine whether negligence contributed to the crash.
What Should You Do After a Flood-Related Crash?
If you are involved in an accident during today's storms:
- Call 911 if anyone is injured.
- Move to a safe location if possible.
- Never walk through moving floodwater.
- Photograph the vehicles, roadway conditions, standing water, skid marks, and debris.
- Exchange insurance information.
- Seek prompt medical evaluation, even if injuries appear minor.
- Report the accident to your insurance carrier.
- Speak with a New Jersey personal injury lawyer before accepting a settlement offer.
Prompt documentation often becomes critical when insurers later dispute whether weather or driver negligence caused the accident.
Bad Weather Does Not Eliminate Your Right to Compensation
Many injured drivers assume that because it was raining, no claim exists.
That is simply not true.
If another driver's negligence contributed to the collision, you may still be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future medical treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Permanent injuries
Determining fault after a weather-related collision often requires reviewing police reports, weather conditions, roadway evidence, photographs, witness testimony, and vehicle damage.
Every Storm Creates New Driving Hazards
At Khorozian Law Group, we routinely speak with accident victims who were injured during heavy rain, snow, fog, and other severe weather events.
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that bad weather automatically prevents an injury claim.
It does not.
Weather creates hazardous conditions, but drivers are expected to respond responsibly. When they fail to do so, they may still be held accountable for the injuries they cause.
Stay Safe During Today's Flood Watch
Emergency officials continue encouraging residents to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall.
If driving cannot be avoided:
- Slow down.
- Increase following distance.
- Turn on your headlights.
- Avoid cruise control during heavy rain.
- Never drive through standing water if you cannot determine its depth.
- If you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and find another route.
These simple precautions can help reduce the risk of a serious collision.
Injured in a Bergen County Car Accident?
Whether your accident involved heavy rain, flooding, hydroplaning, or another driver's negligence, understanding your legal rights is important.
Our team represents injury victims throughout Bergen County and across New Jersey, helping clients pursue compensation after serious motor vehicle accidents.
📞 If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey car accident, truck accident, pedestrian accident, bicycle accident, rideshare accident, or weather-related crash, contact Khorozian Law Group today for a free consultation. Call (201) 944-9200, complete our online contact form, or visit our Englewood Cliffs office. We proudly represent injury victims throughout Bergen County and across New Jersey. Hablamos Español.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a claim if the other driver hydroplaned?
Yes. Hydroplaning alone does not eliminate liability. If another driver was speeding, following too closely, or failed to adjust to weather conditions, they may still be responsible.
Does New Jersey PIP coverage still apply during a flood-related crash?
Generally, yes. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits typically apply regardless of whether the collision occurred during severe weather.
What if the insurance company says the storm caused the accident?
Insurance companies often make this argument. An attorney can investigate whether another driver's negligent actions contributed to the crash despite poor weather.
Should I seek medical treatment even if I feel okay?
Yes. Whiplash, concussions, and soft-tissue injuries frequently develop hours or even days after an accident.
📞 If you or a loved one has been injured in a New Jersey car accident, truck accident, pedestrian accident, bicycle accident, rideshare accident, or weather-related crash, contact Khorozian Law Group today for a free consultation. Call (201) 944-9200, complete our online contact form, or visit our Englewood Cliffs office. We proudly represent injury victims throughout Bergen County and across New Jersey. Hablamos Español.
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