Submerged vehicle accidents aren’t common, but they can be very dangerous. Though some estimates put the total number of submerged vehicle accidents annually at 1500 or fewer, these accidents cause a few hundred deaths each year. Most of those deaths are not from crash-related injuries, but from drowning.
One obvious factor in how common submerged vehicle accidents are is how much water there is in the geographical area, and how close those bodies of water are to traffic. The Charleston area is home to three rivers, a bay, and many lakes, ponds, and reservoirs–not to mention the Atlantic Ocean. So, it should come as no surprise that the area has seen quite a few submersion events.
For example:
- In early November, two men were found dead in a vehicle that went into the water near River Road in John’s Island
- In late October, a driver escaped a vehicle that went into the water in Horry County
- In early October, a driver escaped a vehicle that went into the water off Chisholm Road in John’s Island
- In early September, first responders found an unoccupied vehicle in a retention pond in North Charleston
- In late August, a rideshare driver was rescued by bystanders after his vehicle went into a creek in Isle of Palms
Less recently but more famously, the body of Tommy Brailey was discovered in his vehicle in a Sumter swamp in late 2024. Brailey had been missing since 2017.
How Do Vehicle Submersion Accidents Happen?
Vehicle submersion accidents can happen in many ways, including:
- A driver mistaking a boat landing or similar fixture for a road or driveway in the dark
- A driver failing to see water in poor visibility, such as a heavy rainstorm
- The vehicle leaving the roadway due to taking a curve too fast, distraction, or some other error
- A vehicle rollover that ends in a body of water
- A two-vehicle collision that pushes or propels one vehicle into the water
As you can see, the best way to minimize this type of accident is the same as the best way to avoid most accidents–be attentive on the road, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and obey traffic safety laws.
Why are Submersion Accidents so Dangerous?
A big part of the reason submersion accidents create a significant risk of drowning is how quickly the driver must act to avoid being trapped in the vehicle. While sinking time varies based on the vehicle, the body of water and other factors, one study determined that the average “flotation phase” lasts one to two minutes. That’s the time before the vehicle sinks far enough that it becomes difficult or impossible to open the door. Before the water reaches the side windows, the driver can typically open a window or door and exit the vehicle. But, the chances of escape diminish dramatically after that point.
Most common items a person would have with them in the vehicle don’t have sufficient force to break a window under those circumstances, and the oft-offered advice to wait until the car fills with water and pressure equalizes is a big gamble. The best chance of escape is to get out before the car sinks too far. The next-best possibility is a specialized tool, such as a spring-loaded punch or an escape hammer, to break the window. Some escape hammers also have a built-in seatbelt cutter.
If your car does go into the water, you will have very little time to think. It’s important to have the plan ingrained in your mind, and to know exactly where any tools are. Your first action should be to roll down the windows if you are able. Rear windows typically stay above water slightly longer.
Who is Responsible for a Charleston Vehicle Submersion Accident?
The responsible party or parties will depend on how the vehicle ended up in the water. For example, if the vehicle was hit by another car and propelled into the water, the driver who hit the vehicle will likely be at least partly liable. If the driver who goes into the water was speeding, distracted, driving too fast for conditions, operating under the influence or otherwise negligent, they may be wholly or partly responsible.
Other factors, such as road maintenance or design, lack of appropriate barriers or failure to maintain barriers, inadequate signage and others can also play a role. Similarly, a faulty vehicle part or design that either contributed to the accident or made it more difficult for the occupants to escape may implicate the manufacturer or seller of the vehicle or part.
Talk to a Charleston Car Accident Lawyer
The best way to find out who may be liable for your vehicle submersion accident is to talk to an experienced Charleston car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash. Injury attorney Frank Hartman has decades of experience representing South Carolina accident victims and knows how important it is that you get knowledgeable guidance right away. That’s why he offers free consultations to Charleston accident victims. You can schedule yours right now by calling (843) 300-7600 or filling out our contact form.