Both Whatcom and Skagit Counties have been hit hard by flooding in the last week, with thousands ordered to evacuate and reports of numerous vehicles trapped by mudslides and standing water. Flooding in our area is typically caused by heavy rain and overflowing rivers. Driving on flooded roads is incredibly dangerous for drivers and pedestrians, contributing to thousands of preventable traffic accidents every year. In many cases, these crashes lead to serious injuries, vehicle damage, and even fatalities.
Understanding why flooded roads are so dangerous can help drivers make safer choices and protect their legal rights if an accident occurs.
The Hidden Dangers of Driving on Flooded Roads
One of the most common misconceptions about flooded roads is that shallow water is safe to drive through. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters. These statistics highlight the importance of turning around instead of attempting to drive or walk through standing water.
As little as six-inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It only takes 12-inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just two feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. Floodwater also hides hazards that drivers can’t see. Potholes, washed-out pavement, debris, or missing road markings are all risks that can lead to a catastrophic crash in seconds. Even experienced drivers may be unable to react in time once they realize the road beneath them is no longer stable. Another major risk is hydroplaning accidents. When water builds up faster than a vehicle’s tires can disperse it, the tires lose contact with the road, steering and braking become ineffective, and there is huge risk of collision.
Drivers should never drive around the barriers blocking a flooded road. The road may have collapsed under that water and city officials are trying to keep everyone safe. The Turn Around Don’t Drown® campaign tries to warn drivers and pedestrians that it is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters.
Common Types of Flood-Related Accidents
Driving on flooded roads can lead to several types of serious traffic accidents, including:
- Single-vehicle crashes, where a driver loses control and strikes a barrier, tree, or ditch.
- Multi-vehicle collisions, especially when one driver hydroplanes into oncoming or stopped traffic.
- Vehicle submersion, which can trap occupants inside the car.
- Pedestrian accidents, when walkers or cyclists are struck due to reduced visibility and traction.
These accidents often result in severe injuries such as broken bones, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and drowning-related complications.
Who is Liable For My Flood-Related Accident?
Liability in flooded road accidents is not always straightforward. While drivers are generally expected to adjust their behavior for weather conditions, other parties may also share responsibility. For example, a government entity may be liable if it failed to properly maintain drainage systems, neglected known flooding hazards, or did not provide adequate warnings or road closures. In multi-vehicle accidents, another driver may be at fault for speeding, following too closely, or driving recklessly despite visible flooding.
Insurance companies often attempt to shift blame entirely onto the injured driver, arguing that the accident was unavoidable or caused by poor judgment.
What to Do After an Accident on a Flooded Road
If you are involved in a flood-related crash and you are able to do so, call the police to the scene for an accident report. Do not admit fault for the accident to the other parties or police officers. Document the scene with photos or videos, including water levels, road conditions, and warning signs (or the lack thereof). Obtain contact information from witnesses and exchange insurance and contact information from other drivers. Once these things are handled, seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
Most importantly, avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with an experienced, local car accident attorney. Early statements can be used to minimize or deny your claim.
Flooded road accidents can leave victims facing mounting medical bills, lost income, and long-term recovery challenges. If you were injured in a flooded road accident due to someone else’s negligence or unsafe road conditions, you may be entitled to compensation.
Seek the Help of a Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! Since 1979, our personal injury law firm, Tario & Associates, P.S., has been dedicated to fighting for the rights of people injured throughout Washington State, with local offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon to serve residents of Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
