Who Is Responsible for a Hydroplane Car Accident in Washington?

Wet roads are nothing new in Washington. From steady Spokane drizzles to sudden storms across the state, drivers know rain is part of the deal. But that doesn’t make hydroplaning any less dangerous—or the accidents any easier to handle.

Hydroplaning can lead to severe injuries, vehicle damage, and long-lasting trauma. When it happens, many people ask: Who is actually at fault in a hydroplane car accident?

At Gilbert Law Firm, we represent individuals and families in Spokane and throughout Washington who are injured in car accidents caused by negligence. With a deep understanding of local road conditions and how weather-related crashes happen, we’re here to help you figure out what went wrong and what to do next.

This blog explains how fault is determined in hydroplane car accidents, what factors can contribute to liability, and how a car accident attorney can help.

Hydroplaning happens when a vehicle’s tires lose contact with the pavement due to a layer of water, causing the driver to lose control. This often results in:

• Sliding across lanes
• Spinning out
• Crashing into other vehicles, medians, or guardrails

While this can happen to any driver in rainy conditions, it’s not always a “no-fault” situation. In fact, many hydroplane accidents are caused by negligent driving or improper road maintenance, and someone may be legally responsible.

Washington’s climate, especially in areas like Spokane and Eastern Washington, means drivers frequently face slick roads. But hydroplane crashes are rarely just about the weather. Often, they’re made worse by risky behavior or ignored maintenance.

• Speeding during rain or storms
• Bald or underinflated tires
• Sudden braking or turning on wet surfaces
• Standing water due to poor drainage
• Worn-out road surfaces or design flaws

Each of these factors can play a role in determining who’s liable, and whether a claim can be made.

Liability depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. In Washington, fault can be shared under the state’s comparative negligence rules. That means multiple parties can be held financially responsible if their actions contributed to the crash.

• Another driver who was speeding, distracted, or failed to maintain their vehicle
  
• A municipality or government agency responsible for poor road design or standing water
  
• A business or property owner if the accident occurred on private property with dangerous road conditions
  
• Tire or vehicle manufacturers, in rare cases of defective parts

Understanding who may be liable is the first step toward getting the answers and the accountability you deserve.

After a hydroplane accident, the insurance company might try to avoid responsibility. It’s not unusual for them to claim the crash was simply “unavoidable” due to weather conditions. They may argue that no one was at fault or offer a low settlement that barely covers your expenses.

But here’s the reality: even in heavy rain or slick conditions, drivers are expected to adjust their behavior. That means slowing down, keeping a safe distance, avoiding sudden turns, and making sure their tires and brakes are in good shape. Failing to take those precautions can be considered negligent driving.

Still, insurance companies may try to:

• Downplay the seriousness of your injuries
• Delay your claim to pressure you into settling
• Use your statements against you to deny liability

At Gilbert Law Firm, we work with clients across Washington to push back against these tactics. We know how to gather the right evidence, deal with insurance adjusters, and build a case that shows your crash could, and should, have been prevented.

If you’ve been in a hydroplaning crash in Spokane, take these steps to protect yourself:

1. Call 911 and report the accident
   
2. Seek medical attention, even minor symptoms could be serious
3. Document the scene, including the road, water accumulation, and vehicle damage
4. Exchange information with any involved drivers
   
5. Avoid making statements to insurance companies until you’ve spoken with a lawyer
   
6. Contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible

Preserving evidence is crucial, especially in hydroplane crashes, where standing water and weather conditions can quickly change.

If you’ve been involved in a hydroplaning crash in Washington and aren’t sure where to turn, we’re ready to help. You don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Whether it was another driver, poor road maintenance, or even a combination of factors, we can help uncover the truth and fight for what you deserve.

Call Gilbert Law Firm at (509) 321-0750 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.