Phone: 206-727-4000
Washington State has very strict laws against distracted driving. Sending text messages on a cell phone or other mobile device while driving a motor vehicle is against the law. And drivers who wish to talk on a cell phone must use a hands-free device so they are not distracted by their mobile phone while driving a vehicle. These laws exist because distracted driving is a real threat. If you have been injured in a collision caused by a someone that was texting while driving you may need the help of a Seattle distracted driving accident attorney.
Davis Law Group frequently handles motor vehicle accidents and/or rear-end collisions that were caused by a distracted driver. If you have been injured by a driver who was talking on a cell phone or texting while driving at the time of the accident we can help you get justice for your case and financial compensation or your injuries. Call us at 206-727-4000 to schedule a free legal consultation to get your distracted driving law questions answered and your legal options explained.
It has been estimated that, at any given moment, over 800,000 Americans were texting, making calls, or using a handheld cell phone while driving a motor vehicle during the day. In 2008, distracted driving motor vehicle accidents killed nearly 6,000 Americans.
Between 2004 and 2008, distracted driving in Washington State contributed to 758 deaths, which is an average of 152 deaths per year. Distracted driving was involved in 25.8% (758 of 2,941) of all traffic deaths during the five year period.
In Washington state early 90% of distracted driving involved deaths were vehicle drivers and their passengers; another 9.8% were pedestrians. Forty-two percent of all distracted driving accident deaths in Washington happen in King, Pierce, Yakima, Snohomish and
Thurston counties.
The greatest number of deaths in Washington that involve distracted driving accident occur between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM--during rush hour. Half (382 of 758; 50.5%) of distracted driving involved deaths occurred on Friday, Saturday, or Saturday.
Collision data collected by crash investigators underreports driver distraction. Often no evidence of distraction exists at the crash scene and drivers are reluctant to admit distraction played a role in the crash.
A large percentage of rear-end accident are caused by a distracted driver who “looked away for just a second” to review a text message or to dial a number, failed to notice that traffic ahead had slowed or stopped and then slammed into another driver.
On January 26, 2010 a federal law went into effect that bans drivers of commercial (buses and trucks) vehicles in the United States from texting or using handheld cellphones while driving. Those who ar caught violating this law are subject to a $2,750 fine.
In Washington State sending a text message or talking on a cell phone use without a hands free device while operating a motor vehicle a primary offense. This allows state and local police officers to issue tickets to drivers based solely on the officer's observation of text messaging or illegal cell phone use. The fine for the offense is $124.
Distracted Driving Accident
The "Statute of Limitations" (SOL) is a law that sets a strict time limit on when a legal claim or action may be commenced. After the SOL has expired the legal action (lawsuit) is forever barred. In Washington State the SOL for many types of personal injury cases including texting while driving accidents is three (3) years from the date of the accident. However there are exceptionsto this time limit depending upon the facts involved. You should immediately consult with an experienced distracted driving lawyer to make sure you know when the statute expires in your accident case. DO NOT WAIT TO CONSULT WITH OR HIRE AN ATTORNEY. Even though your SOL may not expire for a long time, you may still want to promptly hire a distracted driving attorney to protect or maximize the value of your claim and increase the odds of a favorable outcome. |
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