Distracted driving auto accidents in Seattle can cost lives. In fact, it has been reported by the CDC that several thousand individuals lose their lives to distracted driving accidents each year. When a driver gets behind the wheel of a car, they have a responsibility to remain alert while on the road. When a driver is distracted, they are not fulfilling this duty to themselves or others. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a distracted driver’s negligence, you deserve to be compensated for the losses you may have suffered as a result. To get help with your auto accident claim, contact a distracted driving auto accident lawyer in Seattle for help.
Premier Law Group is a team of experienced auto accident injury lawyers who have helped victims of distracted driver accidents receive the financial compensation they are owed. Our legal team understands that the Washington legal system can be overwhelming. That is why we are dedicated to providing our clients with the trusted legal services they deserve as they get through this difficult time.
Common Causes of Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of all auto accidents that occur in the United States. With the increased use of smart phones by drivers, the threat of distracted driving has never been more real, especially in regard to younger drivers. An average of 4,000 auto accidents were caused by someone not paying attention to the roadways while driving in the Seattle, Renton, Bellevue, and Federal Way areas alone. Some of the most common causes of distracted driving accidents are:
- General types of distractions: Whenever the driver’s attention is not on the road.
- Using a cell phone: Whether it’s talking or texting, this is the most common cause of distracted driving accidents.
- Other people inside the vehicle: Passengers inside a car may draw your attention from the road and can cause a car crash.
- People, places, or events outside the vehicle: It’s not uncommon to see people looking at other drivers or people on the side of the road, taking their focus off what is in front of them.
- Eating and drinking: Though not illegal, it’s not smart to eat or drink food while driving.
- Smoking: About 1% of all auto accidents are related to someone lighting or smoking a cigarette.
- Reaching for a device or object: Taking your eyes off the road and losing focus for even a second can cause an accident. It is important to remember that if you need to grab an object, you should pull over.
- Having pets on your lap or in the passenger seat: This is dangerous because you cannot control a live animal. This can easily cause you to lose focus of the road.
The consequences of distracted driving can result in serious injuries that can be life-altering for its victims. It is crucial that drivers remain focused and alert when behind the wheel of a car to avoid causing a devastating accident. If you were injured in a distracted driving incident, contact our Seattle distracted driving attorneys today!
Distracted Driving Laws in Washington State
Despite the many dangers and the strict enforcement of the law, many people still choose to use their cell phone while driving. According to RCW 46.61.672, anyone using a personal electronic device while driving is subject to these regulations:
- They are guilty of a traffic infraction and must pay a fine of $235, as provided in RCW 46.63.110
- A second or subsequent offense will be subject to paying twice the penalty amount according to RCW 46.63.110
- To quote RCW 46.61.672, “using” a personal electronic device includes all of the following actions:
- “Holding a personal electronic device in either hand or both hands.”
- “Using your hand or finger to compose, send, read, view, access, browse, transmit, save, or retrieve email, text messages, instant messages, photographs, or other electronic data; however, this does not preclude the minimal use of a finger to activate, deactivate, or initiate a function of the device.”
- “Watching video on a personal electronic device.”
While it may not always be convenient, it is important to remember that you should pull over if you need to make a call or message someone. If not to avoid the $235 fine, do it to protect the safety of the drivers around you or the passengers in your vehicle.
Distracted Driving Statistics in Washington State
In Washington, distracted driving is a prevalent issue leading to many injuries and even deaths. According to the Traffic Safety Commission:
- Washington state is ranked #4 in the nation for the most distracted driving accidents.
- 30% of auto accident fatalities involved distracted driving.
- 23% of all serious auto accidents involve a distracted driver.
- Drivers are 300% more likely to be in an auto accident when they’re on the phone while driving.
- 70% of observed distracted drivers were using their cell phones.
- A distracted driver is involved in an auto accident every 12 minutes.
- Approximately 9 people are killed and more than 1,000 injured each day in crashes involving a distracted driver.
- Drivers who text and drive are 600% more likely to be in an auto accident than drivers who don’t.
The best way to prevent a distracted driving accident is to avoid all possible distractions, especially phones, until you stop your vehicle.
For a free legal consultation with a distracted driving accident lawyer serving Seattle, call (206) 285-1743
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Contact a Seattle Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
If you were the victim of a distracted driving auto accident, you deserve fair compensation and justice. To get help with your auto accident injury claim, contact a Seattle, Washington distracted driver accident lawyer for help as soon as possible.
Premier Law Group has experienced auto accident lawyersin Seattle who have helped hundreds of people like you that were wrongfully injured in a car crash as a result of another driver’s negligence. We take care of the paperwork, the negotiations, and the minutiae that you don’t want to do. Give us a call! You do not have to go through this alone. We are proud to provide clients with the dedicated representation they deserve. Our team will be more than happy to help you in any way we can. To schedule a free consultation, fill out our online contact form or call us at (206) 880-7518.
Jason at premier law group is truly an outstanding individual. Our particular case was not something that their firm usually sees but they were more than willing to help us and give us all of the information they had available. I can't recommend them enough.