Drivers on the Seattle area’s busy roadways should always take care to avoid distracted driving. Distracted drivers can cause serious accidents that can gravely injure victims. Victims of distracted drivers should be familiar with the personal injury legal protections that can help them when they have been harmed by a distracted driver.
Washington state distracted driving laws
It is illegal to use a handheld electronic device, such as a cell phone, while driving in the state of Washington. Drivers cannot hold their cell phones while driving except in extremely limited circumstances when they are out of the flow of traffic, are contacting emergency services or are using a single swipe of one finger.
However, talking on the phone is not the only form of distracted driving. Eating, playing with the in-dash entertainment system, and even talking to fellow passengers can distract a driver from the road. Distracted drivers who engage in risky distracted driving behaviors may receive a fine, but in the event those actions cause an accident, they may also be liable to victims for their damages suffered.
Help for victims injured by a distracted driver
Nearly everyone knows that distracted driving is dangerous but not everyone may know that distracted drivers may be liable for the damages and harm they cause victims of a distracted driving-related car accident. Victims of distracted driving-related car accidents can recover compensation for their medical care costs, lost earnings and the emotional trauma all of which a distracted driver may be liable for by filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Distracted driving has consequences for both distracted drivers and victims. Distracted drivers should be familiar with these consequences and refrain from driving while distracted and victims should be familiar with the legal protections available to help them following a distracted driving-related accident.
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