In 2017, Washington lawmakers approved various regulations to crack down on distracted drivers, especially those using handheld devices. The laws went into effect in 2019, and forbid the use of handheld electronics and all video watching while a car is either moving or briefly stopped. When an individual chooses to be irresponsible and drive recklessly, another life is in danger. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2017, distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,166 people. When a victim sustains injuries from being in a crash because of a distracted driver, the lives of the survivors, victims, and their families are changed.
Although Washington State has passed a law against using electronic devices while driving, many drivers continue to text and drive endangering the lives of themselves and others. For example, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, 30% of crash fatalities are due to distracted drivers. A driver breaches a duty of care when he/she decides to text and drive. As a result, the lives of the occupants in the vehicle (e.g., passenger, driver) and others on the road (e.g., pedestrian, bicyclists, another driver) are endangered.
Texting & Driving Lawyer in Bellingham, WA
For many individuals, much of their busy lives are spent commuting, either by being behind the wheel of a car, bicycling, or walking. In most cases, when a person allows themselves to become distracted while driving, the person is making the poor choice to multitask when they should be focused on safe driving. Anything that takes your attention away from the road and driving is a distraction, whether you are texting or making a phone call.
PNW Trial Lawyers has achieved consistent and exemplary results for hundreds of individuals and their families. Irresponsible drivers make a choice to become distracted while driving when they decide to text and drive. The decision to be an irresponsible driver frequently brings severe consequences, catastrophic injuries, and in unfortunate cases, the wrongful deaths of individuals. At PNW Trial Lawyers, we are here to help victims and their families. Our skilled car accident attorneys will spend the time and costs necessary to investigate your case and obtaining evidence proving liability. At PNW Trial Lawyers, our dedicated and experienced distracted driving car accident lawyers utilize their knowledge to help clients and their families achieve a favorable outcome based on the particular circumstances of their case. If you have been injuries because of a distracted driver contact PNW Trial Lawyers at (360) 483-5201 to schedule a free consultation.
Our attorneys serve clients in Bellingham, Everett, Anacortes, Mount Vernon, and the surrounding areas of Whatcom County, Skagit County, and Snohomish County.
Additional Resources
Washington Traffic Safety Commission – Visit the site to learn about researched statistics on motor vehicle collisions, distractions, and much more. The site also provides information on Traffic Safety Programs, for example, the site has statistical information on impaired drivers, and the current programs provided by Washington State such as Target Zero.
Stop Distractions – The non-profit organization is determined to “eliminate the lifelong devastation that results when a loved one is killed or injured in a distracted driving crash.” The site provides an abundance of resources for family, victims, and the general public. Stopdistractions.org provides an online/virtual network of support to the victims, survivors, and their families.
Distracted Driving FAQ – Visit the link to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to view policy statements and compiled frequently asked questions on distracted driving. The link also includes additional resources such as NHTSA Distracted Driving Research Plan.
Attorney for Distracted Driving Victims in Whatcom County, WA
If you have sustained injuries after a car accident, it is crucial to retain the expertise of a legal professional. The catastrophic injuries after an accident can include paralysis, traumatic brain injury, and broken bones. If you suspect that the driver who caused your injuries was distracted, consult with a legal professional. Obtaining the expertise of a lawyer can help you learn about your legal options and receive the compensation you are entitled to. At PNW Trial Lawyers, we know that proving distracted driving was the cause of your injuries can be difficult if there are no photos or traffic cameras to back up your assertion that the driver was at-fault for the accident and was distracted. Our attorneys prepare every case with the assumption it will be tried to verdict. This preparation helps us achieve the best possible result in a settlement or trial.
At PNW Trial Lawyers, we choose our cases carefully and will use our resources to help our clients. The availability of our partners and lawyers to talk to our clients does not end with the initial consultation and is not limited to a few calls throughout the case. We view our client as our greatest resource in any case, and we will reach out to you to truly learn your story over many meetings and calls. If you, a loved one, or someone you know has been involved in a distracted driving accident, contact us today at (360) 483-5201 to schedule a free consultation and strategy session. We will always pick up or promptly return your call. PNW Trial Lawyers serves clients in Bellingham, Everett, Anacortes, Mount Vernon, and the surrounding areas of Whatcom County, Skagit County, and Snohomish County.