Distracted Driving Auto Accidents in Washington State: The Risks And How To Prove Fault In A Claim
Distracted driving in Washington State is a leading cause of car accidents and can cause severe, potentially life-threatening injuries. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a time dedicated to making roads safer by making motorists more aware of the risks.
Injuries due to distracted driving accidents are often severe, but holding these drivers accountable can be challenging. Our Issaquah auto accident attorney explains more about the dangers of distracted driving, what to do if you are involved in a crash, and evidence we use to prove fault in these cases.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving In Issaquah
Distracted driving is one of the most common and dangerous types of driving behaviors. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), it is a factor in nearly 30 percent of all fatal crashes in the state.
Washington State law enforcement issues thousands of tickets yearly for distracted driving violations. Alongside talking on cell phones and texting, other common driving distractions include:
- Eating fast food or drinking coffee, soda, or other beverages behind the wheel;
- Adjusting your appearance in the rear-view mirror;
- Adjusting music or GPS settings;
- Talking to passengers and attending to children in the back seat;
- Reaching for objects, such as items on the vehicle floor or in your glove compartment.
Distracted driving accidents in Issaquah are on the rise, so it is critical for drivers to stay alert and avoid unnecessary risks.
How to Prove Fault in An Issaquah Distracted Driving Accident Claim
Distracted Driving Awareness Month aims to reduce crash risks and increase public safety. However, even if you take the appropriate precautions, other distracted drivers can put you at risk.
Issaquah distracted driving claims can pose a challenge, as proving that the at-fault driver was not paying attention is often difficult. Evidence we can use to establish fault in these cases includes:
- Cell phone records proving the other driver was texting, talking on their phone, or using an app at the time of the crash;
- Public posts on social media;
- Surveillance footage from intersections or nearby businesses;
- Dashcam video showing the at-fault driver using their phone or engaging in other distractions;
- Testimony from passengers, witnesses, or other motorists;
- Police reports, which may indicate that the driver admitted to not paying attention;
- Vehicle data recorders, in which modern vehicles have “black box” technology that can track sudden braking or lack of steering input, which often indicate distracted driving behavior.
Injured by a Distracted Driver? Contact Our Issaquah Auto Accident Attorney Today
Distracted driving accidents in Washington State are unfortunately common and can leave other motorists involved suffering serious injuries. Injury Law Group NW represents clients in these cases and gathers the evidence needed to get them compensation.
If you or someone you love is hurt by a distracted driver in Issaquah, contact our office right away. Our legal team fights to get you the maximum amount for your property damages, medical bills, and other losses. To protect your rights, schedule a consultation with our Issaquah auto accident attorney today.
Sources:
nhtsa.gov/april-distracted-driving-awareness-month
wtsc.wa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Distracted-Driving-FACT-SHEET.pdf
