Washington Car Accident Injuries

Negligent Drivers and Driver Distraction in Washington

There are many causes of car accidents in Washington, including driver distraction and/or negligence. Negligent driving can involve a variety of violations of Washington law. These include disobeying traffic signs or lights, driving above the speed limit, failing to signal when turning and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

In Washington, it is a traffic infraction to text message while driving. Furthermore, Washington State has a hands-free driving law. This means that the use of wireless devices that must be held to the ear, thereby occupying one of the driver's hands, is illegal. The use of cell phones is only permitted if they are used via a hands-free device, such as a headset. There are some exceptions to these rules such as if the cell phone is being used in an emergency situation.

Other Causes of Washington Car Accidents

Some car accidents are the result of poor road conditions or defectively made or designed vehicles. In such cases, the parties responsible for either road maintenance or the manufacture of the vehicle could be held liable for any damage incurred in the car accident.

Uninsured Motorists in Washington

Washington law requires all drivers to be insured. However, according to a KIRO 7 television news report (2/22/08), Washington has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country with nearly 17 percent of drivers being uninsured. Furthermore, approximately 20 percent of drivers who are involved in accidents in Washington are uninsured.

Proving Liability in Washington Car Accidents

A car accident lawsuit requires that the plaintiff prove liability on the part of the defendant. Criteria that must be met when proving liability are:

• The defendant was negligent in his or her actions
• The defendant's negligence caused the accident
• Injuries sustained by the plaintiff were caused by the car accident in question.

The defendant does not necessarily have to be the driver of another vehicle. It could be a vehicle manufacturer, a company responsible for road maintenance or any other party whose actions, or inaction, contributed to the car accident.

Washington Car Accident Lawsuits

If you are injured in a Washington auto accident, you can generally bring a claim or lawsuit to recover money spent on medical bills and therapies, property damage, lost wages and lessened earning capacity. Furthermore, you could be compensated for emotional and physical pain and suffering.

In Washington, there are no caps on damages that can be recovered in a car accident lawsuit. Furthermore, there are no special requirements before a lawsuit can be filed, such as having a certain amount of medical bills before filing a lawsuit. In Washington, the courts treat car accidents the same as any other personal injury case.

If you bring a claim or lawsuit against another driver for injuries sustained in an automobile accident, you must prove that the other driver was negligent: it must be proven that the other driver failed to use that degree of care in operating his or her vehicle which would be required of a reasonably prudent driver under similar circumstances.

Anyone involved in a Washington car accident who has suffered losses, damages, and injuries could be entitled to compensation if the accident was not his fault. It is advisable to seek advice from a Washington car accident lawyer if you believe that you have a legitimate claim.