Texting and Driving Still Causing Car Accidents In Seattle And Beyond

October 13, 2012

Back in 2010, texting while driving became a primary offense in Washington State, meaning that drivers could be pulled over for reading, writing or sending text messages. Previously, texting behind the wheel had been a secondary offense; in other words, motorists could be ticketed for texting, but only if they had been pulled over for some other infraction, such as speeding.

In the first year of the strengthened anti-texting law, state troopers ticketed 602 drivers for texting behind the wheel. But, despite heavy enforcement, many drivers did not seem to get the message: last year, in 2011, the number of texting tickets issued went up to 821.

Texting behind the wheel is a clearly dangerous practice. Yet, in defiance of Washington law and the obvious safety implications, many drivers continue to cause car accidents by texting.

Distracted Driving Deadly, Texting More Dangerous Than Drunk Driving

Although Washington State was an early pioneer in the growing national campaign against texting and driving, many other states have rushed to follow suit. As of October, 2012, 39 states prohibit text messaging for all drivers.

Washington's focus on texting behind the wheel was driven by some startling numbers pertaining to distracted driving. According to the Washington State Traffic Commission, distracted driver crashes accounted for 21 percent of all fatal traffic accidents in King County between 2006 and 2010.

The WTC also reports that someone who texts and drives is six times more likely to be in an accident than a drunk driver. In fact, the Commission says that a motorist who is texting behind the wheel is impaired comparably to a driver with a blood alcohol content of .16, twice the legal limit.

Talk To a King County Attorney About Compensation for Distracted Driving Injuries

Getting a ticket is far from the worst consequence that can stem from texting and driving. Property damage, life changing injuries and even death are all too often the real world implications of texting behind the wheel.

If you have been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, or if a family member has been killed, you may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver and/or his or her insurer. Through legal action, monetary damages to account for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages and other harms resulting from a car crash can be assessed against the driver responsible for the accident.

Those drivers who text behind the wheel are taking a serious risk, and it's only fair that they pay the price when their actions result in harm to another. If a distracted driver has impacted your life, get in touch with a King County car accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.

Article provided by Law Offices of Elizabeth Quick, PLLC
Visit us at www.eastsidepersonalinjuryattorney.com/