Were you hit by a distracted driver in Seattle, WA? The majority of distracted driving wrecks in Washington and the injuries that follow them are preventable. As a victim in such a crash, you have rights, and a Seattle car accident lawyer from Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer can help you protect those rights — and your future.
Our attorney, Darrell Cochran, has 31 years of experience and has recovered tens of millions of dollars for clients. We will pursue maximum compensation for your legal claim.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
How Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help After A Distracted Driving Accident In Seattle, WA
Hiring one of our legal professionals as your Seattle car accident attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim because we can help you with the following:
- Ensure you are seeking the full amount of compensation you are entitled to
- File all necessary insurance and legal paperwork on time
- Communicate with adjusters, attorneys, and law enforcement officers on your behalf
- Collect evidence, witness statements, and other materials needed to prove fault
- Pursue compensation through settlement talks, mediation, and, if necessary, the court system
The legal process of recovering compensation can be complicated, and there is too much at stake to take it on alone. You can inadvertently make significant errors that can negatively affect your ability to receive the damages you need for your recovery. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is essential to consult our team to give yourself the best chance of success.
We have a proven track record of success. Our Seattle personal injury lawyer has been recognized by Martindale-Hubbell, Washington Super Lawyers, and the Washington State Association for Justice.
Call our law office in Seattle, Washington to schedule a free consultation.
Distracted Driving In Washington State
Nine out of every ten drivers in Washington report that they do not drive while distracted, per the Traffic Safety Commission. However, distracted drivers were responsible for 150 fatalities and 600 serious injuries, including brain injuries, throughout the state in 2023.
Why Distracted Driving Is Dangerous
A distracted motorist is one whose focus is preoccupied with something other than the act of driving. This could involve their hands and feet doing tasks other than safely controlling the car or manifest as inattentiveness to one’s surroundings.
A driver who is distracted can:
- Take longer to see a danger on the road, like a stopped vehicle or a child who suddenly steps out into the street
- Have difficulty reaching the steering wheel or brake of their vehicle in time to safely control the car or truck
- Collide with another vehicle at full speed, increasing the risk of severe or fatal injuries.
Aside from unruly passengers or children, most distractions are within the driver’s ability to control. A motorist could, for example, pull over at a safe location to place a call, send a text, or check their social media accounts.
Types Of Distractions
According to the aforementioned Traffic Safety Commission report, device use was the most common type of distraction. Other types of distractions cited in the report include eating/drinking, grooming, reading, or interacting with passengers/pets.
Distracted Driving In Seattle Is Illegal
Not only is distracted driving in any form unsafe, but it is also illegal. Drivers can face fines if they are cited for distracted driving, and these fines can increase if the driver commits multiple acts within a specific period. What is more, committing legal violations like distracted driving can serve as evidence of negligence and lead to civil liability for the distracted driver.
This means an injury victim generally must only prove the other driver was distracted, and that this contributed to or caused the crash that injured them. The victim’s lawyer would not need to focus on trying to convince a court that distracted driving is reckless behavior.
Contact Our Seattle Car Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
If you are hurt in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and other distressing losses. But you don’t have to deal with the aftermath of your crash alone. Contact the seasoned Seattle car accident attorneys at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free, no-obligation case review and find out what we can do to fight for your future today.