Texting and Driving Truck Accidents in Seattle

In most instances, using your phone behind the wheel is illegal in Seattle. Texting can be a huge distraction to drivers and may lead to serious truck accidents, even when done with hands-free devices. Truck drivers are responsible for their actions on the road, and if their texting causes an accident, they may be held liable for the damages caused.

A skilled local attorney could advise you of your legal options after a texting and driving truck accident in Seattle to determine. Contact a truck accident lawyer at Odama Hart today to learn more about your compensation options.

Texting and Driving Law in Seattle

Revised Code of Washington § 46.61.672 outlines how drivers may use electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle. Notably, using a personal electronic device while on a public highway is illegal except in limited circumstances, such as calling 911. If someone is otherwise using their phone while driving, it could be punishable as a traffic infraction.

Personal electronic devices include cell phones, which may be used for texting and driving. “Using” is defined as holding the electronic device in one’s hand or hands to text, send photos, or write an email. This law also applies to watching videos while driving.

Negligence Per Se

Anyone who violates a safety or traffic ordinance could be considered negligent per se. This legal determination helps simplify the proof needed to pursue a negligence claim against a truck driver.

Hands-Free Devices

Many truck drivers use hands-free devices to text or call while driving. Using a hands-free device is permitted under the law and may not be considered a traffic infraction. However, just because a hands-free device is legal does not mean that texting and driving may not still cause an accident. Any action that takes a driver’s attention away from the road could serve as the basis for a negligence claim, including hands-free texting. A seasoned local attorney could help gather the necessary evidence to establish a driver’s negligence in a texting and driving crash.

The Dangers of Texting and Driving

Local traffic in and around Seattle is hectic. Large trucks must be handled with great care to avoid accidents. Truck drivers who text and drive often cause accidents because of:

• Failing to check blind spots
• Sudden overcorrections
• Delayed reactions times
• Looking away from the road while driving
• Truck drivers drifting or leaving their lane without indicating
• Missed stop lights or stop signs
• Missed exits or road signs
• Accidents in construction areas

When a person is injured because of distracted driving, they may be entitled to significant damages. A local personal injury attorney could help determine if financial compensation is possible following a texting and driving truck collision.

Speak to a Texting and Driving Truck Accident Attorney in Seattle

Despite taking all the necessary precautions while on the road, another person’s negligence may still cause you to be involved in an accident. Discovering that your injuries and crash were caused at the hands of a texting truck driver may be beyond frustrating. Enlisting the help of a lawyer may prove beneficial in pursuing possible compensation from the driver that caused your harm.

For help with texting and driving truck accidents in Seattle, get in touch with Odama Hart for legal guidance in your unique case. Contact us to set up an initial consultation.