According to data from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), there were 103,347 total car accidents in Washington in 2019. Of this total, 497 accidents produced at least one fatality. The stark reality is that automobile collisions are a serious deal in Washington State. To help avoid these accidents, and/or to help manage their results, all motorists should familiarize themselves with three important WA laws.
1. Distracted Driving is Against the Law
Under Senate Bill 5289, it is against the law for a driver to use a personal electronic device while driving a motor vehicle on a public highway. Any person that violates the law is guilty of a traffic infraction. The violation is punishable by a fine of $136. A second or subsequent offense is punishable by a fine in the amount of $272.
Please also note that if a driver violates Senate Bill 5289, and the driver thereby causes a traffic accident, the law may consider the motorist responsible for causing the accident. In legal terms, the driver is considered “negligent per se.” A finding of negligence means that a driver will be held liable for any injuries that his/her violation of the law caused. As a result, the negligent driver may have to compensate an injury victim for such things as:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages,
- Property damage, and
- Pain and suffering.
2. WA Drivers Must Carry Car Insurance
Washington law requires all drivers to carry certain amounts and types of automobile insurance. In particular, the state’s mandatory auto insurance law requires anyone driving a motor vehicle in the state to carry liability insurance limits of at least:
- $25,000 for injuries or death to one person in an accident,
- $50,000 for total injuries or death to all people in an accident, and
- $10,000 for damage to anyone else’s property in an accident.
Note that if a Washingtonian fails to carry the required insurance, he/she could face a fine of $550 or more. Further, the Washington State Department of Licensing can suspend a person’s license if he/she causes a car accident and cannot compensate an injured party for any losses incurred.
3. Motorists Cannot Leave the Scene of an Accident
RCW 46.52.010 is the basic Washington law that states drivers cannot leave the scene of an accident if they get involved in a collision that results in some sort of property damage. Washington has similar laws regarding collisions that result in a person’s injury or death. Violating these laws essentially equates to the crime of “hit and run,” and violations could expose drivers to criminal penalties (including jail or prison time).
If you are involved in an accident, the law mandates that you stop your car and do the following:
- Exchange personal information with any other parties involved (including contact information, insurance information, and vehicle information),
- Render aid to any injured parties, and
- Contact 9-1-1 if necessary to report the accident or help secure emergency medical care.
Contact Otorowski Morrow & Golden, PLLC
If you or a loved was injured in an automobile accident, please know that Otorowski Morrow & Golden, PLLC is here to help. Our attorneys provide free consultations to all our potential clients. Further, the attorneys at our law firm have over 120 years of combined experience representing injured parties. Do yourself a favor and contact them now for the quality legal assistance you deserve.