Texting and Driving Truck Accidents in Bothell

Texting and driving is illegal in Washington, except in very limited situations. A momentary distraction on I5 or I405 can mean disaster not only for the distracted driver but also for anyone in surrounding vehicles. If the distracted driver happens to be steering a truck, the consequences could be even more catastrophic. If a texting and driving truck accident in Bothell impacted you or someone close to you, work with a skilled truck accident attorney for help in pursuing maximum compensation for your damages.

What are Washington’s Distracted Driver Laws?

Texting while driving violates the state’s distracted driving laws. Any action that takes the driver’s focus away from the road is considered a distraction. This includes in-vehicle activities such as grabbing food and snacks from the backseat, personal grooming, or staring down at your phone for GPS guidance. However, texting and driving violations in Bothell are some of the most common reasons for distracted driving and have severe consequences, especially when truck accidents seriously injure someone.

State law prohibits truck drivers from holding a cell phone on an active roadway, even if they are at a stop sign or the phone is not in use. These stringent laws mean that truck drivers should never use their devices when driving except in an emergency.

What is a Truck Driver’s Duty of Care?

Truck drivers must adhere to a higher standard of safety than an average motorist. They must comply with federal regulations such as:

Obtaining a commercial driving license
Staying within the allowed driving hours
Never using alcohol or drugs on the road
Complying with driver qualification requirements
Understanding rules for transportation of hazardous materials

If commercial truck drivers violate these regulations, such as by texting and driving, and cause a collision in Bothell, the court or authorities may determine them to be negligent.

Truck drivers are not the only parties that may be at fault for an accident. Trucking companies may fail to properly maintain their trucks, causing mechanical failures. Poorly maintained or designed roads may also contribute to truck accidents. A dedicated lawyer will thoroughly investigate the case to identify all responsible parties and ensure victims get the justice and compensation they deserve.

Proving Negligence in a Bothell Texting and Driving Truck Accident Case

To receive compensation for truck accident injuries in Bothell, including texting and driving truck accidents, the injured person’s lawyers must prove that the at-fault party had a duty of care and breached it, causing the resulting injuries.

What is Duty of Care?

Every truck driver has a duty of care, which is the legal responsibility to act with caution and consideration for the safety of others. This means handling their vehicle safely to protect other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Truck drivers may be found negligent if they fail to act with a reasonable duty of care, allowing injured parties to receive compensation.

Breach

Breaching duty of care responsibilities means the at-fault party violated a traffic law, such as running a red light or failing to yield.

Cause

Injured parties must establish a relationship between their injuries and the trucker’s actions. To prove causation, they need to present evidence, which a lawyer can gather from sources such as police reports, medical records, and in-truck dashcam footage. A knowledgeable attorney will help gather the information needed to prove an accident caused injuries.

Damages

To pursue compensation, injured parties must have suffered damages or injuries. The injuries in a Bothell distracted driving case may be physical, emotional, or psychological. Lost income and property damage are also considered when establishing damages.

What Is the Statute of Limitations?

Washington state gives injured parties three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. With few exceptions, missing a deadline results in losing the right to sue for compensation, which is why individuals need to consult a truck accident lawyer immediately to avoid skipping important milestones in the justice system.

Contact Libbey Law for Help with Your Texting and Driving Truck Accident Case in Bothell

Reach out to Libbey Law, and we will carefully examine the circumstances surrounding your texting and driving truck accident in Bothell case before advising you on your legal options. Regardless of the decision, the legal team works to deliver the best possible advice. We do not require our clients to pay unless you are compensated for your losses.