Did another driver violate Washington’s phone law before causing your wreck?

Proving liability for a motor vehicle collision can be quite difficult, especially because most people don’t like to admit they were at fault. The guilty party may lie and try to cover up what they did to contribute to the accident. However, there are certain kinds of traffic law violations that can make a personal injury claim against a driver who causes a crash much more straightforward. 

When a driver has openly violated state traffic laws, that typically means they are the primarily responsible party for the ensuing crash. Driving while drunk is one example of such a violation. Many forms of mobile phone use — including actions that people might think are acceptable, could also violate Washington state law.

Drivers cannot legally use phones manually

Washington law prohibits individuals from manually handling a phone while in control of a vehicle. The law does not only apply to those actively driving but also to those stopped in traffic or waiting at a traffic light. Many people think that they can safely and legally use their phone when the vehicle is stopped, but that isn’t the case. Anyone in traffic must keep their hands off their phone. 

The use of Bluetooth devices is legal while driving, which ensures that people can stay connected if they absolutely must during their time at the wheel. The only other exception to these rules is if a driver uses their phone manually to contact emergency services. 

In any other scenario, manually texting, reading an email or dialing the phone with their hands could all be reasons for the police officers who respond to the crash to assign responsibility for the collision to that individual.

If you’ve been injured in a wreck caused by a distracted driver, find out more about what you can do to hold them accountable for your injuries.