If you live in the state of Washington, one of the main challenges many people face is avoiding car injury accidents when navigating Washington roadways. Washington has many different areas that are notorious for causing accidents, and other factors such as the weather and traffic, can also contribute to frequent collisions. Because of this, you need to be aware of some of the common causes of car accidents and how you can avoid them.
At NBF Accident Law, our car accident attorneys in Washington are here to help you as you navigate the process of filing a claim after a car injury accident. Our attorneys will work tirelessly on your behalf as you gather evidence, file your claim, and negotiate to get the compensation you deserve.
Leading Cause of Car Accidents in Washington State
If you live in the state of Washington, you most likely want to know what the leading cause of car accidents is. Washington has a reputation for having a high number of vehicle accidents ranging from relatively minor collisions to severe collisions. In fact, the statistics for the causes of car accidents in Washington show that there were 810 traffic deaths in 2023, and the number of car accident deaths has shown a 10% increase over the last 30 years.
Distracted Driving
No matter where you live in the United States, distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents, whether they be severe or mild. This is due to the fact that every driver faces distractions when they get behind the wheel, even if they are usually a very responsible driver. Distractions can come in the form of noisy passengers, phones, GPS coordinates, food, etc.
Certain distractions have been legally prohibited, such as texting and driving but there are many other distractions that can still contribute to accidents. Because of this, it is essential that you drive responsibly and reduce as many potential distractions before you get on the road. Some ways that you can do this include:
- Putting your phone away
- Having a no talking rule
- Not eating or drinking while driving
- Pulling over if you need to do something
Bad Weather
Washington is known for a variety of different types of weather that can contribute to some of the common causes of car accidents. This can include things like heavy rain or cold weather conditions that can make it difficult to see and can make the roads slippery.
Washington drivers need to be very aware of the risks involved with bad weather and take the necessary precautions. Some ways to do this include driving slowly in poor weather conditions as well as making sure your car has the right equipment and tires. If at all possible, it is always better to avoid driving in bad weather, especially if it negatively impacts visibility or makes the road slippery.
Speeding
Speeding is something that contributes to many car injury accidents across the U.S. as it can result in much more severe collisions. Drivers who are speeding may not be able to stop in time to prevent a collision, or they may try to speed through a red light, resulting in a collision. Not only does speeding increase the risk of car accidents, but it also increases the risk of more extensive property damage and physical injuries.
Drivers need to be aware of the vehicles around them and try to spot speeding drivers in advance. It is essential to stick to the legal speed limits to ensure everyone’s safety on the road and allow yourself enough time to come to a stop.
Impaired and Reckless Driving
Impaired driving and reckless driving are two other categories that contribute to car injury accidents. Driving impaired is not only irresponsible, it can come with severe legal repercussions as it puts everybody on the road at risk. Impaired driving can include drinking and driving, driving while under the influence of drugs, as well as driving while impaired due to medication.
Reckless driving is also a broad category that can include things like speeding, aggressive driving, tailgating, and swerving in and out of traffic. If you notice someone driving recklessly or driving in a way that makes you suspect that they are impaired, you should try to put as much distance between you and them as possible. You should also never engage with aggressive or otherwise reckless drivers, as this could make the situation much worse.
What to Do if You Are Involved in a Washington Car Accident
If you are involved in a car accident in Washington, there are certain things you need to do to protect your rights and your right to receive compensation. Here are a few steps you should take initially after a car collision:
- Call 911
- Get medical care
- Get to a safe location
- Document evidence
- Exchange contact information
- Get witness contact information
- Report the accident to your insurance provider
After a car accident, the next step you need to take is to hire a car accident attorney in Washington to represent you. Having an experienced attorney on your side can give you the confidence you need as you navigate the process of filing a car accident claim. They can also help you with the more technical aspects of this process, such as collecting evidence and negotiating with the involved parties.
An attorney can ensure you get a fair settlement amount and are able to prove who was liable for the accident.
Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer at NBF Accident Law
If you have been a victim of one of the causes and effects of car accidents in Washington, you may want to pursue a car accident claim. In many instances, this is necessary to get the compensation you need to cover things like property damage, medical expenses, and lost wages.
At NBF Accident Law, our car accident lawyers will fight purposefully on behalf of auto accident victims in the state of Washington as they work to file their claims. We can help you protect your rights as you pursue a settlement and collect evidence to prove liability.
Contact us today at 206-923-8888 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.
