When a distracted driver causes an accident, the consequences can be serious. At Tamaki Law, our Yakima distracted driving accident lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these crashes can have on victims and their families. Tamaki Law has obtained significant recoveries in past cases for injured clients, though past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contact us online or call us at (509) 248-8338 today for a free consultation.
Why Choose Tamaki Law
Tamaki Law has served injured clients throughout Washington State since 1994. Our team includes attorneys who have received recognitions such as Super Lawyers and Rising Star designations. Tamaki Law has helped obtain substantial settlements and verdicts for clients in past cases, though past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
- We handle distracted driving cases with dedication and care.
- We investigate thoroughly to help prove negligence and hold distracted drivers accountable.
- We work on contingency—you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation.
- We have three office locations across Washington: Yakima, Kennewick, and Bellevue.
How Distracted Driving Accidents Happen
Distracted driving is a common cause of accidents on Washington roads. Common distractions include:
- Texting or using a phone.
- Phone calls.
- Eating or drinking while driving.
- Grooming or adjusting controls.
- Interacting with passengers or pets.
- Programming GPS or looking at directions.
A driver who looks away from the road for several seconds at highway speeds can travel a long distance without watching traffic, which increases the risk of a collision. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents across the United States.
Proving Negligence in Distracted Driving Cases
Unlike drunk driving, there is often no breath test that directly proves distraction. It is therefore important to look for other evidence. We gather evidence including:
- Phone records that may show texting or calls at the time of the accident.
- Witness statements from people who saw the driver distracted.
- Accident reconstruction showing how the crash occurred.
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras, when available.
- Police reports that may contain statements about distraction.
Insurance companies sometimes downplay distraction as a factor, so building a well-documented liability case is important. Our team of attorneys has extensive experience gathering and presenting this evidence.
Distracted Driving Laws in Washington State
Washington State law prohibits most handheld use of electronic devices while operating a vehicle. A violation of Washington’s distracted driving law can support a civil claim for damages, but even without a citation, liability can still be proven through other evidence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides extensive research on the dangers of distracted driving.
Washington’s statute of limitations generally gives you three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long can make it more difficult to obtain evidence and witness testimony, so contacting Tamaki Law promptly can help preserve important information.
Types of Damages You May Recover
When a distracted driver injures you, you may be able to pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, and other treatment.
- Lost wages, including income lost while recovering and, in some cases, reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact on your quality of life.
- Property damage, including repair or replacement of your vehicle and other damaged property.
In cases involving severe injuries or wrongful death, damages can be higher, depending on the specific facts and available insurance coverage. Tamaki Law evaluates your losses carefully and seeks appropriate compensation under Washington law.
What to Do After a Distracted Driving Accident
The moments after an accident are important:
- Ensure safety and move to a safe location if possible.
- Call 911 if anyone is injured.
- Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and the accident location.
- Get witness names and phone numbers.
- Obtain the other driver’s name, phone number, address, insurance information, and license plate.
- Do not admit fault or sign documents at the scene.
- Seek medical attention even if you feel fine.
Prompt action can help preserve evidence and support your claim. For detailed guidance, see our steps to take after a car accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you prove a driver was distracted?
Phone records can be important evidence when available. Other evidence may include witness statements, accident reconstruction analysis, and surveillance footage. Admissions by the driver or citations for traffic violations related to distraction can also support a claim. Learn how to gather strong evidence for a personal injury lawsuit.
What is the statute of limitations?
You generally have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. It is wise to speak with Tamaki Law as soon as possible so evidence can be preserved and deadlines can be evaluated for your specific situation.
How much does it cost to hire Tamaki Law?
Tamaki Law works on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases. You pay no upfront attorney’s fees, and legal fees are collected only if the firm recovers compensation for you.
What if I’m partially at fault?
If you are found partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your share of responsibility, but you may still be able to recover damages under Washington’s comparative negligence rules.
How long does a case take?
The timeline for a distracted driving case can vary. Some cases may resolve in a matter of months through settlement, while others take longer if litigation is necessary. Learn how long personal injury cases take to settle.
Can I recover damages without a ticket?
Yes. A citation can help support your case, but it is not required to bring a claim. Liability can be proven through other evidence such as witness accounts, records, and expert analysis.
Contact Tamaki Law for a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in a distracted driving accident in Yakima, Bellevue, Kennewick or elsewhere in Washington State, Tamaki Law can review your situation and explain your options. The firm offers free consultations and handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis.
Call (509) 248-8338 today to speak with a distracted driving accident lawyer. Tamaki Law serves clients throughout Washington from offices in Yakima, Kennewick, and Bellevue.