You should speak to an attorney if you are involved in an accident involving a driver going too slow on I-90. In Washington, drivers can be liable for collisions after driving too slow on any road, including an interstate.
A Spokane car accident lawyer is your defense against being blamed for a slow driver’s mistake. CCD Law of Spokane protects victims when they are wrongly accused of causing a crash. We offer all traffic accident victims a free consultation to find out what their case is worth and how to make sure a car insurance company can’t shift the blame. Contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation case review.
Is Slow Driving Illegal on I-90 in Spokane?
Yes. Drivers can be cited for driving too slow on Interstate 90. They can also be held liable for an accident caused by their slow speeds. The responsibility of drivers to avoid traveling too slowly and creating a traffic hazard is laid out in Washington vehicle codes.
Revised Code of Washington RCW 46.61.425:
“(1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law…”
As far as what is considered too slow, the code as it is written leaves that power to Washington’s secretary of transportation or local Spokane transportation authorities to determine the minimum speeds for routes like I-90.
Generally, I-90 speed limits are supposed to stay 60 mph or slower within cities as set by the Washington State Legislature RCW 46.61.400. The minimum speed limits allowed can vary, but the U.S. Department of Transportation sets a standard minimum of 40 mph across the entire interstate system.
After an accident, a Spokane Police Officer or a Washington State Patrol Officer (WSP) should determine if a driver’s choice to travel too slow on I-90 contributed to the impact that followed.
A motorist traveling far below the posted speed limit in normal conditions creates a real traffic hazard that can leave approaching drivers swerving and braking to avoid a collision. When you need help proving that a slow driver’s reckless actions caused your accident and injuries, please contact a skilled Spokane Car Accident Lawyer and discuss your options in a free consultation.
When Do I Need a Lawyer After an Accident on I-90 in Spokane?
Being blamed for an accident you didn’t cause is a good reason to seek help from a Spokane attorney. Your lawyer will fully investigate what happened to you and look at the speeds of every car involved. The question of why this driver was traveling so slowly is usually a key part of showing why the crash really occurred.
A Spokane police accident report or a WSP collision report may or may not tell the whole story of what happened. Accident reports are just the officer’s opinions on how an accident occurred, even though the officer wasn’t there when it happened.
Your lawyer is ready to fight back against any false accusations on an accident report or made by a car insurance adjuster. Evidence from the scene, witness testimony, and even traffic camera footage can be used to show just how an accident unfolded.
You should also consult with a lawyer if you or a loved one are seriously hurt in a car accident. When medical bills get expensive, car insurance companies fight even harder to pin the blame for an accident on you. You’ll want a Spokane car accident attorney on your side making sure you earn every benefit available to fully pay for your recovery.
Compensation Available After a Crash With a Slow Driver
Once you and your lawyer have built a strong case backed with evidence, you’ll be filing an accident claim with the at-fault driver’s car insurance company.
This claim must include a complete list of every hardship you suffered in the accident and in recovery. These and other factors will all be considered when determining the size of your settlement check:
- Hospital and recovery expenses now and in the future.
- Travel expenses for each trip you make to see doctors and out-of-town specialists.
- Past and future lost earnings.
- Compensation for a lifestyle change due to a permanent physical disability.
- Physical pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress, such as depression and anxiety after an accident and injury.
- Loss of enjoyment of life after a serious injury.
- Replacement or repair of your vehicle.
Contact a Spokane Car Accident Lawyer
In Washington, car accident victims have up to three years to seek compensation for an injury. But victims shouldn’t wait years to determine if they have a strong case or not. If you suffer a serious injury or if you are being unfairly blamed for a crash with a slow driver, talk to an experienced Spokane Car Accident Lawyer. It’s a free meeting to go over what your case is really worth before insurance adjusters try to convince you it’s worth nothing at all.
Contact the Lawyers at CCD Law of Spokane for a consultation on the details of your case. It comes at no cost to you. This is a confidential, no-obligation meeting with a real lawyer about what you should be demanding from a car insurance company.
