The majority of serious car crashes are due to driver error. In many cases, drivers could have avoided causing serious injuries or fatalities by simply following the rules of the road and practicing defensive driving techniques.
According to DMV.org, taking a Washington defensive driving course or visiting a defensive driving school can make you a significantly safer driver. Though many of the techniques are fairly simple, it often takes sitting down and actually studying them in order for them to become second nature once you get behind the wheel.
Accidents remain a frequent occurrence, though, and crashes affect even the most experienced defensive drivers. If you are suffering from injuries caused by a negligent driver, call Richard McKinney Law today. Richard McKinney is a qualified Seattle personal-injury lawyer with more than 40 years of experience.
He can sit down with you and evaluate your crash to see if you have a valid claim. As an innocent victim, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and lost wages. Call us today at 844-933-1605 to schedule an initial consultation, and read on for the answers to two questions regarding driving courses in Washington.
- Why should I complete a defensive driving course in Washington?
There are three main reasons why you may wish to complete a defensive driving course in Washington, according to DMV.org. First, a defensive driving course may help prevent a traffic violation or ticket from appearing on your permanent record. The state will not dismiss any tickets outright, but if you take a defensive driving course, the Department of Licensing may not add it to your license record.
In order for this to be successful, you cannot have any other citations pending, and it can only be for a minor moving violation. You can also complete a defensive driving course to satisfy a court order. The court will usually make this a requirement for people who have violated traffic laws.
First-time offenders typically only have to complete an online course lasting four hours, while repeat offenders or those who have committed serious violations face an eight-hour course. Finally, some insurance companies will significantly reduce your monthly insurance premium if you take an approved defensive driving course. This is specific to your insurance company, and you must follow up with them directly to see if you are eligible.
- Where can I find a defensive driving course provider?
According to the Washington Department of Licensing, there are a number of approved courses available across the state. There is also an online option available, and it does not require you to physically visit a testing station or school. Even the best drivers can sustain injuries in serious car crashes, though.
If you are an innocent victim at the hands of a negligent driver, call Richard McKinney Law today for advice. An experienced Seattle car accident lawyer can assess your claim and determine if you may be entitled to compensation. Schedule a consultation today by calling us at 844-933-1605.
