We all know accidents happen, big and small. But with our severely congested roadways, it is what happens after the accident that really matters. To shore up a big problem, Seattle could soon follow state law by requiring drivers to get their banged-up cars off the Seattle streets after a collision. Why? To save everyone else from delays, and prevent secondary crashes.
It is anticipated that later this month legislation will be introduced by a member of the Seattle City Council that would require drivers who can safely move their vehicles after a crash do so, and to make it clear that police may push or tow stopped vehicles on Seattle streets, without fear of liability, as is permitted under state law. The moniker for this new legislation is affectionately known as ‘Steer it, clear it’.
Under state law the Steer it, clear it law reads: ‘the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to a vehicle which is driven or attended by any person or damage to other property must move the vehicle as soon as possible off the roadway or freeway main lanes, shoulders, medians, and adjacent areas to a location on an exit ramp shoulder, the frontage road, the nearest suitable cross street, or other suitable location … Moving the vehicle in no way affects fault for an accident.’ RCW 46.52.020; House Bill 2345.
Presumably this new legislation is geared towards clearing up any confusion between State and City obligations for people involved in car accidents on our roadways. This became a concern after a moderately recent accident in which a toppled truckload of frozen cod blocked the southbound viaduct for nine hours. Not surprisingly, a lengthy report issued by national experts last month said Seattle lacked policies and a sense of urgency to clear traffic incidents.
If you or a loved has been arrested or charged with a violation of the law in Washington State it would be smart to immediately contact a Seattle criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and interests. The Seattle criminal defense attorneys that make up the criminal defense team of SQ Attorneys are highly qualified and reputable Seattle criminal defense lawyers that are dedicated to providing top notch, aggressive representation for those arrested for crime all across Western Washington and the Greater Puget Sound region. The team creates success by working with law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney’s office to ensure that all facts and circumstances related to the criminal allegations are considered in creating the fairest, most equitable and just resolution possible in light of all the surrounding circumstances of the given case. So, whether cited for a driving offense, theft, prostitution, possession and/or distribution of drugs, assault, property destruction or some other law violation, protect yourself … call SQ Attorneys immediately.