There is a new driving law taking effect on January 1, 2025. It brings with it higher fines and the threat of jail time. Starting January 1st, negligent drivers who kill pedestrians, bicyclists or other so-called vulnerable road users will face stiffer penalties than in years past. Going forward, if a driver is negligent and kills a pedestrian or other vulnerable road user, they can be charged with a gross misdemeanor, fined up to $5,000, spend up to 364 days in jail and lose their Washington driving privilege for 90 days. If the driver seriously hurts someone, they will not be subject to jail time or a gross misdemeanor charge, but they will face a fine, license suspension, up to 100 hours of community service and mandatory traffic school. Negligent driving occurs when someone fails to use ordinary care, acts outside the bounds of how a “reasonably careful person” would or is deemed to have endangered (or is likely to endanger) a vulnerable road user. Vulnerable road users include pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists, but also someone riding an animal, or driving a tractor or another implement of husbandry, and/or anyone who uses electric personal assistive mobility devices like wheelchairs, mopeds or electric scooters.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of a criminal charge (negligent driving or otherwise), immediately contact a Seattle Traffic Attorney. A Traffic lawyer is not going to judge you and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle Traffic Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties and can help direct people on how to best deal with their criminal charge, and many times even get them dismissed. So, it should go without saying that someone cited for a misdemeanor or felony should hire a qualified Seattle Traffic Lawyer as soon as possible. Criminal charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with a crime in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle Traffic Lawyer. SQ Attorneys can be reached at (425) 359-3791 and/or (206) 441-0900.
