Legal Question in Traffic Law in Washington

Car accident

I am a 17 year old female, yesterday My friend and i had a stressful day, she didn't want to drive so i offered to drop our friends off 7 blocks away at there house. After i dropped them off I went around the corner and saw many parked cars. It wasn't my car so i was unfermiliar, so when i went to so down i hit the gas hard insted of the break, I lost control of the car and in about 3 seconds i crashed into a pole. I panicked and drove back to my friends house and called 911. I was charged with wreckless driving and a hit and run and driving with out a license. I am only 17 and a junior in my school. I really do not want jail time. I will do anything but jail time. So any advice or reassurance? It would be very much appriciated.


Asked on 9/20/08, 2:22 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jahnis Abelite ABELITE LAW OFFICES, P.S.

Re: Car accident

You need to get a lawyer NOW. Reckless driving is a serious criminal traffic offense that carries with it a possible sentence of a $5,000 fine and/or a one year in jail PLUS a mandatory minimum 30 day suspension of your driving privilege (license) followed by 3 years of SR-22 insurance. Were you licensed to drive? If so, and you are found guilty of any criminal traffic offense, you will be suspended until age 18. If you had no license, then the car you were driving was not insured (becuase insurance is only effective if a licensed driver drives the car during an accident) and you are personally liable for the damages to both the car and the utility pole. You need a lawyer immediately. Contact me if you wish to discuss this matter further. Good Luck!

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Answered on 9/22/08, 1:45 am


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