Seattle Car Accident Wrongful Death Lawyers
Not all fatalities suffered in Washington car accidents are considered wrongful. A wrongful death is when someone's negligence or wrongdoing results in the death of someone else. For example, when someone dies in a single vehicle crash they caused by driving drunk, the deceased individual's family may not be able to seek financial compensation for their loss, however significant. On the other hand, if a drunk driver causes the death of another, then, the victim's family can hold the negligent driver civilly liable for his or her actions with a Seattle wrongful death claim.
Washington Car Accident Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported a total of 492 fatalities in Washington car accidents in the year 2009. Not all fatal car accidents result in a wrongful death claim. Additional fatal accident statistics from 2009 include:
- 61 pedestrians were killed in Washington car accidents. It is a wrongful death when a driver is at fault for failing to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk or to a pedestrian legally crossing at an intersection.
- 69 motorcyclists were killed in Washington car accidents. Drivers who fail to look for motorcyclists before changing lanes or entering traffic may be held responsible for the damages suffered by the victim’s family.
- 208 people were killed in Washington car accidents involving a speeding vehicle. Drivers who cause fatal crashes by speeding may be held liable for their actions.
- 206 people were killed in Washington car accidents involving alcohol. Drunk driving is a serious problem in Washington and drivers who cause fatal crashes by driving under the influence of alcohol may be held both criminally and civilly responsible for their actions.
Types of Negligent Driving
Here are a few examples of driver negligence that can result in a wrongful death case:
- Drunk Driving (RCW Section 46.61.502): Washington drivers are said to be driving under the influence when they have "within two hours after driving, an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher."
- Illegal U-Turns (RCW 46.61.295): "The driver of any vehicle shall not turn such vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite direction unless such movement can be made in safety."
- Reckless Driving (RCW 46.61.500): Driving recklessly involves willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
- Running a Red Light or Stop Sign (RCW 46.61.050): Drivers who cause fatal accidents by running through a red light or stop sign may be held liable for their negligence.
- Speeding (RCW 46.61.400): Speed is a contributing factor in many fatal Washington car accidents. Street racing on a public roadway is also illegal. Any deaths that occur as a result of street racing can also result in wrongful death claims.
Protecting Your Rights
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit that allows a family to pursue compensation from an at-fault driver for their loss. Damages that may be sought in a wrongful death case involving an auto accident include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income and benefits (insurance, pension etc.) loss of companionship and emotional distress.
The skilled Seattle car accident wrongful death attorneys at Hardwick & Pendergast help the families of Washington get the compensation they need following a fatal crash. A death in a family is devastating not only emotionally, but also financially. If you have lost a loved one in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, please contact us for a free and comprehensive consultation.
Wrongful Death Recoveries
- $1,925,000 recovery in a wrongful death claim for fatal head-on accident outside of Duvall.
- $460,695 recovery in a wrongful death claim for fatal traffic accident in Woodinville.
