By Pendergast Law on April 13, 2015
A three-vehicle Seattle car accident recently resulted in one fatality, three injuries, and two arrests. According to a KIRO-TV news report, the fatal car crash occurred on southbound Interstate 5 near Boeing Access Road in Seattle. Officials say the 21-year-old driver from Centralia who caused the crash was under the influence. His 23-year-old female passenger was killed. Three others were injured in the crash as well. Drivers of both an SUV and a blue passenger vehicle were arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide. Authorities suspect road rage and impairment contributed to the crash.
According to Washington Statute RCW 46.61.520: “When the death of any person ensues within three years as a proximate result of injury proximately caused by the driving of any vehicle by any person, the driver is guilty of vehicular homicide if the driver was operating a motor vehicle…in a reckless manner, with disregard for the safety of others or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
Drivers who are under the influence are more likely to make poor choices. It is common for drivers who are impaired by drugs or alcohol to speed, miss stop signs, change lanes without checking, and generally behave in a reckless manner. If you are under the influence, have a sober friend drive you home or call for a cab. It is too dangerous to get behind the wheel and your actions can have long-lasting consequences for you, your passengers, and for others on the roadway.
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal Seattle crash, make sure you learn about your legal options. It is important to stay abreast of the ongoing investigation and to file a claim against the at-fault driver. If you or a loved one has been injured by an impaired driver, please contact an experienced Seattle car accident lawyer to learn more about your legal rights and options.