Woman Killed Crossing Interstate 90 On Foot

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on July 21, 2015

According to a KOMO News, a woman was struck and killed by a car while trying to cross Interstate 90 on foot earlier this month. For reasons not entirely clear, the 56 year old female truck driver had pulled over near the site of another accident before she exited her vehicle and stepped into traffic. Police and witnesses speculate that the woman had witnessed the other crash and was attempting to offer assistance or speak to the State Trooper who was attending to the accident.

At some point in their lives, most drivers will be in or witness a motor vehicle accident. While most accidents are minor, some can be deadly. What you do immediately following an accident can mitigate or exasperate the physical and legal damage to the drivers and passengers involved. Here’s what to do if involved in or witnessing a serious accident.

• Don’t Panic – While there is certain to be a surge of adrenaline following an accident, it is vitally important to stay calm and keep your emotions in check.
• Stop Your Vehicle – Pull out of traffic if at all possible and come to a safe stop on the shoulder. Remaining in the roadway can increase the likelihood of a second accident with a different vehicle.
• Call The Police – In the age of the cell phone, it is easier and safer than ever to report a serious accident. Call 911 and report the accident, giving the operator your best estimate of the location. Road signs and landmarks are valuable when reporting an accident’s location.
• Stay In Your Car – This is particularly important when the accident occurs on a high-speed motorway, such as a highway or freeway. Though you may want to be a Good Samaritan and check on the well-being of others involved in the accident, it is vital to your own safety that you stay in your vehicle. Police, firefighters, and paramedics are professionals, highly trained in responding to motor vehicle accidents. Let them handle the situation.

If you or a loved one is involved in a traffic accident, either as a driver or a pedestrian, it’s a good idea to consult a professional who specializes in accident law. The attorneys at Seattle-based Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. would be happy to advise you of your legal rights and options. Call them at (888) 228-3860 today and remember to drive safely.