Serving South King County and the Surrounding Areas.

Pedestrian suffers fatal personal injury in hit-and-run crash

On Behalf of | May 8, 2020 | Personal Injury |

Likely, most Washington residents cannot understand why a person involved in a motor vehicle accident would immediately leave the scene. Certainly, most people would make the responsible decision to check the condition of others involved in the incident and wait for first responders to arrive. It’s also the law. However, some people cause an accident and then, for whatever reason, flee the scene. In a recent example, a driver struck a pedestrian on a Seattle street, causing the man fatal personal injury.

Reportedly, the pedestrian was crossing the street at a crosswalk against the red light. He had crossed the southbound lanes safely, but had walked behind a stopped southbound vehicle to enter the northbound lanes. A northbound vehicle that a witness has said was traveling at least 50 mph struck the 70-year-old man, who did not survive injuries he suffered in the crash. Apparently, after hitting the pedestrian, the driver did not stop or even slow down.

Shortly after the crash, Seattle police officers found an abandoned vehicle with front-end damage consistent with the collision. Officers then located the car’s registered owner, who led the officers to his 21-year-old son. Police determined the man had been driving his father’s car at the time of the incident, and they believe he was under the influence of alcohol when the crash happened. The driver has been charged with felony hit-and-run, and he could later face vehicular homicide charges, dependent on blood toxicology results.

Many people who have lost a loved one due to the negligent actions of another person choose to pursue legal action, separate from any existing criminal charges. Washington residents who have experienced a tragedy similar to this one can contact a personal injury attorney who will help them understand their options and assist with navigating the legal process. A successfully litigated wrongful death civil lawsuit could provide restitution for monetary losses that often follow such a sudden loss, as well as some comfort for grieving family.

Archives