Wrong-way drivers can be major accident hazards on large streets and highways in the Seattle area. The high speed of vehicles headed in the proper direction makes it difficult to avoid a catastrophic collision. A recent accident on SR 167 and the testimony of survivors shows just how small the margin of error can be.
The accident
As with most wrong-way accidents, this incident began with a vehicle headed south in the northbound lanes of a busy roadway. The state highway patrol received a report of the wrong-way vehicle at about 11:30 p.m. After the truck traveled several miles from the spot of the first report, the truck smashed into a double dump semi-trailer truck. The pickup then hit a second semi and a motorcycle.
The motorcyclist was thrown from his bike and died at the scene. The wrong way driver was also killed. Three vehicles struck accident debris and were disabled by these collisions. The ramp from Ellison Road to Hwy. 167 was closed by the highway patrol for several hours after the accident.
A witness description
One passenger was traveling north in his fiancée’s car. At the witness told the story, both he and his fiancé saw the wrong way vehicle at the same instant. “She realized it was an oncoming car, before we got a chance to think about it she just switched lanes very calmly, peaceful, and that black truck just flew by us.” The witness ascribed his fianceé’s fast reaction to the “grace and mercy of God.”
What now?
The family’s of the two decedents may be interested in pursuing claims for legal damages for wrongful death. The family of the driver of the motorcycle appears to have a solid claim against the wrong-way driver for these damages. Anyone who has suffered an injury or lost a loved one in a similar accident may wish to seek assistance from an experienced accident attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer can evaluate the evidence, provide legal arguments to support a claim and provide an estimate of the likelihood of recovering damages.