Man Killed in Washington Car Accident after Driver Runs Stop Sign

As Seattle car accident lawyers who have represented injured victims for more than 20 years, we know that a number of Washington car accidents occur because of driver negligence. Many times, this negligence amounts to not following traffic laws such as stopping at a red light or a stop sign. Such violations caused by driver inattention or recklessness can cause catastrophic injuries or death.

A recent news report in the Yakima Herald Republic has details about a collision caused by a driver running a stop sign, which killed a 75-year-old man. The report stated that a 35-year-old woman failed to stop at a stop sign, came through the intersection and struck the elderly man, who was driving a 2003 Mercury Marquis. The man was pronounced dead at the scene while the woman and her two passengers were taken to an area hospital with injuries. The accident is still under investigation. However, Washington State Patrol troopers believe that drugs or alcohol may have played a part in this fatal car accident. Everyone involved in this collision was buckled up.

Washington law requires all drivers to obey traffic signals, stop signs and other traffic control devices. According to the Revised Code of Washington Section 46.61.050: “The driver of any vehicle, every bicyclist, and every pedestrian shall obey the instructions of any official traffic control device applicable thereto placed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, unless otherwise directed by a traffic or police officer, subject to the exception granted the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle in this chapter.”

The woman in this case was in violation of this law. If she is found to have been under the influence, that would be an even more serious violation of the law and she could face criminal charges such as vehicular homicide or manslaughter. Where negligence or wrongdoing is concerned, families of deceased car accident victims can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party seeking compensation for funeral expenses, loss of earnings and other related damages.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a Washington car accident, please contact the experienced Seattle personal injury attorneys with The Bernard Law Group, who will fight for your rights and make sure you are fairly compensated for your terrible loss. Call Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Source:http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2009/11/14/web-fatalcrash