Davis Law Group, P.S.

76 yr-old Man Drives Into Puget Sound, Passenger Killed

DES MOINES, Wa.  A tragic accident occurred on Friday when a 76 year-old man accidentally hit the gas pedal instead of the brake and drove his SUV vehicle off of the Des Moines Pier and into Puget Sound.

A couple of passers-by immediately dove into the water while the vehicle was half-way submerged.  The driver was pulled out and saved.  Unfortunately, the 86 year-old female passenger was not.  She drowned and was later declared dead at the scene.

The accident is still under investigation by the Des Moines Police Department.  But it appears to be an accident without any criminal conduct.  Legally, this accident involves simple negligence.  That is, the man was careless and failed to act with ordinary care when he accidentally drove into the water.  The deceased woman's estate has a civil claim against the man.  The driver's insurance company will certainly protect his interests and make efforts to resolve the estate's claim for damages.  Obviously, this is small consolation to the relatives and friends of the deceased, who have suffered an enormous loss.  My heart goes out to the woman's survivors.