9/3/10 WHIDBEY ISLAND MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT REPORT | Seattle Attorney

DESCRIPTION: A 21-year driver took her hands off the wheel to take off a sweater and her passenger took over steering. The vehicle swerved, crossed the center line and smashed into an oncoming vehicle.
TYPE OF ACCIDENT: fatal motor vehicle accident, wrongful death
CAUSE:  distracted driver accident
CHARGES: Jordyn Weichert is facing criminal charges of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault.
DATE: September 3, 2010
LOCATION: Whidbey Island
NUMBER OF VEHICLES:
     CARS: 1
     TRUCKS: 1
     MOTORCYCLES: 0
     PEDESTRIANS: 0
NUMBER INJURED: 2
NUMBER DECEASED: 3
DRUGS OR ALCOHOL INVOLVED: Drugs suspected.
PERSONS INVOLVED: Erin Wood, Brian Wood (deceased), Jacob Quistorf (deceased), Francis Malloy (deceased), Jordyn Weichert
VEHICLES INVOLVED: Chevrolet Blazer, Subaru Outback
INVESTIGATING AGENCY: Washington State Patrol
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE: Transport to Seattle-area hospitals
LEGAL ANALYSIS: The families of the deceased victims have possible wrongful death claims against the driver that caused the accident. When someone is wrongfully killed in Washington State the law preserves a cause of action for the benefit of the decedent’s estate. The laws spell out who can make a claim when someone’s death is caused by the wrongful act of an individual or entity. The laws also spell out what elements of damages can be recovered based on the claimants relationship to the deceased.  See RCW 4.20.046.