Davis Law Group, P.S.

Issaquah teen killed in 3-car crash on I-405

Story Highlights:
One person killed in Bellevue car accident
Motor vehicle collision caused by speeding
Two right lanes of I-405 blocked for two hours

Date: February 1, 2011, 02/01/2011
Location: Bellevue, King County, Washington
Type: Car accident, Motor vehicle collision
Outcome: One dead

Around 10:20 am on Tuesday morning, Tyler Lucas, 18, was driving his 2005 Dodge Neon north on I-405 just passed I-90, when he swerved suddenly to avoid stopping traffic and struck Peter Gradwohl, who was driving a Chevy Suburban. Both vehicles crossed all lanes of traffic, hitting Shelly Keene in her Honda Accord, before stopping in the far right lanes.

Lucas was taken to Harborview Medical Center where he later died. Gradwohl was taken to Overlake Hospital in Bellevue, and Keene was treated for minor injuries.

The accident blocked the two far right lanes of I-405 for almost two hours. All three drivers were wearing their seatbelts and their vehicles were totaled. Speed was a factor in the crash but the complete cause is still being investigated by Washington State Patrol.


Teen Fatal Car Accident Statistics

• Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 15- to 20-year-olds.
• About 2 out of every 3 teenagers killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2008 were males
• 37% of male drivers ages 15-20 who were involved in fatal crashes were speeding at the time of the accident.

Washington State Speeding Law
No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing. In every event speed shall be so controlled as may be necessary to avoid colliding with any person, vehicle or other conveyance on or entering the highway in compliance with legal requirements and the duty of all persons to use due care. See RCW 46.61.400 for more information.

Seattle Wrongful Death Attorneys
Chris Davis and everyone at the Davis Law Group send out their heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Tyler Lucas. This tragic accident should never have happened. The family would be well advised to find a good wrongful death attorney because in a situation like this they may be able to seek financial damages from their insurance company.


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