Davis Law Group, P.S.

Seattle car accident kills father, injures child

A rush-hour accident this morning near East Jefferson Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way has left a father dead, and his daughter seriously injured.  Two other people were also injured.   The accident involved a car and a truck.  The injured girl, approximately 10- or 11-years-old, was also taken to Harborview Medical Center with "life threatening injuries."  Apparently they were on their way to school when the accident occurred. 

This accident brings to mind the need for proper child restraints. 

June 1st, 2007 Washington's Child Restraint Law changed to require:

• Children under 13 years old be transported in the back seat where it is practical to do so.
• Children up to their 8th birthday, unless they are 4'9" tall (which ever comes first), must ride in a child restraint. (For example a child car seat, booster seat, vest, or other restraint that is federally approved for use in the car.)
• The restraint system must be used correctly according to the car seat AND vehicle manufacturer's instructions.
• Vehicles equipped with lap-only seat belts are exempt from the requirement to use a booster seat.
• Children 8-years of age or at least 4'9" who wear a seat belt MUST use it correctly (never under the arm or behind the back) or continue to use a booster.