Davis Law Group, P.S.

Woman killed in DUI collision on Hwy 112

Story Highlights:
One dead after Port Angeles car accident
Motor vehicle collision caused by DUI
Suspect charged with vehicular homicide
Highway 112 shut down for over six hours



Date: March 6, 2011, 03/06/2011
Location: Port Angeles, Clallam County, Washington
Type: Motor vehicle collision, DUI collision
Outcome: One dead

While driving on Highway 112 on Sunday morning, a Port Angeles woman was killed in a DUI related head on collision.

Ellen Joan DeBondt was heading east on Highway 112 near Oxen Ford Road when a pickup that was heading the opposite direction crossed the centerline and crashed into her head on. DeBondt was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the pickup, 24-year-old Amber Steim, was treated at Olympic Memorial Hospital before being booked in Clallam County jail for DUI and vehicular homicide.

Port Angeles Fatal Accident Statistics for 2008
Fatal accident count: 4
Vehicles involved in fatal accidents: 7
Fatal accidents caused by drunken drivers: 0
Fatalities: 4
Persons involved in fatal accidents: 1
Pedestrians involved in fatal accidents: 3

Washington State Drunk Driving Statistics
In Washington State, 54% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes involve a driver that was under the influence of alcohol. In 2009 265 people in Washington State lost their lives in drunk driving crashes. In Washingon State there is a sharp increase in the number of drunk driving incidents near major holidays.

Washington State Drunk Driving Law
Washington State law provides that the drivers on the road have the duty to not operate a motor vehicle when under the influence of alcohol. See RCW 46.61.502.

Washington State Vehicular Homicide Law
When the death of any person ensues within three years as a proximate result of injury proximately caused by the driving of any vehicle by any person, the driver is guilty of vehicular homicide if the driver was operating a motor vehicle:
(a) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug
(b) In a reckless manner; or
(c) With disregard for the safety of others.
See RCW 46.61.520 for more information.

Seattle Wrongful Death Lawyers
Chris Davis and everyone at the Davis Law Group sends out their heartfelt condolences for the family and friends of Ellen DeBondt, who was lost in this tragic accident and hope they can find a knowledgable wrongful death lawyer that will help settle their case and get them the compensation they deserve from their insurance company for suffering such a tragic loss.