Updated on: 11/21/2019
A motorcycle collision with an elk on Highway 162 in Orting left a motorcyclist and his passenger injured late Tuesday, according to the Washington State Patrol. The driver of the motorcycle, a 51-year-old man, was believed to be intoxicated and now faces potential DUI and vehicular assault charges.
Both the driver and his passenger, a 27-year-old woman, were taken to Tacoma General Hospital. The motorcycle was totaled in the crash.
The police investigation, which is still ongoing, found that the motorcycle was going east on Highway 162 when it crashed into the elk. Alcohol or drugs were a factor, police said.
Vehicular Assault In Washington State
A person is guilty of vehicular assault in Washington State when they cause “substantial bodily harm to another person,” by doing any of the following things:
- Drive in a reckless manner; or
- Drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol; or
- Drive with disregard for the safety of others
Vehicular assault is a Class B felony. If a driver causes a crash that results in a death while doing any of the above things, they may be charged with vehicular homicide, a Class A felony.
Filing An Injury Claim As The Passenger
Pursuing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver in a crash, even if you’re the passenger and you know the driver, isn’t personal. Passengers who suffer injuries because of their friend or family member’s negligence have the right to recover damages by filing a claim with the driver’s insurance company.
Doing this does not make the passenger a “bad friend.” Quite simply, it’s the only way to get compensation after an accident. People carry insurance for a reason, and filing a claim against a friend or family member isn’t an indictment on your relationship.
Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney can help you get the maximum compensation available after you’ve been injured as the passenger in an accident. Failing to file a claim is leaving money on the table, and Attorney Chris Davis and the legal team at Davis Law Group, P.S., has a successful track record of fighting for victims. Contact us at (206) 727-4000, use the chat feature below or the form on this page to schedule your free legal consultation.
