Updated on: 11/19/2019
UPDATE: 1 person has died from injuries suffered in I-405 crash Monday morning - https://t.co/RYxRyMQXQG pic.twitter.com/n3LYjO3mrZ
— KOMO News (@komonews) June 6, 2016
A 49-year-old man from Bothell has reportedly died from injuries he suffered in a serious three-vehicle crash that occurred on Interstate 405 in Kirkland last Monday.
According to a spokesperson for the Washington State Patrol (WSP), the victim was driving his 2016 Ford Fusion southbound on I-405 near the Northeast 124th Street exit in Kirkland at approximately 10:30 a.m. Monday. As he slowed for traffic, WSP officials say another man driving a Chevrolet Suburban rear-ended him.
The impact from the initial collision caused the Fusion to collide with a third vehicle that was driven by a 46-year-old man from Seattle. The driver of the Ford Fusion was taken to EvergreenHealth Medical Center in Kirkland with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the third vehicle was also transported to EvergreenHealth Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.
A drug-recognition expert (DRE) with the Washington State Patrol interviewed the drivers involved and determined that drugs and alcohol were not a factor in this collision. WSP officials are still investigating the collision and have not yet determined if the driver of the Suburban will be ticketed or face charges for his role in the collision.
Why Crash Investigations and Evidence are Important
In fatal car crashes, the first few hours and days following the collision are the most important in terms of gathering and preserving significant evidence. Photos and witness statements can help police better understand what may have caused the collision in the first place, as well as who may bear the responsibility for the car accident.
While the police’s investigation into a fatal crash is largely focused on responsibility in the form of potential criminal charges, it can also play a factor in a crash victim’s civil claim. When a driver is charged with a crime for causing a crash, it is much more difficult for that driver’s insurance company to deny financial responsibility for the victim’s injuries or death.
Because the damages for a wrongful death claim are typically significant, the potential value of these cases often high and the insurance company will likely do whatever it can to delay or devalue the claim. An experienced wrongful death attorney can help victims’ surviving family members determine whether or not a wrongful death claim is likely to be successful.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a collision, the award-winning legal team at Davis Law Group can provide a free case analysis to see if hiring a lawyer is in the best interests of everyone involved. Call (206) 727-4000 to discuss your legal rights and see if hiring an attorney might be beneficial to the outcome of your claim.