Updated on: 11/22/2019
A 42-year-old woman from Inchelium was arrested for suspicion of DUI after she allegedly caused a fatal auto accident on Highway 395 near Clayton.
According to the Washington State Patrol, a 22-year-old man was driving his 2005 Mazda southbound on Highway 395 at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Friday when he approached an out-of-control vehicle that had crossed the center line, being driven by the 42-year-old woman. He attempted to swerve and avoid the vehicle, but was struck head-on.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene, while the female driver suffered serious injuries and was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center for treatment. She was eventually taken into custody and faces vehicular homicide charges.
No other occupants were involved in the collision, and police noted that they believe alcohol was involved in the collision.
Liability For DUI Collisions
It is not uncommon for investigators to determine that the driver of a vehicle which crossed the centerline and struck another vehicle head-on was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the collision. Alcohol and drug impairment can significantly affect drivers’ response times and ability to keep the vehicle in the proper lane of travel.
Liability in these cases is often difficult to dispute, as there is no excuse or defense for driving under the influence.
However, collisions that involve serious injury or fatality typically require an extensive investigation that includes interviewing multiple witnesses and establishing a timeline of how the collision occurred. This process can be lengthy and often leaves surviving loved ones feeling in the dark.
Qualified Attorneys Conduct Independent Investigations
It is important to remember that while a police investigation into a collision can be helpful, the focus of law enforcement’s investigation is to determine if there will be any criminal charges and document important evidence. Their goal is not to determine civil liability and they may dismiss elements that are unrelated to the criminal side of the investigation, even if this information could be relevant to a civil claim or lawsuit.
That’s why it can be beneficial to hire an experienced wrongful death attorney to conduct a thorough, independent investigation into the crash and identify evidence and other factors that might support a wrongful death claim. A qualified attorney will know what to look for and how to properly investigate a fatal crash scene.
The award-winning Washington personal injury lawyers at Davis Law Group have handled some of the most serious wrongful death cases in Washington state. Our attorneys offer a free case evaluation and will meet with you in-person for a free legal consultation if we believe we can add value or increase the chances of a successful resolution to your case. Call our office in Seattle at (206) 727-4000 or use the confidential contact form on this page to have your case personally reviewed by our legal team.
