Updated on: 9/30/2021
A 24-year-old was killed in what was an alleged street racing accident in Bellingham last night.
Police responded to the scene of the collision at the intersection of Woburn Street, Iowa Street and Yew Street around 9 p.m. It was reported that the driver of the vehicle crashed into a tree, flipping the car onto its side.
The passenger of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have arrested the driver for vehicular homicide, stating that alcohol appears to have been a factor in the crash.
Legal Options for Surviving Family Members
The grief of losing a loved one in a tragic accident can be overwhelming, especially when they are so young. There may be some semblance of justice from the criminal charges, but nothing can replace the lifetime of memories that were taken away because of the recklessness of another. However, as long as there is ample insurance, financial compensation may be an option.
For a situation like this, where a life was lost due to the criminal negligence of another person, the case can be more complex. Some may not know, but it is possible to bring civil charges against someone even if they are in the middle of criminal case. The civil case is really against the insurance company but navigating the claims process with an at-fault party who is being investigated for a criminal offense can add an immense amount of stress to the surviving family members of the victim.
An experienced wrongful death attorney would have plenty of experience dealing with insurance companies who will try everything they can to deny the claim of a grieving family. Sometimes companies will even try to get out of paying anything on the policy by using the criminal charges as an excuse. That doesn’t often work, but the back-and-forth should not rest on the shoulders of people who are trying to come to terms with a devastating tragedy.
Davis Law Group has been representing the families of wrongful death victims for over twenty years. Our legal team is well versed in subverting insurer’s tactics to get fair settlements, or if necessary, jury awards. We offer free case evaluations to help the surviving family members determine their next steps. If you need to consult with a wrongful death attorney, you can contact us using the chat or contact form on this page, or by calling 206-727-4000.
