Updated on: 3/9/2020
A pedestrian was reportedly killed after being struck by a dump truck on southbound Interstate 5 in downtown Seattle Wednesday morning.
According to KOMONews.com, the pedestrian accident occurred at approximately 7 a.m. in the collector-distributor lanes near the Seneca Street onramp to I-5. Witnesses allegedly told reporters that the pedestrian was attempting to run from one side of the freeway to another, and that the truck driver may not have been able to avoid hitting the pedestrian.
The southbound lanes of the freeway were blocked while police investigated the scene, and there was allegedly a seven-mile traffic backup. All access to the eastbound lanes of Interstate 90 were also blocked while officials investigate the scene.
Legal Challenges For Pedestrian Accidents
The initial police investigation into any fatal accident can help provide a clearer picture of any possible factors that may have contributed to the collision. Witness statements in particular can be very helpful in determining what exactly happened and who is legally responsible.
One of the key questions investigators will seek to answer is why the pedestrian attempted to cross this particular area of a busy freeway. If investigators find any information to support the pedestrian’s right of way, then the driver of the dump truck could face legal repercussions for the incident.
Surviving family members often times hire their own investigators for a second opinion about liability and other legal issues, often times with the assistance of an attorney in the event that the family decides to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Pedestrian Accident Investigations - Contact An Attorney
Of course, the merits of any wrongful death case will depend on crucial evidence that can be used to support or contradict liability. This is why the moments immediately after a serious or fatal accident are so important, and why a thorough investigation is necessary.
The attorneys at Davis Law Group have more than 20 years of experience representing pedestrians and their families. We know how to conduct a thorough investigation into any serious accident and help our clients achieve justice for their loved ones.
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 award-winning attorneys for free.
