Updated on: 10/11/2018
Two teenagers were killed Monday in a crash near Darrington, according to the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred just before 3 p.m. near Clear Creek Road and Mountain Loop Highway.
Police say that the truck the teens were in crashed into a large piece of construction equipment parked on the side of the road. The 19-year-old male driver from Aberdeen and a 17-year-old male passenger from Darrington both died at the scene.
The cause of the crash has yet to be determined, though investigators believe speed may have been a factor.
Update: Preliminary Evidence Suggests County Negligence
Davis Law Group has investigated the potential causes that may have contributed to this accident and have uncovered preliminary evidence that addresses whether government agencies for Snohomish County complied with safe construction and traffic management practices.
Municipalities and their employees have a strict duty to follow proper protocol and procedures on job sites that they manage and oversee. If a government employee fails to follow proper protocol and puts the safety of the general public in jeopardy, the county may be held liable for the damages that result from such an accident.
If you or someone you know has any additional information about this accident that may assist in our investigation, we ask that you contact our office to discuss said information and determine if the county may be legally responsible for the collision.
Understanding Rights in a Car Accident
In most cases involving injury or death to a passenger, liability is categorized as either:
- Stranger liability: If another driver (not the driver of the vehicle containing the passenger) was at fault, the case is pretty straightforward. For example, if a driver high on drugs hit the vehicle with the passenger, the negligent driver would be held responsible for the damages.
- Friend liability: As a passenger in a friend or family member’s car, the driver has a duty to protect those inside in the vehicle. If a friend or family member caused the accident, passengers and their family may feel guilty about seeking financial compensation from them. But if you or a loved one has suffered serious injury or death, there should be question about the course of action.
When a friend causes an accident, the investigators for the insurance company may look into the possibility that the passenger played some part in the crash. For example, if the passenger was somehow distracting the driver or encouraging dangerous behavior, compensation may be limited.
However, if the driver was being generally negligent behind the wheel and making unsafe decisions, passengers and their family can build a case against them.
Washington State Wrongful Death Lawyers
At Davis Law Group, P.S., we the difficulties you are facing. Attorney Chris Davis has nearly 25 years of experience handling serious wrongful death cases in the state.
Get experience and proven results-oriented representation. Contact Davis Law Group today for a free case evaluation. Our lawyers handle cases across Washington state.
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