Although it serves as a reminder of an unexpected tragedy, one Washington family hopes that a new street sign in their neighborhood will also help prevent similar tragedies from affecting other families. The new sign, posted along Southeast 223rd drive in Kent, is dedicated to the memory of David Daniel, who was killed in a motorcycle accident on August 22, 2012. The sign reminds motorists to avoid drunk driving.
The motorcycle crash took place as the Kent father of three began his morning commute to work. He had traveled only a few blocks from his home when a Nissan coupe driven by an 18-year-old resident of the same neighborhood crossed over the center line at a high rate of speed and caused a head on collision. The 55-year-old motorcyclist died at the scene.
A breath test administered by local police officers indicated that the teen had a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit for adult drivers at the time of the crash. The teen pleaded guilty to a vehicular homicide charge last December and is scheduled for sentencing in March.
The loss of a parent can have a devastating impact on a family. In addition to the loss of companionship and emotional support that a parent or spouse provides, the loss of income and financial support that follows from a parent’s death can take a measurable toll on surviving family members. Seattle area families should be aware that they need not suffer financial ruin in the wake of a fatal accident. Families who have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless conduct of another may be entitled to compensation for their losses through a wrongful death lawsuit. An experienced accident attorney can help families obtain the maximum compensation available under the law.
Source: Kent Reporter, “Kent family hopes sign in memory of David Daniel makes a difference,” Steve Hunter, Feb. 11, 2013