Sorting out liability for any traffic accident can be a laborious job. When several vehicles are involved and several people are injured, the task becomes even more complex and burdensome. A recent accident on Interstate Highway 5 near the King-Pierce County line shows how complex an accident investigation can become.
A 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt was traveling south on I-5 when the 19-year-old woman at the wheel lost control and struck a guardrail. The Chevy came to a complete stop in the traffic lane and was then struck by a Toyota Tundra. The accident resulted in the immediate death of a woman who was a passenger in the Chevy. Another passenger in the Chevy was taken to Tacoma General Hospital with minor injuries. Two men who were passengers in the Toyota were also injured. One was treated at the scene and the second was treated at an area hospital.
No explanation was immediately offered for the loss of control by the Chevrolet driver. She suffered no injuries, but she was arrested on suspicion of DUI and vehicular homicide. Vehicular homicide is a Class A felony in Washington and can be punished by a substantial period of imprisonment and a fine of up to $50,000. If the police investigation verifies the accounts of the accident given by witnesses and police at the scene, this driver could be held to be liable for the death of her passenger and the other injures that were suffered by the various victims. Anyone who has lost a loved one or suffered injuries in a similar accident may wish to investigate the possibility of suing for damages.