SNOHOMISH COUNTY, WA — One person lost their life last Friday afternoon, April 19, when they were struck by a vehicle while operating a motorcycle on State Route 522 in Snohomish, according to KOMO News.
Authorities said the fatal accident unfolded on the eastbound lanes of SR-522 at Fales Road.
A preliminary investigation indicates a 56-year-old man behind the wheel of a Tesla sedan set on autopilot and heading eastbound behind a motorcyclist. The man told investigators he had looked down at his phone at one point before hearing a loud bang, at which point the Tesla lurched forward while accelerating and hit the motorcyclist.
The rider, who was trapped underneath the Tesla as a result of the wreck, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Washington State Patrol said the driver of the Tesla admitted to having had one drink at lunch, some time before getting behind the wheel of the car, but a voluntary sobriety test performed at the scene did not support a charge of DUI Vehicular Homicide. However, due to the driver’s confessed inattention while driving, the Tesla being on autopilot mode, and distracting cell phone usage while driving, the driver was arrested for Vehicular Homicide DSO.
As of this writing, the Tesla driver has not been formally charged, but an investigation remains underway.
Have you lost someone you love to a recent Seattle-area motorcycle crash caused by the carelessness of another motorist in the Seattle area? After a painful and preventable event, you could be entitled to compensation for the personal and financial hardships endured at this time. The Seattle wrongful death lawyers at Dubin Law Group are known for helping families in the area fight for the best possible outcome. Call us at 425-800-8000 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation.