Fatal Bellingham Head-On Collision Leads to Suspected DUI
While we have made great strides on education around the consequences of drinking and driving, there are still far too many accidents involving alcohol. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), each day about 28 Americans die in DUI crashes. In the 10-year period from 2010 to 2019, more than 10,000 people died every year in drunk driving car accidents.
We Fight for Victims of DUI Crashes
Tario & Associates, P.S. has over 40 years’ experience representing victims of drunk driving car accidents. When you have been seriously injured through no fault of your own you may need a legal advocate who will fight for the settlement you deserve. Free consultations and no up-front fees make hiring a car accident lawyer the right choice for many accident victims. Contact us today!
Fatal Head-On Collision Leads to Suspected DUI
As reported by king5.com, a 20-year-old woman is under investigation for suspected DUI because of a deadly crash on southbound Interstate 5 near Nulle Road in south Whatcom County late Tuesday night.
The suspect was driving her vehicle northbound the wrong way around 11:30 p.m. when she struck the victim’s vehicle head-on. According to the Washington State Patrol (WSP), the 31-year victim died at the scene of the accident. The suspect was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham where she remains in custody on suspicion of DUI. WSP is still investigating the accident.
What is a head-on collision?
A head-on collision, also known as a head-on crash, frontal impact crash, or frontal crash, is when two cars that are driving in opposite directions crash into each other with the front ends of their vehicles.
Head-on crashes happen more frequently on rural roads, neighborhood roads, and other roads that lack a median meant to stop vehicles from crossing over into the opposing lane. Poor construction-zone redirecting and bad road conditions such as ice also increase the risk of a frontal impact crash.
Head-on collision statistics
Head-on collisions are a particularly deadly type of car accident. Statistics show that while only two-percent of crashes are head on collisions, they account for over 10 percent of motor vehicle accident fatalities. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety showed a 62 percent fatality rate for vehicle occupants in frontal crashes in 2019.
What causes head-on collisions?
The cause of head-on collisions varies from a simple mistake by a driver unfamiliar with an area to distracted driving and mechanical failure. Often these crashes involve a negligent driver. Here are some common causes:
- Confused or disoriented driver who ends up driving down the wrong side of a road
- Driver who falls asleep at the wheel
- Excessive speeding
- Losing control of the vehicle
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving such as texting or eating
- Mechanical failure such as a blown tire or brake failure
Seek the help of a car accident lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
