A fatal car accident can change a family’s life forever in a matter of seconds. When a crash is caused by a reckless, impaired, or speeding driver, surviving loved ones are often left not only grieving an unimaginable loss, but also struggling with financial and emotional hardships. Families may suddenly be faced with funeral expenses, lost household income, medical bills, and the painful reality of moving forward without the love, support, and companionship of the person they lost.
Sadly, these tragedies are far too common. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), speed is one of the leading risk factors in serious and fatal traffic collisions because it increases both the likelihood of a crash and the severity of injuries. Excessive speeding is responsible for roughly 30 percent of traffic deaths in high-income countries like the United States.
When drivers choose to speed, drive impaired, or ignore traffic laws, innocent people can pay the ultimate price. Families who lose a loved one because of another driver’s negligence may have the right to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim. If your loved one was killed in a motor vehicle accident because of the negligence of another driver, contact a local wrongful death lawyer for help.
Man Arrested for Vehicular Homicide in Ferndale, WA Fatal Crash Today
As reported by King 5 News, a person was killed Thursday morning in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of West Axton Road and Northwest Avenue in Ferndale, according to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded around 5:45 a.m. and found one driver trapped inside a vehicle and unresponsive. Emergency crews worked to remove the driver, but the person was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses told deputies that the other vehicle had been traveling north on Northwest Drive at a high speed before running a four-way stop sign and crashing into the victim’s vehicle. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses later confirmed those reports, investigators said.
After the crash, the other driver reportedly left the scene on foot. Deputies later located a 28-year-old man who matched witness descriptions and had cuts, bruises, and other injuries consistent with being involved in the crash while wearing a seat belt.
During the investigation, authorities learned the vehicle involved in the crash had been reported stolen earlier that morning in Bellingham. Deputies arrested the man on suspicion of vehicular homicide, driving under the influence, possession of a stolen vehicle, and driving with a revoked license.
What is Vehicular Homicide?
Vehicular homicide is a crime that involves a driver being responsible for the death of another person either through criminal negligence or murderous operation of a motor vehicle. In cases involving criminal negligence, the defendant may be charged with unintentional vehicular manslaughter.
Regardless of the theory under which vehicular homicide is charged, in Washington State it is considered a Class A felony punishable by up to life imprisonment and a $50,000 fine.
RCW 46.61.520 states:
(1) When the death of any person ensues within three years as a proximate result of injury proximately caused by the driving of any vehicle by any person, the driver is guilty of vehicular homicide if the driver was operating a motor vehicle:
(a) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, as defined by RCW 46.61.502; or
(b) In a reckless manner; or
(c) With disregard for the safety of others.
(2) Vehicular homicide is a class A felony punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW, except that, for a conviction under subsection (1)(a) of this section, an additional two years shall be added to the sentence for each prior offense as defined in RCW 46.61.5055.
Seek the Help of a Wrongful Death Car Accident Lawyer
If you lost a loved one in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced wrongful death 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! Since 1979, our personal injury law firm, Tario & Associates, P.S., has been dedicated to fighting for the rights of people injured throughout Washington State, with local offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon to serve residents of Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
