Two Fatal Accidents in 12-hour Window Leave Bellingham Reeling
Fatal motor vehicle accidents have been up dramatically since changes to our driving habits started at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Even in Whatcom County, it doesn’t take that many days before another fatal accident is being reported in the news. Sadly, in the last 24 hours, Bellingham has experienced two fatal accidents: a pedestrian and a motorcycle driver.
If you lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident, you may be able to recover your losses through a wrongful death claim. Contact an experienced, local wrongful death lawyer who can discuss your legal rights and the value of a potential claim. The sooner you contact an injury attorney, the sooner they can help you through the personal injury claims process. Personal injury lawyers generally provide a free consultation and offer their services on a contingency-fee basis, which means no money is collected up-front.
Two Fatal Accidents in 12-hour Window Leave Bellingham Reeling
Fatal motorcycle accident
As reported by whatcom-news.com, a man was ejected from his motorcycle in a hit-and-run crash and was then hit by a semi-truck as they lay in the road. The accident took place in the northbound lanes of I-5 in Bellingham about 9 p.m. on Thursday, October 6.
A press memo from the Washington State Patrol (WSP) explained that a 2021 Honda FXBBS motorcycle collided with a yet-to-be-identified vehicle on I-5, south of Lakeway Drive. The 45-year-old from Ferndale who was riding the motorcycle was ejected and landed in the right lane. The driver of the unknown vehicle fled the crash scene. A semi-truck approaching the scene attempted a lane change and struck the motorcyclist before striking a witness’ vehicle on the left shoulder. The motorcycle rider was declared dead at the scene.
Fatal pedestrian accident
Also reported by whatcom-news.com, first responders were dispatched to investigate a fatal car versus pedestrian collision between Slater Road and W. Bakerview Road interchanges about 6:30 a.m. on Friday, October 7. By 8:30 a.m., WSP Trooper Kelsey Harding had confirmed that it was a fatal pedestrian accident.
The driver of a 1998 Ford Ranger was driving southbound on I-5 when it moved onto the right shoulder and struck a pedestrian. Drugs and/or alcohol are believed to have been involved in the accident. The 68-year-old driver was booked into Whatcom County Jail by WSP charged with suspicion of vehicular homicide while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug and while driving in a reckless manner.
Negligent driving behaviors
These tragic accidents both involved egregious behaviors on the part of the at-fault drivers. Between the hit-and-run and driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, these drivers behaved in dangerous and irresponsible ways that caused the deaths of another person on the road.
Car accident lawyers seek justice for victims of negligent driving behavior by fighting for a full and fair settlement for losses and injuries. Common recoverable damages are:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Medical bills including doctors’ visits, ER visit, and surgery costs, etc.
- Disability
- Medical and funeral expenses, loss of victim’s earnings and services, loss of inheritance, loss of love and companionship, etc. in a wrongful death case.
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!
