{"id":6679,"date":"2022-01-06T16:30:05","date_gmt":"2022-01-07T00:30:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tariolaw.com\/?p=6679"},"modified":"2023-03-21T12:42:20","modified_gmt":"2023-03-21T19:42:20","slug":"vehicular-homicide-fatal-vehicle-vs-pedestrian-accident","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tariolaw.com\/vehicular-homicide-fatal-vehicle-vs-pedestrian-accident\/","title":{"rendered":"Vehicular Homicide: Fatal Vehicle Vs Pedestrian Accident"},"content":{"rendered":"

Vehicular homicide occurs and an example is a fatal vehicle vs pedestrian accident on the Guide Meridian (SR539), south of Beard Road, occurred on January 4, 2022. As reported by whatcom-news.com<\/a>, the accident left the right lane blocked for some time as first responders responded to the scene of the accident about 12:40 p.m.<\/p>\n

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, a 2002 Ford F150 pickup was driving southbound on the Guide towing a 2001 Chrysler Town and Country van using a tow strap. When the strap disconnected, both vehicles came to a stop. The driver of the towed vehicle got out to replace the strap. Instead of waiting, the Ford continued driving southbound and the unoccupied Chrysler crashed into the man that was outside the vehicle \u2013 killing him. The victim was declared dead at the scene.<\/p>\n

The driver of the Ford was arrested and booked into Whatcom County Jail charged with suspicion of vehicular homicide. Drugs and\/or alcohol are considered a factor in the accident.<\/p>\n

What is vehicular homicide?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

RCW\u00a046.61.520<\/a> states:<\/p>\n

(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:<\/p>\n

(a) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug, as defined by RCW\u00a046.61.502<\/a>; or<\/p>\n

(b) In a reckless manner; or<\/p>\n

(c) With disregard for the safety of others.<\/p>\n

(2) Vehicular homicide is a class A felony punishable under chapter\u00a09A.20<\/a>\u00a0RCW, 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\u00a046.61.5055<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Who is at greatest risk for a fatal car vs pedestrian accident?<\/strong><\/p>\n

According to cdc.gov<\/a>, alcohol-impaired drivers and pedestrians are at the highest risk for fatal car vs pedestrian accidents. In 2017, almost half (47 percent) of collisions that resulted in a pedestrian death involved alcohol for the driver and\/or the pedestrian. Out of that number, 33 percent of these crashes involved a pedestrian who tested over the legal limit for alcohol.<\/p>\n

Other risk factors:<\/p>\n