Seattle Car Accident Deaths Continue at High Levels - Who is Responsible?

Seattle Car Accident Deaths Continue to Rise

Last December I wrote about Seattle’s high rate of car accident deaths, and that trend has unfortunately continued this year.

David Kroman at the Seattle Times reports that ten people have been killed on Seattle streets this year, including four pedestrians and two bicyclists. This outpaces traffic deaths at this time last year and the year before, and would amount to more traffic deaths than any time since 2006. At least 59 people have sustained serious injuries.

The SODO neighborhood has proven especially deadly, due in part to speed, large vehicles, and minimal pedestrian crossings and bike lanes.

National Car Accident Deaths Rose Dramatically Last Year

The trend is car accident deaths is nationwide. As Tom Krisher and Hope Yen of the Seattle Times recently reported, the nearly 43,000 traffic fatalities last year marked a 10.5% jump from 2020, the largest increase since NHTSA began collecting data in 1975.

The mass return to office work and travel contributed to the jump, but so did an increase in risky driving behavior that started during the pandemic, like speeding, not wearing seat belts, and driving under the influence.

Washington Law: Who Is Responsible for Car Accidents and Deaths

While most people know the rules of the road, it’s more than just the other driver who may be responsible for car accident injuries or death in Washington State.

First, roadways in Washington must be reasonably safe for travel. Thus if adequate space and signage is not afforded to pedestrians and bicyclists, the city or county may be liable when a pedestrian or bicyclists is injured or killed.

Second, restaurants and bars also may not over-serve patrons to the point they drive away intoxicated and injure or kill someone. This is called “dram shop” liability.

Third, the driver’s employer may be responsible for a car accident if the driver was on duty or the employer was negligent in hiring or retaining that employee.

Fourth, someone who allows the driver to use the vehicle may be responsible for the driver’s negligence. This applies to family vehicles, and in situations where the driver is known to be a risk to public safety.

This is not an exhaustive list, but is intended to illustrate why it is so important to fully investigate the cause of car accidents. Every part of such an investigation is among our core practice areas.

If you have questions about what parties are responsible for a car accident, feel free to email me.