A Washington community is grieving after a recent tragedy. A fatal collision occurred on a recent Monday in Stanwood. The man who was behind the wheel at the time of the one-vehicle crash survived his injuries. Sadly, his passenger did not. As is reportedly evident in this case, speeding is a common factor in many fatal collisions.
A 20-year-old woman was traveling with the man when his vehicle careened off the road and slammed into a tree. Responders pronounced the young woman dead at the scene. The driver was ejected from the vehicle and seriously injured.
Rescue workers transported the man to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Police say they spoke with him after the collision. He reportedly admitted to them that he had consumed four alcoholic beverages before driving that evening. Police say the man also stated that his vehicle had swerved as he tried to avoid hitting an animal in his path.
There was a 35 mph posted speed limit sign in the area where the collision took place. Investigators say they believe the man was traveling at approximately 80 mph when he hit the tree. When a fatal collision occurs in Washington or elsewhere, an immediately family member of the decedent may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim in a civil court when there is evidence that another person’s negligence was responsible for the death. Such cases are challenging to prove, which is why most plaintiffs ask experienced personal injury attorneys to represent them in court.