Seattle Accident Statistics

Poly-Drug Driving Top Cause of Fatal Accidents

Statewide (January 31, 2024) – Data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC),  found poly-drug driving, which involves two or more substances, is the most common cause of impairment in impaired-related fatal crashes in Washington state. Since 2012, the combination of alcohol and cannabis has been the most frequent poly-drug found in fatal crashes. Poly-drug impaired drivers are now more prevalent than those under the influence of just alcohol or one other drug.

If you lost a loved one to a fatal accident due to someone else’s reckless actions, contact the Seattle car accident attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: WTSC

Cause of Seattle Ferry Collision Revealed

Seattle (October 31, 2023) – The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined fatigue and negligence were the main causes of the July 2022 ferry collision at Seattle’s Fauntleroy Terminal. The accident report found the captain likely fell asleep at the wheel, leaving him unable to take any action to prevent a crash. The NTSB also found that the ferry team did not comply with undocking and docking procedures established by Washington State Ferries. The crash injured one passenger out of 94 and led to $6.7 million in repairs to the vessel. 

Our attorneys have a proven track record of winning settlements for boating accident victims in Washington. If you were injured in a boating accident caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness, contact our Seattle boat accident lawyers today. Source: NTSB

Missing Parts Led to Floatplane Crash

Whidbey Island (September 30, 2023) – The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a report earlier this month regarding the investigation of the September 2022 floatplane crash off Whidbey Island that killed 10 people. The 500 page report found a clamp nut had unscrewed from the barrel of the plane and the wire ring designed to keep it in place was missing, causing the plane to lose the ability to control its horizontal stabilizer and pitch. 

It’s unclear why the wire ring was missing, but the NTSB is concerned that this could happen on similar planes. The NTSB is still investigating why the part was missing from the aircraft. The NTSB has not yet released a final report. If you’ve lost a loved one in a plane crash, contact Lerner and Rowe. Source: NTSB

The “Fatal Four” Causes Spike in Washington Traffic Deaths

Statewide (August 31, 2023) – Washington State has seen the deadliest year on the roads since 1990, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC). Out of the 750 individuals who tragically lost their lives on Washington roadways in 2022, 565 fatalities were associated with one or more of the fatal four behaviors: impairment, distraction, speeding, and not wearing seat belts. Data shows that while the total number of fatal incidents has decreased overall, the total number of multi-fatality crashes has increased. 

If you lost a loved one in a fatal accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact the Seattle car accident attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: WTSC

Alcohol Top Cause of Fourth of July Fatalities

Statewide (June 30, 2023) – According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), alcohol was the top cause of fatal car accidents during the Fourth of July holiday from 2013 to 2022. Out of the 120 fatalities from 2013 to 2022, 46% were caused by an impaired driver. 

The Seattle car accident attorneys at Lerner and Rowe encourage everyone to practice safe driving during the holiday weekend. If you are injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact us today. Source: WTSC

Top Causes of Washington Memorial Day Fatal Car Accidents

Statewide (May 24, 2023) – According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), the top causes of fatal car accidents during the Memorial Day holiday from 2020 to 2022 include speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving. Out of 238 fatal accidents, over 54% were caused by impaired driving, 34% were speed-related, and just over 15% were caused by distracted driving.  

The Seattle car accident attorneys at Lerner and Rowe encourage everyone to practice safe driving during the holiday weekend. If you are injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact us today. Source: WTSC

Bent Track Factor in Deadly 2021 Amtrak Derailment

Seattle (March 1, 2023) – The National Transportation Safety Board has determined that the 2021 Amtrak derailment in Montana was caused by bent railroad tracks. The train was enroute to Seattle at the time of the accident. The NTSB identified the problem based on video footage, including from two trains that went around the accident curve 90 minutes before the derailment. The investigation found that three passengers died and two were seriously injured.

If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a train accident in Washington, contact a Seattle personal injury attorney to learn more about your legal options. Source: King 5 News

Impaired Driving in Washington Causes Over Half of Yearly Fatalities

Statewide (January 2, 2023) – More than half of all fatal car accidents in Washington are caused by impaired driving, says the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. Data from 2021 shows that impaired driving deaths hit a 20-year high in the state. Preliminary data from 2022 shows that 15% of traffic fatalities were caused by impaired driving. 

Lerner and Rowe urges everyone to avoid impaired driving and to call and report any impaired drivers on the road. If you’ve been injured by an impaired driver or lost a loved one to wrongful death caused by an impaired driver, contact the Seattle personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: Spokesman-Review

Fires Caused By Humans in Washington State Increase

Statewide (October 28, 2022) – Data from the Washington Department of Natural Resources finds that humans were a top cause of wildfires in 2031. Last year, there were 737 fires in Washington caused by people. The number of human-caused fires increased by 55% from 2020. 

Police revealed that the Nakia Creek Fire, which started burning on October 9, was started by humans. The fire is currently being investigated after a man turned over a cellphone video of the possible perpetrators of the fire. Police believe the fire was either started by a gun or fireworks. If you’ve been injured in a fire due to negligence, contact the Seattle personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. 

Source: The Daily News

Larger Vehicles Lead to Increase in Seattle Pedestrian Deaths

Seattle (September 30, 2022) – Since 2015, Seattle has attempted to eliminate pedestrian deaths with the Vision Zero project. However, pedestrian fatalities increased by 150% in the five years after the pedestrian safety project began. According to the Washington Department of Transportation, larger vehicles were the leading factors in Seattle’s increased pedestrian deaths. 40.9% of pedestrian deaths occurred after a collision with an SUV, van, or pickup truck. 

If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident, call a Seattle personal injury lawyer at Lerner and Rowe. Source: KUOW

Washington Sees Decrease in Weather Related Deaths

Statewide (February 27, 2024) – According to data from the National Safety Council (NSC), Washington has seen a decrease in the number of weather related deaths. 1,303 weather events were included in the data. From 2021 to 2022, Washington saw a drastic decrease in these deaths. In 2020, the state reported seven deaths. That number jumped to 20 in 2021 and decreased back to 7 in 2022. 

Lerner and Rowe encourage everyone to use caution during weather events like extreme heat and snow. If you’ve lost a loved one in a weather related death due to the negligence or recklessness of another party, contact our Seattle personal injury attorneys. Source: NSC

Washington State Traffic Fatalities Increasing in 2023

Statewide (October 30, 2023) – According to preliminary estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), traffic fatalities in Washington increased by 5.3% in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. The state had 349 traffic fatalities from January to June 2022 and 368 from January to June 2023.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a car wreck caused by the negligence or recklessness of another party, contact the Seattle car accident lawyers at Lerner and Rowe. Source: NHTSA

Washington on Track to Break Another Traffic Fatality Record

Statewide (September 29, 2023) – Washington state saw a sharp increase in traffic deaths in 2022, the deadliest year on its roads in more than 30 years. The trend has continued in 2023, with more fatal crashes by September 4 than over the same time period in 2022. The state’s car crash fatalities started rising in 2020. Every year since, they’ve increased, hitting a high point in 2022 with 750 fatalities–the highest number since 1990. 

If you lost a loved one in a fatal accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact the Seattle car accident attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: KREM

2023 Is Washington State’s Deadliest Year Since 1990

Statewide (August 31, 2023) – According to the latest data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), 417 people were killed in traffic incidents statewide through the end of July. That number was at 413 over that same period in 2022. Last year, the state saw its most traffic-related deaths since 1990. 

The Seattle car accident attorneys at Lerner and Rowe encourage everyone to practice safe driving. If you are injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact us today. Source: WTSC

Traffic Fatalities Rising in King County

King County (July 31, 2023) – According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), traffic fatalities in King County increased 30% from 2021 to 2022. In 2021, there were a total of 65 deaths and 85 in 2021. These fatalities do not include those caused by distracted or impaired driving. 

If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence in a car accident, contact the Seattle personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: WTSC

Impaired Driving Fatalities Increase Over 15%

Statewide (June 30, 2023) – According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), traffic fatalities caused by impaired driving in Washington state increased over 15% from 2020 to 2021. In 2020, there were a total of 259 deaths attributed to impaired drivers and 300 in 2021. 2021 had the highest number of impaired driving fatalities in almost a decade. If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence in a car accident, contact the Seattle personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: WTSC

Pedestrian Fatalities Down Over 6%

Statewide (May 26, 2023) – According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), pedestrian fatalities caused by car accidents in Washington state showed a decrease of over 6% from 2021 to 2022. In 2021 there were a total of 146 pedestrian deaths attributed to car accidents and 136 in 2022. 

If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence in a pedestrian accident, contact the Seattle personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: WTSC

Washington State Traffic Fatalities Increase Over 10%

Statewide (April 28, 2023) – According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), traffic fatalities in Washington have increased 10.4% from 2021 to 2022. The Early Estimate of Motor Vehicle Traffic Fatalities in 2022 report showed the state had 670 traffic fatalities in 2021 and 740 in 2022, an increase of 10.4%. 

If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident, contact the Seattle car accident attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: NHTSA

Audit Shows 104 Preventable King County Bus Accidents

Seattle (March 27, 2023) – The King County Auditor’s Office has released an audit report stating that the local bus system, King County Metro, is one of the safest in the United States. According to the report, Metro buses have covered over 200 million miles since 2018, with 104 preventable accidents. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recommends Metro Transit places more emphasis on responding to accidents rather than preventing them and advises Metro Transit to include all accidents in its reports to continue finding ways to prevent incidents. 

If you or a loved one have been injured in a bus accident, contact the Seattle personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe. Source: KOMO News

Washington State Saw Highest Traffic Deaths in 2022 Since 1990

Statewide (February 1, 2023) – According to a study by the Washington Road Safety Commission (WTSC), the year 2022 saw the state’s highest number of traffic fatalities in the state since 1990, and more than half of them were related to drunk driving.  The preliminary statistics for 2022, shows this was the highest number of traffic fatalities in Washington in more than 30 years. The data also shows that 745 individuals died in collisions in Washington state in 2022. 

If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident, contact the Seattle personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe. Source: Fox 13

Winter Weather to Hit Washington

Statewide (February 14, 2024) – A Winter Storm Warning and Winter Storm Advisories are in effect for parts of Washington until Thursday, February 15. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), snow accumulations of up to two to three inches and slippery road conditions are expected. Some areas could see up to 30 inches. Strong gusts up to 50 mph are likely, particularly near the Columbia River Gorge. The NWS advises to only travel if necessary in order to avoid a car accident and to have a car emergency kit packed. 

If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to negligence during severe weather, contact the Seattle personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source:NWS

Families of Seattle Couple Win Wrongful Death Claim

Seattle (January 31, 2024) – Seattle transportation agencies agreed to pay $6.5-million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit after a light rail crash killed a couple–Emoke Rock, 76, and Steven Wayne, 66– on July 2, 2021. Sound Transit, King County Metro Transit, and the Seattle Department of Transportation were alleged by counsel for the Rock and Wayne families to have been aware of trains hitting pedestrians and near hits, but failed to add sufficient protections. Sound Transit spokesperson John Gallagher said “there is no admission of liability” in making the settlement.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a train accident caused by the negligence or recklessness of another party, contact the Seattle train accident lawyers at Lerner and Rowe. Source: Seattle Times

Winter Storm Alert Issued for Parts of Washington

Statewide (November 30, 2023) – A Winter Storm Warning will go into effect early Friday morning in Washington. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), snowfall totals of up to three feet are possible, with the bulk of the snow falling from Friday night into Saturday. Blowing snow is likely as wind gusts reach 40-50 mph. Be prepared for hazardous driving conditions like reduced visibility and icy roads that could result in a car accident.

If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to negligence during severe weather, contact the Seattle personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: NWS

Popular Seattle Bike Path Repaired After Bicyclists File Lawsuit

Seattle (October 25, 2023) – The Seattle City Council passed legislation to fix the dangerous “missing link” section of the Burke-Gilman Trail. This portion of the trail is located near the Ballard Bridge on Shilshole Avenue NW, where a rail line runs through the bike lane. The legislation will allow the Seattle Department of Transportation to start working on safety improvements, including paving over the section of trail. This comes after 10 bicyclists who were injured on the trail filed a lawsuit against the City of Seattle for “its failure to make the existing roadway reasonably safe for ordinary travel. 

If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident, contact the Seattle bicycle accident lawyers at Lerner and Rowe. Source: King 5

Seattle Ranked No. 6 Safest City for Pedestrians

Seattle (September 29, 2023) – Seattle is the sixth-safest city for pedestrians among 37 major U.S. metropolitan areas, according to a recent study by KURU Footwear. The rankings were based on the number of pedestrian fatalities and the overall Walk Score for each city. Walk Score is a website and app that ranks cities based on pedestrian friendliness. Seattle has 1.06 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people and a Walk Score of 74.4, giving it a total safety score of 79. 

If you’ve lost a loved one due to negligence in a pedestrian accident, contact the Seattle personal injury attorneys at Lerner and Rowe. Source: KURU

Seattle Prepares For Labor Day Traffic

Seattle (August 31, 2023) – The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is expecting heavy traffic on Interstate 5 (I-5) in both directions from Thursday to Tuesday, due to a combination of holiday travelers and regular commuters.

Sea-Tac Airport is also expecting an increase in traffic, with an 18% increase in volume compared to last year’s Labor Day weekend. The busiest day is expected to be Monday, September 4, with 190,000 travelers expected to pass through the airport.

Lerner and Rowe urges everyone in the area to stay safe when traveling over the holiday weekend. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact our Seattle personal injury lawyers. Source: KIRO7

Seattle Preparing for Fourth of July Travelers

Seattle (June 30, 2023) – Sea-Tac Airport is bracing for its busiest travel weekend since the pandemic as Seattle’s airports, roads, and waterways prepare for the 4th of July. Washington State Ferries is advising passengers to anticipate longer wait times, while AAA predicts that Seattle will experience some of the most congested roads in the nation. Officials at Sea-Tac Airport are advising travelers to exercise caution and to be mindful of the airport’s current construction project.  

Lerner and Rowe urges everyone in the area to stay safe when traveling. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact our Seattle personal injury lawyers. Source: King5

Port of Seattle Police Seeking Witnesses to Accident

Seattle (May 24, 2023) – The Port of Seattle Police are seeking witnesses to an accident at Sea-Tac Airport on Wednesday afternoon, May 18, 2023. The accident occurred when a vehicle unexpectedly accelerated and mounted a curb, colliding with pedestrians standing near a curbside check-in area on the upper departures level. Three people are being treated for serious injuries, including a four-year-old girl. Port Police are urging anyone who witnessed the accident to contact them at 206-787-5401. 

Lerner and Rowe wishes the victims a speedy and successful recovery. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact our Seattle personal injury lawyers. Source: King 5

Proposed Bill Will Require Additional Education for Young Drivers

Statewide (March, 27, 2023) – Senate Bill 5583 passed on a bipartisan 41-7 vote which will require individuals aged 16 to 25 to attend driving education school before obtaining their first drivers’ license. The bill would also require drivers over 22 and under 25 to finish a condensed traffic safety education course or a self-paced online course before getting a license. 

The proposed bill hopes to reduce the number of accidents involving teen drivers. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact the Seattle personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe. Source: My Northwest

Washington State Ranked Second Worst State For Drivers

Statewide (February 1, 2023) – Data from WalletHub reveals Washington State is the second-worst state for drivers in the nation. Washington beat only Hawaii, ranking 49th out of 50. WalletHub gathered data based on cost of ownership and maintenance, traffic and infrastructure, car accident safety, and access to vehicles and maintenance. 

The study also measured positive attributes, including the number of car washes, car repair shops, rates or car thefts, the fewest days with precipitation, and the lowest percentage of rush-hour traffic congestion. Washington State also ranks low on the positive attributes of the study and was the fourth most expensive state for gas prices. 

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact the Seattle personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe. Source: WalletHub