Seattle Accident Statistics

Pedal Panic in Washington

Puyallup, WA (August 8, 2019): On Thursday afternoon, a 16-year-old boy crashed into the side of a McDonald’s restaurant after pressing on the gas pedal instead of the brakes. The teenager had spilled a drink in his lap at the drive-thru and got flustered. Panic ensued, and he accidentally pressed on the gas pedal, slamming his vehicle into the side of the building. One person suffered a minor foot injury, but no others were harmed in the aftermath.

It’s important to stay vigilant while on the road. Distractions come in many shapes and forms, and anything can go wrong—even at a drive-thru. Make sure you’re always in full control of your vehicle, and take the time to limit anything that would take your eyes (and your mind) off the road. Source: Q13 News

Fatal Accident Involves Impaired Driver

Redmond, Washington (July 9, 2019): At around 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning, a 72-year-old man, who is suspected of being impaired, drove east into westbound traffic on Highway 202. He then collided with a semi-truck driven by a 53-year-old, who was taken to the hospital for injuries caused by the crash. The 72-year-old Renton man died from his injuries. Remember, when you’re driving, never drive impaired. Avoid alcohol, drugs, fatigue, and other things that can interfere with your ability to drive. Drive only with a clear head and no distractions. These safe driving practices can help prevent unwanted accidents. Source: The Seattle Times

What Causes Bike Accidents?

Seattle (July 8, 2019) – The numbers don’t lie. Seattle roads have seen too many bicycle accidents in the first half of 2019. Though there has only been one fatality, twelve serious injuries have occurred. With 58 minor injuries and eight accidents without injury, bikes were involved in 137 crashes so far this year.

Bike accidents can be avoided. Drivers must stay vigilant while driving and assume that smaller, faster vehicles may be around at all times. Brush up on proper driving techniques when sharing the road with bikes. If you are one of the sufferers of bike accident injury in Seattle, call Lerner and Rowe to seek compensation for your injury. Source: WSDOT

Cell Phone Use

Seattle (June 6, 2019) – Cell phones have been the direct cause of 14 car accidents in the city of Seattle this year so far. King county as a whole has had 53, and the entire state has had 166. Two of these car accidents have resulted in fatalities.

When headed out your door, set your phone aside. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of accidents in Washington. If you suspect your accident was caused by another’s distraction, call Lerner and Rowe. Source: WSDOT

King County’s Teens

King County (May 10, 2018) – It’s no secret that new drivers tend to get into the most accidents. In King County, it’s no different. So far in 2019, teen drivers (aged 16-19 years old) were involved in 35 crashes to date. Thankfully, only 15 of these resulted in any kind of injury. One of these was fatal. As your teen prepares for their new license or first summer of driving freedom, remind them of best driving practices, like leaving a space cushion between other vehicles, avoiding distractions, and constantly checking mirrors. Above all, practice makes perfect! Source: WSDOT

A Grim Trend for 2019

Statewide (August 1, 2019) – Traffic data reports that nearly 100 people were severely injured or killed in Seattle’s 98 collision’s in the first half of 2019. This is the highest amount of crashes in the first six months of any calendar year since 2010! Thankfully, only about 10% of those crashes were fatal. Another thing to point out: most accidents occurred around the busiest parts of the city. Bradley Topol, the interim Vision Zero coordinator at the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), hopes to install more sidewalks and pedestrian signs as the year goes on.

The road can be a dangerous place for drivers and pedestrians alike. Avoid distractions, and always obey traffic laws to avoid getting in an accident. Don’t become a statistic: play it safe. Source: The Seattle Times

Deadly and Serious Injury Accidents

Seattle (June 28, 2019) – To date, there have been 87 very serious crashes on Seattle roads. Of these, 10 were deadly. The other 77 caused serious injury. 130 vehicles were involved in these crashes. Of these vehicles, 15 were motorcycles, five were large trucks and one was a school bus. 

Serious injury can be life-altering to victims. If you believe that your injury, or a loved one’s death, were caused by another’s recklessness or negligence, call Lerner and Rowe. There’s no obligation, and the consultation is completely free. We will look into your case and work with you so that you can heal. Source: WSDOT

Intersections

Seattle (June 21, 2019)- Everyone knows that intersections are dangerous places. With that many cars entering the same space, all drivers must exercise utmost caution. However, accidents happen, and some are due to reckless and negligent driving. So far in 2019, Seattle has had 36 crashes in an intersection. That is 1.44 accidents per week. Of these accidents, two have been fatal.

To help avoid intersection accidents, look both ways before moving your vehicle. Slowly approach the intersection in case another driver approaches too quickly. Do not try to speed through yellow lights; slow down appropriately. Finally, if you are injured in a wreck, contact Lerner and Rowe. Source: WSDOT

Seattle Crashes

Seattle (May 10, 2018)- In Seattle, numbers for roadway crashes this year have been growing. While there have been 4 fatalities, 1,296 total crashes occurred in Seattle this year. Of these, 669 resulted in some kind of injury. King County as a whole has sustained 6,584 crashes this year so far, with 2,023 resulting in injury. 15 crashes proved fatal. To stay safe on Washington roads, be sure to follow general safe driving practices throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Source: WSDOT

Washington Adapts to New Scooter Programs

Statewide (August 14, 2019): Various cities within Washington are adapting to new scooter pilot programs. Seattle has opted to take a slower and more cautious approach, while other cities such as Tacoma and Bothell are more eager to accept scooters. Washington has already had problems with some of its bike programs, though, and similar concerns could arise with scooter programs. Reckless riding and careless parking are things to worry about, which could explain Seattle’s patient reflection on the matter. Regardless, Seattle is not opposed to a scooter program, but they want to “do it right,” as Mayor Jenny Durkin stated.

Bikes and scooters are not toys: they are modes of transportation that come with their own risks. If you or someone you know suffered an injury in a bike or scooter crash because of negligence, contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys for a free consultation. Source: MyNorthwest

New Parking Permit Law Sweeps the State

Statewide (July 22, 2019): The King County Council recently passed into law, with a 5-3 majority, a plan to make approximately half of all Park and Ride parking lots permit-based. Pricing ranges on permits will vary; carpoolers will pay nothing, and single occupant vehicles will pay between $60 to $120 a month for their permit, and in some cases, only $20. Additionally, the goal here isn’t to generate revenue, but to provide competition and additional options. When the Park and Ride lots fill up in the early morning, others cannot get to where they need to be. This new law will hopefully allow everyone a fair opportunity to reach their destination. When you park and ride, make sure you’re aware of your surroundings; stay vigilant, and avoid distractions, during the day and night, to stay safe. Source: K5News

Seattle Earthquake Possibility?

Seattle (July 6, 2019)- Earthquakes have riddled the news lately as three major earthquakes and thousands of aftershocks unsettled the residents in Ridgecrest, California over the holiday weekend. Though no deaths or injuries were reported, scares like this naturally make those along coasts and faultlines wonder if we are ready for the big one to hit. Seattle’s major faultline, located off the coast, could trigger a 9 magnitude earthquake along with a tsunami. 

So, remember- if your house or workplace starts shaking, immediately take cover. Be mindful of falling objects. If you are outside, try to get to an area away from structures, trees, and telephone poles that may fall. Finally, check to make sure your current insurance policies include earthquakes. Source: Komo News

Crazy Heat Buckles Roads

Seattle (June 12, 2019) – Our Seattle heat wave continues, causing more problems than anticipated. Today, a South Seattle road buckled due to the immense heat during the middle of rush hour. Southbound traffic was reduced to one lane, and Northbound 4th Avenue was closed at S. Industrial Way.

Officials reopened the road just before midnight, though it is by no means a permanent fix. The road now has a sizeable bump, and speeds have been reduced to 10 mph in the area.

If this road is a part of your commute, plan extra travel time. Also, pay attention to those around you, as they may not notice the new speeds and drive too quickly. So far no injuries have been reported, but if you are injured in a wreck on Northbound 4th Avenue, call Lerner and Rowe.  Source: Q13 Fox

Heat Record in Seattle?

Seattle (May 10, 2019) – Heat record?! Seattle got a break from our cloudy, rainy weather this week by breaking heat records- not usual for early May. The old record of 81 degrees was broken and replaced by 83 on Thursday. More records may break as the days go on.

We have also experienced ten days of dry weather, which means that wildfire conditions are getting higher. While you are outside in the coming months, be careful and conscientious of how you handle cigarettes, campfires, lighters, and more. If you see fire, call 911. Source: Seattle Times