Seattle Accident Statistics

More Than 11,000 Crashes Caused By Distracted Driving

Statewide (January 14, 2021) – According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), there were at least 11,123 auto accidents caused by distracted driving in 2020. Of those crashes, 267 resulted in serious injuries and 82 proved fatal.

Distracted driving can come in many forms, including texting, eating, grooming, making a phone call, or fiddling with the radio while behind the wheel. Any type of visual, manual, or cognitive distraction while in control of a motor vehicle can have deadly consequences, including pedestrian and bicycle accidents.

Washington motorists can help reduce the number of traffic deaths in 2021 by committing to drive distraction-free every time they get behind the wheel. Source: WSDOT

Drowsy Driving Causes Dozens of Serious Injury Crashes

Statewide (December 17, 2020) – Drowsy driving has caused over 60 fatal or serious injury crashes in 2020, according to the most recent data from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

Getting behind the wheel while sleepy can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence (which has led to over 400 additional car accidents in Washington in 2020). Driver fatigue can result in nodding off, slower reaction times to changing road conditions, drifting from your traffic lane, and overall poor decision-making.

The Seattle personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys remind drivers to break up long drives into shorter trips, avoid driving at night, and to pull over at a rest stop if you feel yourself getting tired. Source: WSDOT

Driver Who Ran Red Light to Blame For Injury Crash

Carlsborg (November 19, 2020) – Four people were hospitalized following a car accident involving three vehicles in Carlsborg, Washington, last Friday.

Police say 23-year-old Justin Thompson-Petersen ran a red light on U.S. Highway 101 at a high rate of speed, crashing into a car that was entering the highway from Carlsborg Road.

A third vehicle was struck by the second car as it spun out. Four people, including the at-fault driver, were taken to Seattle hospitals for treatment. According to family members, Thompson-Petersen remains on life support.

There are no signs that drugs or alcohol played a role in this tragic accident, although police noted that Thompson-Petersen and another injured driver were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash. Source: Sequim Gazette

Driver Accidentally Backs Into Seattle Restaurant, Injures 7

Seattle (October 29, 2020) – A pedal mishap led to a chaotic scene last week when a vehicle backed into Dim Sum King, a restaurant located in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District.

The driver of a Toyota Camry was attempting to park on Jackson Street when the car accelerated backwards, went over the sidewalk, and slammed into the front of the eatery, which was full of patrons eating lunch.

Seven people in total were injured in the single-car accident, all of whom were taken to local hospitals. At least two people sustained life-threatening injuries.

Several victims were trapped by the vehicle inside the restaurant, but the Seattle Fire Department was able to successfully extricate both. Source: King5

Medical Episode May Have Caused Deadly Accident

Kent (October 8, 2020) – A young girl died after being pinned between two vehicles on Saturday afternoon while on a walk. The accident occurred in the Panther Lake area of Kent, where she was walking in the 10800 block of Southeast 208th Street.

12-year-old Miranda Bhattacharyya succumbed to catastrophic injuries, despite life-saving efforts taken by medics and responding police officers.

It remains unclear exactly how Bhattacharyya ended up trapped between the two vehicles, but police do not suspect drugs or alcohol played a role. However, one of the drivers reportedly may have been experiencing some kind of medical emergency at the time of the deadly pedestrian accident.

Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys extends its deepest condolences to Bhattacharyya’s family and friends during this difficult time. Source: Kent Reporter

Distracted Drivers Responsible For 14% of WA Crashes

Statewide (September 17, 2020) – More than 7,000 Washington car accidents have been caused by distracted drivers in 2020, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). This number represents about 14% of all accidents reported this year.

As many as 60 people have suffered wrongful death throughout the state as a result of driver distraction and negligence this year alone. At least 220 others have suffered serious injuries due to these crashes.

Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys encourages drivers to develop safe driving habits free of distractions like cell phones, eating and drinking, and rowdy passengers.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, you may have legal recourse. Contact a Seattle personal injury attorney today. Source: WSDOT

Alcohol Likely to Blame in Deadly Head-On Crash

Chelan County (September 3, 2020) – Two adults and one child are among the victims of a deadly car accident on Highway 97 near Blewett Pass last week.

Washington State Patrol (WSP) is currently investigating the driver believed to have caused the crash. 43-year-old Marjorie A. Acevedo is suspected of having been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

Acevedo was attempting to pass other vehicles on the two-lane highway when she struck a pickup truck traveling in the opposite direction. The occupants of the pickup were killed in the collision, along with Acevedo’s 11-year-old passenger.

Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys extends its deepest sympathies to the families of those killed in this senseless drunk driving accident. Source: NCW Life

Drinking and Driving Causes Deadly 3-Car Crash

Lake Morton (August 13, 2020) – Seven people were injured and one man died last week following a three-car collision near Lake Morton, according to the King County Sheriff’s Office.

The man who caused the accident was arrested and has since been charged with driving under the influence. It appears that he struck another vehicle head-on at 160th Avenue SE and Kent Black Diamond Road. A third vehicle was also involved.

All seven injured passengers were transported to local hospitals where they are reportedly in stable condition. No identifying information has been released about the man who died at the scene. Source: Q13 Fox Seattle

Failure to Yield Leads to Deadly Car Accident

Freeland (July 23, 2020) – Washington State Patrol (WSP) troopers say failure to yield caused a fatal car accident near Freeland this past Monday.

Seventeen-year-old driver Taylor Daniels succumbed to injuries he sustained in a two-car collision at the intersection of State Highway 525 and Bush Point Road.

Daniels reportedly turned left in front of a truck hauling a flatbed trailer, failing to yield the right-of-way.

Taylor Daniels and his 19-year-old passenger, Nevin Daniels, were transported to a Seattle hospital where Taylor died. Nevin was injured, but survived. No other injuries were reported.

Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys encourages teenage drivers to drive with caution and follow all traffic laws. We extend our sympathies to the Daniels family during this difficult time. Source: South Widbey Record

Impairment, Speeding Cause Fatal Teen Crash

Puyallup, WA (July 2, 2020) – Two teenage passengers were killed last week when the car they were traveling in struck a ditch and rolled, according to local authorities.

The car, driven by a 15-year-old girl, reportedly became airborne around 3:30 a.m. last Friday near the intersection of 31st Avenue SW and South Fruitland. The vehicle landed in a ditch and rolled, ejecting and killing the two teenage passengers in the backseat, 17-year-old Yarey Ibanez-Aguilar and Carlos Vargas-Dopson.

The unnamed driver and another 15-year-old front seat passenger suffered non-life threatening injuries. Police say that intoxication and speeding likely led to the tragic car accident. Source: The News Tribune

2020 Fatal and Serious Injury Crashes

Seattle Metropolitan Area (January 7, 2021) – The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has released preliminary data regarding fatal and serious injury traffic accidents throughout Washington last year.

In 2020, at least 204 people were killed in traffic accidents throughout the Seattle metropolitan area. At least 937 were seriously injured in car accidents, pedestrian collisions, motorcycle accidents, and other traffic wrecks.

Statewide, the agency reported 527 deaths due to traffic accidents—the highest number of road deaths in the past decade. Seattle personal injury attorneys remind motorists to be especially cautious when behind the wheel by practicing safe, sober, and defensive driving.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, compensation may be available to you. Contact us today for a free consultation. Source: WSDOT

Impaired Driving Crashes Have Killed 107 People This Year

Statewide (December 10, 2020) – Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol have contributed to over 100 road fatalities in Washington this year, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). An additional 515 people have been seriously injured due to drugged or drunk driving accidents.

As Christmas and New Year’s Eve approach, the risk of being injured in an impaired driving accident increases. The Seattle personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys encourage drivers to do their part in preventing drunk driving. Talk to your friends and family about the risks of not driving sober, set a good example, and know how to take the keys away from someone who’s had one too many. Source: WSDOT

WA Serious & Fatal Car Accidents, Year to Date

Statewide (November 12, 2020) – There have been 2,190 serious and fatal auto accidents in Washington state in 2020, according to the most recent data provided by Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

Since January, at least 472 people have lost their lives due to traffic accidents including motorcycle accidents, semi-truck accidents, bike accidents, and pedestrian accidents.

In addition, more than 2,000 people have been seriously injured in these types of accidents. Many accident injuries and deaths have been caused by factors such as speeding, driving under the influence, and distracted driving.

With less than two months left in 2020 and the holidays quickly approaching, the Seattle personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys remind Washington drivers to drive safe and drive sober. Source: WSDOT

Teen Driving Fatalities in Washington, Year to Date

Statewide (October 15, 2020) – According to the most recent crash data from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), there have been 43 fatal car accidents involving teen drivers across the state in 2020.

An additional 2,386 teen crashes have resulted in serious, minor, or possible injuries this year. Distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and driver inexperience are among the top causes of teenage motor vehicle accidents.

Year to date, there have been a total of 8,205 Washington traffic accidents in which a teenage driver was involved, out of nearly 60,000 reported accidents. In support of Teen Driver Safety Week, our Seattle personal injury attorneys remind parents and teens to always drive safe, sober, and distraction-free. Source: WSDOT

Seattle Metropolitan Area Traffic Accidents, Year to Date

SMA (September 24, 2020) – The most recent data released by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) indicates that there have been 128 fatal traffic accidents in the Seattle Metropolitan Area (SMA) this year.

SMA traffic deaths throughout King, Sonomish, and Pierce County make up nearly 35% of all deadly accidents in Washington in 2020. There have been an additional 3,144 Seattle auto injury accidents in the region since January.

If you have lost a loved one or been injured in a Washington car accident because of another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Call 844-977-1900 to get in touch with a Seattle personal injury lawyer today. Source: WSDOT

Over 48,000 Crashes on Washington Roads This Year

Statewide (August 27, 2020) – The number of traffic accidents across Washington is expected to pass 50,000 in the coming months. As of publication, there have been 48,189 crashes throughout the state in 2020 according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

While the vast majority of these accidents (more than 33,000) have resulted in no reported injuries, thousands resulted in minor to life-threatening injuries and at least 303 accidents have been fatal.

Pedestrian accidents have accounted for almost 19% of fatal crashes this year, and motorcycle accidents another 17%. Heavy truck accidents have contributed to about 9% of deadly collisions, while the majority of the remaining fatalities stemmed from car accidents. Source: WSDOT

Over 1,100 Seriously Injured in Car Accidents This Year

Statewide (August 6, 2020) – Nearly 1,000 auto accidents have contributed to 1,155 serious injuries sustained on Washington roads this year, according to recent crash data.

Nearly one in four of these serious injury accidents occurred in King County. Year to date, 269 have died in traffic accidents throughout the state, an average of more than eight deaths per week.

The data also suggests that speeding, alcohol impairment, and young drivers under the age of 25 were significant contributing factors to the overall number of serious and fatal accidents reported so far this year.

Injured in a car, bike, or motorcycle accident? You may be entitled to compensation. Contact our Seattle personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation. Source: WSDOT

King County Traffic Fatalities, Year to Date

King County (July 9, 2020) – The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reports that there have been 40 traffic accident deaths in King County since the beginning of 2020. Ten of these fatalities occurred inside Seattle city limits.

An additional 240 people are believed to have sustained serious injuries in accidents throughout the county this year. The most frequent contributing factor to serious and fatal traffic accidents has been speeding, followed by drug or alcohol impairment and distracted driving.

While car accidents made up the bulk of serious and fatal accidents, this data includes 28 motorcyclists, 65 pedestrians, and 16 bicyclists. If you’ve been injured in an accident, a Seattle auto accident lawyer may be able to help. Contact us today to learn more. Source: WSDOT

Pedestrian and Bicyclist Accidents, 2010–2019

Statewide (June 18, 2020) – Data obtained from Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) shows that almost 1,000 pedestrians and bicyclists lost their lives in Washington traffic accidents between 2010 and 2019.

Of the over 34,000 reported pedestrian and bicycle accidents during this period, an additional 4,300 people were seriously injured. In total, about 15.5% of bicycle and pedestrian accidents between 2010 and 2019 resulted in fatal or serious injuries, while 80.8% resulted in less serious or unconfirmed injuries. The remaining 3.7% of crashes reported no injuries.

The most recent data from 2020 reveals that there have been 946 pedestrian and bicycle accidents in Washington so far this year, with at least 42 deaths. Source: WSDOT

Railroad Crossing Accident Fatalities, 2011-2020

Statewide (May 28, 2020) – Data published by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) indicates that over 200 people have died in railroad crossing accidents throughout Washington since 2011.

These statistics include pedestrian accidents and vehicle-train accidents at designated railroad crossings as well as accidents in areas where crossing the tracks is not permitted.

The data shows that the majority of railroad crossing accident fatalities involve pedestrians hit by oncoming trains in non-designated areas.

Yearly fatalities have varied considerably since 2011, ranging from as few as 12 deaths in 2012 to as many as 31 deaths in 2015. 2017 saw the highest number of deaths at designated railroad crossings, with 10 fatalities.

To date, there have been 8 people killed in Washington railroad crossing accidents in 2020. Source: UTC WA

Two People Injured in I-5 Rollover Crash

Seattle (January 21, 2021) – Two people suffered injuries following a rollover accident on Interstate 5 South in Seattle yesterday. The crash occurred around 11:00 a.m. and involved three vehicles, two of which overturned and blocked all but two lanes.

Washington State Police (WSP) say that DUI was a factor in the accident, which occurred when an SUV changed lanes, struck a second vehicle, and sideswiped a third. The SUV and the second car both rolled over, seriously injuring the passenger of the SUV and causing non life threatening injuries to the driver of the second vehicle.

The at fault driver has been arrested, and the scene is being processed as an assault. Injured by a drunk driver? Contact a Seattle auto accident lawyer for a free legal consultation. Source: Seattle Times

Pedestrian Killed in Hit and Run in East Queen Anne

Seattle (December 24, 2020) – A 41-year-old man was killed in a Seattle pedestrian accident last night in the East Queen Anne neighborhood, according to police. The fatal accident occurred in the 2400 block of Aurora Avenue North.

Details of what happened prior to the accident remain unclear, but officials did say that the man was hit by a car, which then fled the scene. No suspect has yet been apprehended.

Aurora Avenue North is notorious for serious injury and fatal car accidents, of which there have been 8 in 2020. The still unidentified victim is the second pedestrian fatality on Aurora Avenue North this year. Source: The Seattle Times

As Days Get Shorter, SDOT Emphasizes Railway Safety

Seattle (December 1, 2020) – The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is highlighting the importance of exercising caution around commuter and freighter trains, especially as winter approaches and daylight hours are reduced.

In addition to the recently completed Lander St. Bridge and newly-installed advanced warning safety systems at at-grade rail crossings, SDOT is focused on reducing Seattle train accidents through its safety awareness campaigns.

Seattle pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists should never try to beat a train, look and listen for oncoming trains, stay back at least three feet from the tracks, and remember that trains always have the right of way. You should also only cross train tracks at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. Source: SDOT Blog

Seattle Driver Charged With Murder in Fatal Pedestrian Accident

SeaTac (November 5, 2020) – A man from Seattle has been charged following a senseless pedestrian accident that killed a 74-year-old man on a walk in SeaTac last month.

Gerald Allen Cowles Jr., 32, is charged with with second-degree murder and felony hit and run after he struck the victim, Robert Lee Mauzay, while fleeing from police. Cowles led a patrol officer on a high-speed chase after being pulled over for a traffic stop.

Minutes after dropping pursuit on Military Road, the officer found Cowles’ Dodge Charger smashed into a tree, with the victim pinned beneath the front of the car. Cowles escaped on foot before being captured.

Mauzay was transported to Harborview Medical Center, where he died from his injuries on October 30. Source: Kent Reporter

Wintry Weather Forecasted in Eastern Washington This Weekend

Eastern Washington (October 22, 2020) – The National Weather Service (NWS) is advising travelers headed towards Snoqualmie and Stevens Pass to be on the lookout for snowy and icy roadways this weekend. As much as 6 to 12 inches of snow is in the forecast from midday Friday to early Saturday.

If you’re planning a weekend getaway, make sure you prepare accordingly for the weather. Wintry conditions may be present along I-90, even past Snoqualmie Pass. The NWS reminds drivers to slow down their speed and increase their following distance to help prevent car accidents during this time.

If you have been injured in a traffic accident due to another driver’s negligence, compensation may be available to you. Contact our Seattle personal injury lawyers to get a free consultation. Source: KOMO News

Scooter Share Pilot Program To Launch in Seattle

Seattle (October 1, 2020) – A new mode of shared transportation is making its way to Seattle. Lime, along with two other e-scooter operators, will be setting up shop as early as the end of the month.

Riders pay a small fee via an app in order to borrow the powered scooter and return it to the scooter station closest to their destination. Similar pilot programs have been launched in cities like Phoenix and Nashville in the past three years, with mixed reviews.

While many rave about the convenience and sustainability of e-scooters, others worry about the potential for injuries—namely, scooter riders hitting pedestrians and scooter riders being hit by cars.

Should you or someone you know suffer an injury after a scooter accident, contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys for a free consultation. Source: Seattle.gov

One-Year-Old Killed in Cold Spring Fire

Omak, Washington (September 10, 2020) – A couple was seriously injured and their one-year-old child died in an eastern Washington wildfire over the weekend.

Jake and Jamie Hyland were camping in a remote area with their son Uriel when they were caught off-guard by the fast-moving flames of the Cold Spring Fire. While the Renton couple were able to survive three nights outside, their son died before they could be rescued.

Both Jake and Jamie Hyland are currently being treated at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for significant burn injuries. Meanwhile, investigators believe the Cold Spring Fire was caused by a person and are investigating the child’s death as a homicide.

Those responsible for deadly wildfires can and should be held responsible for their negligence. Contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys to learn more about fire victim rights. Source: KUOW

Shoreline Woman Charged with DUI, Vehicular Assault

Snohomish (August 20, 2020) – A 54-year-old woman from Shoreline will be charged with driving under the influence and vehicular assault after a bad car accident last Saturday along State Route 522.

Washington State Patrol (WSP) received multiple reports of a woman driving erratically and officers were attempting to intercept her vehicle when she crossed over the centerline, colliding with another car.

The woman sustained serious injuries and is being treated at Harborview Medical Center. The passengers of the other car were transported to local hospitals.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a Seattle car accident attorney today for a free consultation. Source: Komo News

Three-Year-Old Child Killed in Madison Valley Crash

Seattle (July 30, 2020) – A three-year-old child died Sunday afternoon after a Seattle car accident in Madison Valley, according to detectives.

The child was allegedly playing in a parked van on the 1800 block of 30th Avenue when another vehicle struck the van. The child was thrown from the car and sustained a serious head injury. Responding officers performed CPR, but the child died on scene.

A drug recognition expert dispatched to the scene had no reason to believe the driver who struck the van was intoxicated at the time of the fatal accident. Investigation into whether negligence played a role in the crash is ongoing. Source: SPD Blotter

Wrong Way Driver Hits WSP Trooper Head On

Bremerton (July 16, 2020) – A Washington State Patrol trooper suffered minor injuries last week after being involved in an accident with a wrong way driver on State Route 3.

Trooper Jessica Schob was responding to reports of a white sedan driving on the wrong side of the highway and had positioned her vehicle in the northbound lanes to try to intercept the driver and slow down surrounding traffic.

The white sedan eventually slammed into Schob’s police vehicle head on. Schob had to crawl through a window to escape but suffered no serious injuries. The driver, a 39-year-old Quilcene woman, was taken into custody on suspicion of drunk driving. Source: KOMO News