Personal Injury Law

Three Injured in Washington DUI Auto Accident

By Kirk Bernard, Esq.

Three people were injured in a Washington auto accident after their van went off the roadway and slid down an embankment. According to King5 News, the single car accident occurred in the 17000 block of State Route 900 in Renton. Washington State Patrol officials said the 2003 Ford Econoline van veered off the roadway and went into a ditch and then struck an embankment. The driver and two passengers were all ejected from the van. The driver was ejected in spite of wearing a seatbelt, officials said. However he sustained the least of the injuries. Two others, who were not wearing their seatbelts, are in serious condition. Troopers believe alcohol was involved in the crash. The driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime in Washington State. According to the Revised Code of Washington Section 46.61.502, driving under the influence is when "a person is guilty of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug if the person drives a vehicle within the state." It is also illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher.

In such cases, victims can file a claim with the help of an experienced car accident Seattle lawyer against the at-fault party to cover their medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, therapy and other related damages. This incident is also an important reminder for all of us to wear seatbelts. There is no question that seatbelts save lives.

Full post as published by Seattle Injury Blog on April 12, 2010 (boomark / email).