A 56-year-old Auburn woman was killed in a King County car accident May 3, 2009 on the Benson Highway after her car was struck head-on by a driver who officials say was speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol. According to this news report in the Renton Reporter, the pickup driver, a 21-year-old man, crossed over from the northbound lanes on 108th Avenue Southeast at Southeast 190th Street and into the southbound lane striking first a car in which the Auburn woman was a passenger. He also struck a second car before coming to a stop, Renton Police Department officials said.
The Auburn woman, whose name has not been released, was pronounced dead on the scene. Two other car crash victims were taken to the hospital, but their personal injuries were not life-threatening. The 21-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault.
My heart goes out to the family of this DUI car accident victim, who was tragically killed because of a young man's negligence and callous disregard for public safety. I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved this woman. Please keep them in your prayers.
I sincerely hope and pray that the driver involved in this car accident is thoroughly investigated and brought to justice. Driving under the influence is not only irresponsible and unethical, it is also against Washington State Law. RCW 46.61.502 states: "A person is guilty of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug if the person drives a vehicle within this state: (a) And the person has within two hours after driving an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher… (b) While the person is under the influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor or any drug; or (c) While the person is under the influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor and any drug."
There is no question that this pickup driver must be held criminally and civilly responsible for his actions. The victim's family and the other personally injured victims would be well advised to retain the services of a reputed Seattle car accident attorney who has successfully handled drunk driving cases. A skilled Seattle personal injury attorney will also look into other factors such as whether the drunk driver was on the job or running an errand for someone at the time of the car collision. If that's the case, the employer could also be held liable for the car accident.
SLS Consulting