January 3, 2009 — Seattle police arrested the driver of a black BMW that crashed into the rear of a silver Subaru. The collision occurred around 2 a.m. on Lake City Way NE and NE 95th Street.
Two of the passengers riding in the Subaru received life-threatening injuries. A front seat passenger in the BMW also suffered life-threatening injuries. The drivers of both vehicles were reported to have only suffered minor injuries.
The driver of the BMW was arrested for vehicular assault after he was evaluated for alcohol impairment.
According to Washington law, RCW 46.61.145, the driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway. In most rear-end accident cases, the following driver follows a vehicle too closely, and as a result violates RCW 46.61.145.
According to RCW 46.61.502, a person is guilty of DUI if the person drives a vehicle within Washington state and (a) the person has, within two hours after driving, an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher as shown by analysis of the person’s breath or blood made under RCW 46.61.506; or (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 combined influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor and any drug.
The driver of the BMW appears to have violated both state laws prohibiting DUI and following too close.
This blog entry was a service from the attorneys and staff at Davis Law Group, a premiere Seattle personal injury law firm that specializes in auto accident cases, including those involving wrongful death, pedestrian accidents, children injuries, bus and motorcycle collisions, and other catastrophic injury claims. The attorneys at DLG have been recognized for excellence in trying accident-related jury trials and negotiating claims against insurance companies and other big corporations.
on Jan 23rd, 2009 at 7:02 am
great tips. I enjoyed reading this
on May 22nd, 2009 at 8:28 pm
Thanks Christopher for trying to help \"level the playing field\" between the accident victims and the insurance companies. Most people in motor vehicle accidents don\’t even hire an attorney and suffer needlessly. I see it all the time in practice.
<a href=\"http://www.acwclinic.com/\">Shoreview, MN Auto Injury Specialist</a>