According to law enforcement authorities with the King County Sheriff’s Department, a deputy was driving to work on the highway when he saw a black Kia driving erratically and weaving through traffic. The deputy attempted to stop him, but the vehicle sped away. After giving chase for a short distance, the deputy stopped the pursuit because of public safety fears. The Kia exited on Issaquah Hobart Road.
Other law enforcement personnel who had responded to the deputy’s initial pursuit call found the Kia crashed into the SUV. The officers reportedly did not see the collision. The Kia’s driver, a 27-year-old Tacoma man, was still inside of his vehicle. Officers claim he fought with them when they tried to get him out of his car. The driver of the SUV was still alive when the emergency responders arrived, but he died at the scene a short time afterwards. Police found a baby boy strapped into a car seat in the back of the Kia. The boy was not injured. The Kia’s driver was taken into custody on charges of eluding, and law enforcement officers stated he will likely also be charged with vehicular manslaughter.
Fatal motor vehicle accidents can be devastating to the families of those who are killed. The survivors often find themselves reeling with grief while also dealing with unexpected and substantial economic losses, especially when the decedent was the family breadwinner. When the accident was caused by the negligence of another motorist, they may want to seek compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit filed with the assistance of an attorney.
Source: KIRO 7, “Deputies: Man driving erratically with baby in car kills innocent driver,” June 7, 2016.
