WSDOT camera captures traffic backing up on northbound I-5 in Lynnwood on January 15, 2024, after a fatal pedestrian collision closed all lanes for six hours. (Photo: WSDOT)
January 15, 2024 – A 45-year-old Seattle pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle on northbound Interstate 5 in Lynnwood early Monday morning.
The deadly incident occurred just after midnight south of 44th Ave W, according to the Washington State Patrol (WSP). The victim was standing in the roadway when hit by a Hyundai SUV driven by a 31-year-old Granite Falls woman.
First responders pronounced Woldemariam dead at the scene. The driver remained at the crash site and was transported to Swedish Hospital in Edmonds with unspecified injuries.
The collision closed all I-5 northbound lanes near 220th St SW for nearly six hours. The roadway reopened around 6 a.m.
The circumstances leading up to the fatal crash remain under investigation, but state troopers said drugs and alcohol may be contributing factors.
The state patrol is continuing to investigate the events of the tragic incident.
Source: KOMO News
Liability Coverage
Given the pedestrian appears to have been negligently walking on the interstate, the driver may not be deemed fully liable. The insurer will investigate, but shared negligence may result in reduced or denied payouts from the driver’s liability coverage.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
With questions of shared fault, the victim’s family may still file a liability claim against the driver. If disputes or coverage limit issues exist, the pedestrian’s Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage could become vital as a secondary source of accident compensation.
Accident Investigation
Comparative negligence laws would come into play. Insurers for both parties would thoroughly analyze the police report, crash reconstruction, and statements from the driver and witnesses before finalizing fault distributions.
Claims Process
After a fatal collision, involved drivers may face wrongful death lawsuits seeking substantial damages, regardless of ultimate liability. Having sufficient liability insurance becomes vital in the probable litigation to follow.
While no money can undo the tragedy, inadequate coverage could financially devastate the driver through protracted legal proceedings. Thus, motorists must have robust liability insurance to shield their personal finances even when negligence is disputed. Policies with higher limits better protect drivers against potential settlement demands.
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