Truck driver charged after 2 dead, 5 injured in highway crash

According to the Washington State Patrol, a car accident that occurred on Feb. 5 near Snoqualmie Pass left two dead and five with injuries. It was believed that up to 10 vehicles were involved, including two semi trucks.

Authorities believed that a 24-year-old man was driving his semi truck in the westbound lanes of Interstate 90 when he lost control of the vehicle. The truck came to a stop and was blocking all of the westbound lanes when other vehicles collided into it.

The collision of the first vehicle resulted in the deaths of a 49-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman.

The truck driver was taken into police custody. Troopers reportedly indicated that drugs or alcohol could have been a factor in the crash. Five others were being treated at a nearby hospital for injuries that did not appear to be life-threatening.

The driver was charged with two counts of vehicular homicide. He was denied bail while the investigation was still underway and remained at King County Jail.

Whenever a car or truck accident occurs, there is a possibility that those involved could suffer fatal injuries.

Because fatal motor vehicle accidents can also cause hardship for the surviving family members, the family may potentially have the ability to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident. If the driver was working when the crash occurred, the family may also be able to name the employer in the lawsuit in addition to the driver.

Wrongful death statutes in many states set forth the types of damages that can be sought, and they typically allow funeral and burial expenses to be recovered.

Source: NBC Right Now, “UPDATE: Zillah man arrested after two die in Snoqualmie Pass crash”, Feb. 6, 2016