Seattle, WA (November 6, 2023) One person lost their life, another is in critical condition and 11 were injured when a King County Metro Bus crashed into a Seattle building on Saturday afternoon, November 4th. The Seattle Fire Department reported that they were called to 5th Avenue and Battery Street on X around 3:45 p.m on reports of a bus crashing into a building.
The Seattle Fire Department as well as the Seattle Police Department arrived at the scene within minutes. They found one person who was killed in the collision, a pedestrian who was standing outside the building and was hit by the bus as it came to a stop. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene by authorities.
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Another person was trapped inside another vehicle and fire fighters had to use specialized tools to free the 31-year-old man. Paramedics at that scene took him to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition. According to authorities, the driver remains in critical condition and is in ICU.
11 people were on the bus when it crashed into the building. All 11 passengers were injured in the collision. However, authorities said that none of the 11 passengers sustained life-threatening injuries in the accident. 8 of the 11 passengers were taken to Harborview Medical Center for evaluation. The three others declined treatment, according to the Seattle Fire Department.
The Seattle Police Department said the building that the bus crashed into was a vacant building and therefore empty when the bus hit it.
King County Metro Bus released a statement following the crash. They said they are not able to provide details of the accident at this time, but called the collision “heartbreaking,” and a “tragic incident.” They have been working with first responders to try and figure out what exactly happened in Seattle on November 4th.
Liability In Seattle Car Accidents
Despite improved safety measures for cars, motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in the United States. According to the CDC, “more than 32,000 people are killed and 2 million are injured each year from motor vehicle crashes.” There are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to a car accident including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Inclement weather
- Dangerous turns
- Poorly designed roadways
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid causing accidents. This is especially true for commercial drivers that work for a city. A number of collisions are due to drivers that make dangerous left turns. Pursuant to Seattle Vehicle Code 700201, the driver of any vehicle intending to turn left must yield the right of way traveling from the opposite direction close enough to pose a hazard.
If a negligent driver worked for a city, that city could potentially be liable in the event of an accident. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after a car accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that has died in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is essential that evidence is properly preserved after a car accident. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Seattle Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of the person killed in this crash as well as well-wishes to the person critically injured and in ICU. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a Seattle car accident? Our team of personal injury lawyers are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.
