King Co, WA - Fatal Wrong-Way Crash on I-90 near Snoqualmie Pass

King Co., WA (December 19, 2024) – A fatal traffic accident occurred in King County on December 19. Washington State Patrol was dispatched to the scene along with paramedics and fire crews shortly before 6:30 a.m. after receiving reports concerning the incident. Reports show the fatal, wrong-way accident happened on Interstate 90 west of Snoqualmie Pass. Police say a vehicle was traveling east in the westbound lanes when it struck another vehicle head-on. One of the drivers involved lost their lives, though their name has not been reported. Traffic was getting by on the shoulder while responders worked in the area, and police urged them to use caution as they passed. 

We want to offer our sincere condolences to the deceased victim’s family. 

Washington Car Accidents

Over the past decade, car accidents have become a pressing issue in the United States. On average, over 6 million car crashes are reported annually, injuring approximately 3 million people and claiming the lives of nearly 40,000 individuals each year. Unfortunately, the majority of these accidents are caused by driver negligence.

Some of the most frequent forms of negligent driving seen on American roadways today include speeding, fatigue, intoxication, and distraction. Driver distraction alone accounts for over 400,000 accidents annually, with smartphones being the primary culprit. For instance, looking at your phone for just five seconds while driving at 55 miles per hour is akin to traveling the length of a football field blindfolded.

The state of Washington reflects similar trends, with distracted driving being a leading cause of accidents. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, between 2017 and 2022, an average of 100 deaths per year were attributed to distracted driving. Additionally, speeding was a factor in over 30% of all fatal crashes in the state during the same period. These statistics highlight the pervasive nature of negligent driving and the urgent need for increased awareness and enforcement of traffic safety laws.

Being injured in a car accident caused by negligence is not only physically and emotionally traumatic but can also be financially devastating. Many victims find themselves hospitalized with painful and debilitating injuries, facing medical bills that often climb into the tens of thousands of dollars. For the average American, such unexpected expenses are financially crippling.

If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a car crash, identifying the cause of the accident is crucial. If you suspect that a negligent driver is at fault, a car accident lawyer can assist you in filing a personal injury claim to seek financial compensation for your losses. This compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages related to the accident.

The only thing more devastating than being injured in a crash is losing a loved one. The emotional toll of losing a family member in a negligence-related accident is immeasurable. In such moments, financial concerns, such as funeral costs and other expenses, can feel overwhelming. A wrongful death lawyer in King County can help you navigate this difficult time by filing a wrongful death claim to secure the compensation and peace of mind needed for recovery.

At the Freeman Law Firm, we are committed to seeking justice for those injured by negligent drivers and for the families who have suffered devastating losses. Contact our office at 206-880-2454 to speak with our skilled lawyers. We are here to help you recover, rebuild, and move forward after a car accident or the loss of a loved one.