Seattle Personal Injury Attorney Chris Thayer
Seattle Personal Injury Attorney Chris Thayer
Handling Personal Injury Claims in the Seattle Area and Throughout Washington Since 1995

My name is Chris Thayer and I am a personal injury attorney practicing in downtown Seattle. I handle personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death claims throughout the greater Seattle area, including Issaquah, Mercer Island and Kirkland.

I am here to help you.

Call for a free consultation (206) 340-2008

What to Know About Serious Injuries and Fatalities in Kent Accidents

Posted Friday, December 22, 2023 by Chris Thayer

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), in 2021, there were 663 fatalities on all public roads in Washington. Compared to 2020, there was a 15.5% increase from 574 traffic deaths.

WSDOT data shows that serious injuries from traffic accidents also increased between 2021 and 2020. The trend showed an increase of 20.4% from 2,428 serious injuries to 2,924 in 2021.

If you have been involved in a traffic incident involving serious injuries or fatalities, talking with an experienced King County Personal Injury lawyer may help you decide how to move forward.

*Identifying Dangerous Roads in Kent and Washington*WSDOT tracks the most dangerous roads and intersections in Kent and in the state.The organization is dedicated to tracking where and when accidents occur. They identify the main factors causing the accident and the kinds of injuries reported. To identify trends, WSDOT tracks the frequency of accidents in our state.

*Roads and Hotspots for Dangerous Accidents in Kent*Data shows that specific Kent roads are especially dangerous and have a high rate of serious injuries as well as fatalities.

South King County road is a hotspot for fatal crashes, according to a report from KIRO 7 News Seattle.

A Money Geek report analyzed fatal accidents to determine the most dangerous roads in Washington. Three of these dangerous roads include Kent: Pacific Highway (SR-99) between S. 252nd Street to S. 176th Street; Pacific Highway (SR-99) from S. 16th Ave to S. 263rd Street; and SR-516 between WA-167 Interchange and S. Military Road.

*How to Cope With Dangerous Kent Roads *First, be sure to wear your seatbelt. Even if you are just dashing out for a quick errand, a seatbelt can be the difference between a critical injury and a moderate one. Check road conditions as you drive, walk, or bike on a road. Be alert for objects, trash, or fallen items on the road. Note potholes or construction areas. Be aware of changes in street lights, as this can impact visibility.

Check the weather conditions. Changes in the climate may include unpredictable storm systems, flooding, winds, or rain. These can change the slickness of the road or make visibility challenging.

Naturally, be alert about other drivers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists. Notice if anyone is weaving in and out of traffic, frustrated, angry, or impatient. Stress and tension may ignite erratic driving and can be dangerous for pedestrians, drivers, and bystanders.

Watch for unexpected people and animals on the roadways. A child may inadvertently run after a ball or step into traffic. A dog or cat can run across a busy road. A deer may step out of the trees into oncoming traffic.

*Stay Alert and Drive Safe in Kent*Take extra precautions to drive safely if you notice hazardous conditions. Slow down. Be prepared to pull over in poor weather. Use your headlights and signal lights. Allow drivers to pass and have plenty of space if they are driving unpredictably.

*Speak to an Experienced King County Lawyer*If you have experienced an accident in Kent or around King County, you may have questions about compensation and legal process. Our experienced team at Pivotal Law is here to discuss your situation, answer your questions, and explain legal options.