Bellevue Street Sweeper Accident Leads to Wrongful Death Suit

Posted Friday, May 24, 2019 by Chris Thayer

A tragic street sweeper accident in Bellevue has led to a wrongful death lawsuit being filed, according to Kiro 7 news. Earlier this year, an employee of Nelson & Sons Construction Co., Inc. was operating a street sweeper in downtown Bellevue near a construction site. He started in the northbound lane on 120th Avenue Northeast before putting the sweeper in reverse and heading southbound on the same road. The sweeper struck a pedestrian, pulling him under the sweeper and killing him.

The family of the deceased is suing both the street sweeper company and the driver under the claim of wrongful death. The lawsuit alleges that the street sweeper driver “failed to operate the vehicle in a safe manner and failed to keep a proper lookout and/or watch of the vehicle’s backup camera.” The trial for this case is set for March 2020.

Street sweeper accidents are on the rise, and not just in the Bellevue and Seattle area. States across the country are seeing an increase in injuries, or deaths, caused by street sweepers. In 2018, there were 14 street sweeper accidents reported. This might seem like a small number, but when you factor in how specific of an accident this is and the limited occasions on which could be possible, it is a significant trend.

The death of a loved one is devastating. It can be even more devastating when the death is caused by a seemingly avoidable accident. In the case above, the court will need to determine whether the street sweeper driver and/or his employer were negligent in their operations. In past cases involving street sweeper injuries, the accidents were caused by lack of training for the drivers on operating of the sweeper, distraction of the drivers, increased noise inside the street sweeper, or the rear-view camera being non-operational or having an obstructed view.

In the state of Washington, the law permits the recovery of damages for the death of another “when the death of a person is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another.” A personal representative of the deceased individual is able to sue the responsible party for damages resulting from the actions of the defendant(s). Only certain individuals are permitted by law to seek damages through a wrongful death statute. A dedicated personal injury attorney can help you determine if you are eligible to file suit and help you through the process.

The personal injury attorneys at Pivotal Law Group are here to help you recover damages after the wrongful death of a loved one. Sudden deaths can cause extreme financial hardship on an individual or family. A wrongful death suit is a civil remedy that holds the responsible party accountable for their actions and award damages to the wronged parties. We know it is difficult to cope after the loss of a loved one. We do not want you to be overburdened financially. Contact us today to find out what legal remedies might be available to you.

(image courtesy of Charlie Deets)