When there’s snowy or icy conditions in Spokane Valley, it makes driving much more difficult. While this invariably leads to accidents, it’s also dangerous for people who are either stranded in their vehicle or trying to help others. This exact situation is what led to the death of a 26-year-old man on February 14, 2025 according to a story from KHQ.
Washington State Patrol (WSP) officers responded to the scene of the initial accident at the Evergreen Interchange in the westbound lane of I-90. Two cars were stopped on the shoulder, and the 26-year-old man had gotten out of his car to help one of the drivers when another driver rear-ended the man’s parked car, pushing it forward and striking him. The man was transported to a local hospital, but later died of his injuries. WSP investigators say the driver of the car that struck the deceased man’s car was under the influence at the time of the collision. That driver was also injured and taken to the hospital, and charges are expected to be filed against them in the coming days.
The area of I-90 where the crashes happened was shut down for three hours while crews cleared the scene and investigated.
Can You Still File a Claim If You’re Killed While Helping Someone on the Freeway?
Obviously, any fatal accident is tragic regardless of the circumstances. Yet, when there’s a situation like the story above–which involves both poor weather and driving under the influence–it brings up a lot of questions. Legally speaking, though, someone that’s killed or hurt in an accident because of someone else’s negligence has the right to file a claim. The question then becomes, what kind of claim?
Generally, when there’s fatal injuries, it means filing a “wrongful death” claim. In Washington, only the “personal representative” of the estate can file this claim. Usually, this is the executor–or person named in the will that’s required to take care of the deceased person’s affairs. With that settled, though, the claims process looks fairly similar to a normal accident claim, where there’s either:
- An insurance claim out of court, or a lawsuit filed.
This leads to another key difference: compensation. In a wrongful death claim, you’re not seeking damages for injuries but for the losses caused by your loved one’s passing. These often include:
- Medical bills, funeral costs, and burial expenses
- Loss of companionship or parental support
- Loss of income or financial support they provided
- Future earnings they would have made
- Emotional pain and suffering
It’s crucial to act quickly–you or your family only have three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Fatal accident cases can be complicated, and important evidence can disappear over time. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of securing justice and financial support for your family.
CCD Law Can Help You and Your Family After a Fatal Accident in Spokane
You don’t need a lawyer to file a wrongful death claim after a fatal accident, but having the legal support of our team at Crary, Clark, and Domanico can make a huge difference. Coping with the loss of a loved one while handling the legal process can feel overwhelming. That’s why our team is committed to guiding families through these cases. We can:
- Explain your family’s legal rights and options
- Help gather crucial evidence to support your claim
- Determine who is responsible for the accident
- Negotiate with insurance companies and trucking company lawyers
- File a wrongful death lawsuit if needed
Losing someone you love is never easy, and while no lawsuit can undo that loss, we’re here to help. Our goal is to support your family, bring clarity to the legal process, and get you and your family the financial support you need to move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation.
