A woman, whose name has yet to be released, was found dead on Grand Avenue in North Everett. The Seattle Times reports that emergency responders were called to the scene and transported her to Providence Medical Center where her death was confirmed. It appears that she was the victim of a hit-and-run accident. The authorities are seeking any witnesses or video footage. She has since been transported to the Snohomish County Medical Examiner. Everett police suspect that she was struck and then dragged by a vehicle.

Accident Scene

Tanya Denoyer, a neighbor, discovered the woman's body while walking her dog. Denoyer said that it was obvious that “she was lifeless.” She quickly contacted 911 and explained that she had seen the woman alive approximately 20 minutes prior to discovering her lying in the street.

Understanding Hit & Run Collisions

The AAA Foundation completed a report that investigated hit-and-run collisions, which are those where a driver flees the scene of the incident.

They explained that those injured in these crashes often face worsened outcomes due to potentially long delays prior to getting medical attention. Those who flee the scene are clearly committing a criminal offense. The number of incidents has continued to rise in recent years.

• In 2015, they were approximately 737,100 hit-and-run accidents.
• In 2016, there were 2,049 fatalities in these crashes—the most in history.
• Pedestrians are commonly victims in these collisions, as approximately 20% of pedestrian fatalities are the result of a hit-and-run collision.

Related Washington Laws

Section RCW 46.52.020 addresses the duty that drivers have when involved in an accident that results in an injury. Drivers are required to stop and remain at the scene when they are involved in an accident where there is an injury, fatality, or they strike a deceased person. In these situations, the driver must remain there and make an effort not to impede the flow of traffic.

Drivers must provide their contact information, driver's license number, and insurance information to others involved. They should also make a reasonable effort to assist those who are in need of medical care. Providing assistance does not constitute any evidence of liability in the accident.

Those who fail to stop and remain at the scene of an accident resulting in a fatality may be guilty of a class B felony. Individuals who fail to stop and remain at the scene of an accident resulting in injury may be guilty of a class C felony. If a driver fails to stop and remain at the scene of an accident where they struck a deceased person may be guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

Criminal Defense Attorney Represents Clients in King County

Have you been charged with fleeing the scene of a vehicle accident? Failing to stop and remain at the scene of a collision resulting in an injury or fatality can lead to felony charges. Attorney Steve Karimi has spent years defending clients facing these and many similar types of offenses in the Washington criminal courts. Those in need of experienced legal counsel are encouraged to contact the office today at (206) 621-8777 for a case evaluation.