Kent, Washington – Single-Car Crash Seriously Injures Child, Driver with Minor Injuries

Kent, Washington (March 30, 2020) – A single car rollover crash on State Route 516 resulted in one adult and one child getting injured on early Monday morning. According to the article from the Kent Reporter, a three year-old boy from Seattle was seriously injured in the crash and was taken to Harborview Medical Center for treatment. The boy was reported to be in serious condition in the intensive care unit as of Monday morning. The child was also reported to have been wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The driver, a 31 year-old man from Seattle, sustained minor injuries and was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way for treatment. It is not yet known if the man was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

According to initial investigation from the Washington State Patrol, the crash occurred around 5:48 a.m. The driver was reported to have lost control of his vehicle, causing his car to leave the roadway to the right and strike a no-parking sign, causing the vehicle to roll over and strike a tree, ending up on its top 30 feet from the road. Weather, rain and speed were considered factors in the crash.

About Vehicle Accidents

In 2017, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)  have reported a total of 120, 993 car accidents. Of those accidents, 525 were fatal and 34, 311 were possible or suspected of injuries. There are several types of collision that may happen, such as side collision, rollover collision, and head-on collision. Of the types of car accidents, head-on collisions are considered the most dangerous due to the circumstances – two cars are heading towards each other, with a great amount of force being experienced by all parties when the impact happens. While only 2% of car accidents are head-on collisions, they account for more than 10% of car-accident related injuries. These injuries are quite dangerous as most of them are head, spine or neck-related, including spinal injuries, brain injuries, paralysis, broken bones, and whiplash. Similarly, victims of side collisions and rollover collisions also suffer may also suffer head and neck injuries, though the risk is lower in these types of collisions. In rollover collisions, the car will come to rest on its side or roof, resulting in a dangerous situation which passengers might need to be extricated from. In side collisions, the greatest risk comes to the passenger on the particular side that received the impact. No matter the type of accident, all crashes are bound to cause a dreadful situation for all involved.

We urge all drivers to be careful while behind the wheel. When in a location where hazards such as poor illumination, rough roads or construction materials are present, be especially cautious. By doing this, we can ensure our safety as well as the safety of others in the nearby area.

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