Seattle, Washington – One Dead, One Critically Injured in Head-On Collision Between Truck and SUV

Seattle, Washington (October 8, 2019) – One person died was killed and another critically injured following a head-collision between a semi truck and an SUV at Airport Way South and South Hinds Street on Tuesday morning. Both of the victims came from the SUV, with one person pronounced dead on the scene. The injured person was taken to Harborview Medical Center for treatment of life-threatening injuries. The truck driver was uninjured in the incident.

The crash occurred around 7 a.m. The incident began when a police officer tried to pull over the SUV for a traffic violation that occurred on the 1000 block of 4th Avenue South. However, the SUV fled, running a red light and rear-ending another car. Police did not launch a pursuit, but put out a description of the runaway vehicle to other officers. Shortly after, the SUV collided head-on with the semi truck. The accident caused all lanes of Airport Way South tobe closed as investigation was ongoing.

About Vehicle Accidents

We offer our sympathies and compassion for the friends and loved ones of the victim. Unfortunately, this is not the only case of fatality in car 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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