Passenger Injured Near Spanaway, Driver Dies--Accident Illustrates Important Intersection between Probate and Personal Injury Law

Ryan Nute

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Sometimes people who cause accidents walk away unscathed. But other times they don't. This happened on Tuesday on State Route 507.

On Tuesday night a man from Roy, Washington, was killed in a car accident on State Route 507 near Spanaway. At approximately 9:30 p.m. the driver, 39, was driving southbound on State Route 507 when he lost control of his vehicle, veered off the road and into a power pole. His passenger, 35, was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital with injuries. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

When a person dies they leave behind an "estate"--a legal characterization for the deceased's assets and liabilities. In order to make a claim against a person who committed a negligent act and subsequently dies, it's necessary to ensure that a claim is presented to the Estate's representative (often a relative or friend of the deceased). It's not uncommon for people to die without executing wills or other estate plans. In that case, the injured person (with the assistance of an attorney) should open a "probate" proceeding to pursue their claim.