One Person Killed, Teenager Rescued from River After Car Accident in Spokane County

According to a report from The Spokesman Review, one man was killed and a teenager was rescued from the Spokane river after a motor vehicle accident in eastern Washington. Bystanders worked hand-in-hand with police officers and emergency first responders to pull the teenager from the river. Sadly, the other man could not be saved from the rapid, rushing waters. Below, our Spokane car accident attorneys explain what we know about this crash and discuss the dangers of intoxicated driving in Washington. 

One Car Left the Road, Collided With a Parked Vehicle

Authorities responded to the scene after receiving information that a Toyota Sedan had left the road and had fallen into the Spokane River. The wreck occurred in the Chief Garry Park neighborhood in the northeast corner of Spokane—close to the 2500 block of East South Riverton Avenue. Upon preliminary investigation, police determined that the Toyota collided with a parked car and then went down a steep embankment, quickly settling in the river. 

While the teenager was able to be rescued by bystanders and officers, another occupant was tragically pronounced dead after first responders were not immediately able to locate him in the fast-moving water. The accident is still under comprehensive investigation and anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact their local police department. Authorities identified both speed and intoxication were possible factors in the crash. 

Intoxicated Driving: A Serious Public Safety Problem in Washington

Unfortunately, drunk driving and drugged driving remain very serious public safety problems in our region. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) reports that as many as 50 percent of all highway fatalities in the state are linked to impaired driving. While most intoxicated driving accidents involve alcohol, there are many different types of intoxicated driving. A driver who is too impaired to operate their vehicle safely should not be on the road. 

Notably, since 2011, there has been a sharp increase in “poly-drug” accidents in Washington—those being crashes where a responsible driver was believed to be impaired by two or more substances. By far, the most common ‘poly-drug’ combination reported in Washington is alcohol and marijuana. Though, there are many different substances that can impair a person’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. If you or someone you know was injured in a wreck with an intoxicated driver, an experienced Spokane, WA DUI accident attorney will protect your rights and help you navigate the legal claims process. 

Call Our Spokane, WA Auto Accident Lawyer for Immediate Help With Your Case

At‌ Albrecht‌ ‌Law‌ ‌PLLC, our Washington motor vehicle accident attorneys stand up for the legal rights and financial interests of injured victims. Our mission is to help you maximize your compensation. To request a free, no commitment case evaluation, please contact our law firm right away by calling (509) 495-1246. We handle auto accident claims throughout Spokane County, including in Spokane, Cheney, Airway Heights, Liberty Lake, Deer Park, Millwood, Medical Lake, and Spokane Valley.