Car crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers. I know as a parent and Seattle car crash attorney we hate to think about the intense dangers associated with the road- but often, these tragic deaths are preventable through a little education. The leading causes for these deaths are inexperience, alcohol, distractions and the youths “I’m invincible” mentality. All of these can be tamed through defensive driving classes. Sadly a hit-and-run accident in which this invincible attitude played a major role occurred just last night.

Around 9:15 on August 8th two males were killed in a hit-and-run accident while they road their non-street legal dirt bikes on Golden Givens Road in Pierce County. The 22-year-old man and 16-year-old boy were traveling at high speeds when a white Chevy pickup turned left in front of them- instigating a crush that left the two victims dead. The victims were not wearing helmets and did not have headlights on their dirt bikes- both which could have saved their lives.

Since the victims were not practicing proper road way safety and were without headlights the driver of the truck most likely would not have been charged. The driver, however, fled the scene making him now wanted for a hit-and-run accident.

According to sources the younger male had just celebrated his 16th birthday that same weekend and the 22-year old leaves behind a young daughter.

I send my thoughts and prayers to the victims’ families and friends. I know all too well how hard it is to lose a loved one- particularly in such a tragic circumstance as a hit-and-run accident and at such a young age. Because I know both how difficult it is to recover from horrific incidences such as these and how difficult wrapping your head around legal issues and processes is I have co-authored a book with fellow lawyer Patrick J. Kang. The book titled: In Case of Death: Straight Talk on Washington Wrongful Death can help those dealing with a Washington wrongful death case figure out the next steps in the process. This book is available free to Washington state residents by clicking

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