Serious Injuries Caused by Drunk Driver

Geoffrey Goddard, 25, is suspected of drunk driving after he violently rear-ended a mini-van with four children and two adults Wednesday. No life-threatening injuries were reported, but other serious injuries including broken bones were reported. They were all transported to local hospitals.

The injury accident occurred on southbound I-405 in Bothell. The injury victims were all in a 2006 Mazda MZ5 minivan. Shortly before the accident 911 calls came in reporting a Dodge Dakota pickup was on southbound I-405 traveling at speeds well over 100 mph. The pickup, which was driven by Goddard, then rear-ended the minivan pushing it across all 4 lanes of the freeway, then on to the dirt median. The minivan then rolled and came to rest against the guardrail upside down on the roof.

Goddard also suffered injuries in the accident and was taken to Evergreen Medical Center in Kirkland. While there Goddard attempted to escape, but he was apprehended running naked through the parking lot by a Washington State Patrol Trooper. Goddard was then taken to jail and booked on two counts of vehicular assault. Other charges, including escaping while in custody, will likely be added later.

Everyone involved in this accident is fortunate that it wasn’t worse. Someone, including the children in van, could have died. Luckily that did not happen and the most serious injuries appear to be broken bones. Because there were so many people injured by the conduct of the drunk driver, it is probable that his insurance limits will not be adequate to fully compensate all of the injury victims. In cases such as this it is often difficult to apportion the settlement funds between all of the injured parties when there simply isn’t enough money to go around.

This is also a reminder why it is a good idea to purchase as much un-insured motorist and under insured motorist coverage that your insurance company will let you buy. If the drive of the minivan has un-insured motorist and under insured motorist coverage, then those funds can also be used to cover medical bills and compensate the injured.

We represent people injured almost everywhere in Washington state. Call me if you have been injured in any of these cities:
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