SEATTLE — A man has been charged with vehicular assault after his vehicle left the roadway and struck a man who was fueling a car on the shoulder, said King County prosecuting attorney Dan Satterberg.
Patrick Franklin was on the shoulder of southbound Interstate 5 just north of South 200th Street in SeaTac Sunday fueling his car when he was struck.
The car that struck him was driven by a middle aged man, according to charging documents. Investigators said Vianne was driving on southbound I-5 when he drifted out of his lane and onto the shoulder.
The suspect struck Franklin, who was thrown to the front of his car, and then he pulled over further down the shoulder.
Franklin sustained serious injuries and his doctor said he is most likely paralyzed, documents said.
Witnesses told Washington State Patrol that the suspect was on his cell phone at the time of the collision.
According to documents, when a trooper questioned the suspect at the scene he said he thought he struck the vehicle’s mirror, but did not hit a person. He was asked if he was on his phone at the time of the collision, he said no.
The trooper looked at the suspect’s phone and records showed there was a call at the time of the collision. The trooper also said the suspect was exhibiting signs of impairment, documents said. Blood was drawn from the suspect and WSP is awaiting toxicology tests from those samples.
Franklin’s family said he has a broken neck, broken legs and internal injuries.
It’s great to see this man get punished by the criminal justice system, but that does little for Mr. Franklin and his family. By taking legal action against the suspect’s insurance company financial compensation is an option. Know one should have to suffer pain like this as Mr. Franklin did and he should be, at the very least, monetarily compensated for this TRAGIC LIFE ALTERING EVENT.
If you have been injured in Seattle or Bellevue we can help you get compensated for your injuries. All it takes is one phone call to schedule your free consultation. Contact us today.
