Child tragically killed in collision along State Route 18
COVINGTON, WA, (October 21, 2024) - A tragic DUI-related collision claimed the life of a 1-year-old child on Monday afternoon in Covington.
Alexis Andaluz-Lozano was charged with driving under the influence after a crash Monday afternoon in Covington that claimed the life of a 21-month-old child.
The Washington State Patrol reported that the accident occurred when a car traveling west on State Route 18 left the road, crossed the median, and struck an eastbound vehicle.
The driver of the first vehicle was identified as 19-year-old Alexis Andaluz-Lozano of Federal Way.
Andaluz-Lozano has been charged with driving under the influence, vehicular homicide, and vehicular assault.
The child, who was listed as 21 months old, died at the scene.
A 27-year-old woman from Kent was driving the vehicle hit by Andaluz-Lozano and was injured. Both she and Andaluz-Lozano were transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
The relationship between the woman and the deceased child has not yet been determined.
The Washington State Patrol continues to investigate the incident.
DUI ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
Despite crackdowns throughout this country, impaired drivers remain a threat to innocent, law-abiding victims.
The consumption of alcohol can diminish the ability to operate a motor vehicle. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, each year about 300,000 people are injured in the U.S. by drunken drivers.
An independent investigation will be required to learn other potential factors in the case such as blood alcohol content levels.
Candice Bond, an experienced DUI accident attorney, was interviewed and provided her thoughts on such incidents.
“Separate from criminal charges, a victim may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party, said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal. “In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and text records of the liable party. As an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide an injured victim during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights, while ensuring that a driver who takes the wheel under the influence is held accountable for their actions.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of the young victim may pursue a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident such as this.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond.
“We understand just what families must go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected."
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed at the hands of a drunken driver and would like a no-cost consultation, our national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).