Debra G. Peterson strikes two cyclists with her car in Sumas on January 26; Steven Waterman, 36, killed and Daniel McKay, 51 injured

A driver suspected of being under the influence of prescription drugs hit two bicyclists, killing one of them, then drove off after initially stopping at the crash scene. The driver, identified as Debra G. Peterson, 57, of Maple Falls was later arrested and booked into the Whatcom County Jail for investigation of felony hit and run. One of the bicyclists, later identified as Steven E. Waterman, 36, of Maple Falls was pronounced dead at the scene. The second bicyclist, a 51-year-old Maple Falls man, was injured. He was taken to a Bellingham hospital for treatment. Neither of the bicyclists was wearing a helmet.

What money damages are recoverable in a death claim?

Every death from an accident is tragic. When a death is the result of someone else’s negligence, certain survivors may make a wrongful death claim against those responsible. Close relatives may recover monetary damages for the loss of financial support, as well as for medical, funeral, and burial expenses, lost earnings, and in some cases for pain, suffering, and loss of love and affection. Learn more about wrongful death claims here…