Pedestrian Jumps Into I-90 Traffic Near Mount Baker Tunnel

SEATTLE — A pedestrian jumped from the shoulder into the path of an SUV early Sunday as the driver emerged from Seattle’s Mount Baker Tunnel, according to the Washington State Patrol.

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“Pedestrian one jumped from the right shoulder into lane one of four.”

Washington State Patrol, collision report

SUV Strikes Pedestrian Outside Tunnel

The collision happened at about 2:18 a.m. July 19 on eastbound Interstate 90.

A 59-year-old Snoqualmie man was driving a gray 2025 Toyota Highlander through the tunnel. As he exited in the first of four lanes, WSP said the pedestrian suddenly jumped from the right shoulder into that lane.

The Highlander struck the pedestrian. Both the injured person and the SUV came to rest in the travel lane.

Emergency crews transported the pedestrian to Harborview Medical Center. WSP did not release the person’s name, age, sex or city. The initial report also did not describe the extent of the injuries.

Crash Blocks Roadway Nearly Two Hours

The driver, identified as Mohamed H. Hussein, did not suffer injuries. WSP said he wore a seat belt at the time of the crash.

The impact totaled the Highlander. Long Towing removed the damaged SUV from the scene.

Crews blocked the roadway for one hour and 50 minutes as medics treated the pedestrian, troopers investigated the collision and workers cleared the wreckage.

WSP listed “pedestrian in roadway” as the cause. Troopers did not know whether drugs or alcohol played a role when they released the initial report.

The report states that the pedestrian jumped into traffic. However, it does not explain why the person entered the lane, and WSP did not characterize the person’s intent.

What to Do After Striking Someone on an Interstate

Ziad Youssef and the team at Bellingham Injury Law say the first priority is preventing another collision. Activate your hazard lights and stop as safely as possible. Do not stand in an active interstate lane or place yourself in the path of approaching traffic.

Call 911 immediately. Give the dispatcher your direction of travel, the nearest exit or milepost and the pedestrian’s location. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions and do not attempt to cross active lanes unless emergency personnel tell you it is safe.

Remain at the scene and cooperate with investigators. Explain exactly what you saw and what happened before the impact. If conditions allow, preserve dashcam footage, photographs and witness information. Drivers should also seek medical attention if needed because a violent collision can cause injuries that adrenaline initially masks.

Striking a pedestrian can also cause severe emotional trauma, even when the driver had no realistic opportunity to avoid the collision. Family members, counselors and other support resources can help drivers process what happened.

After the immediate emergency, notify your insurance carrier and obtain the collision report. Before giving a recorded statement or accepting conclusions about fault, drivers can speak with an attorney about the specific facts of the crash.

Bellingham Injury Law offers free consultations for people involved in serious collisions. PNW Daily does not provide legal advice. For guidance based on your case, contact Bellingham Injury Law, home of CRASHLAW.NET.

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