The Lisa Torry Smith Act became law in September 2021, making it a crime to kill or injure a pedestrian, cyclist or other crosswalk user. Drivers who violate the law could face a Class C misdemeanor traffic violation to a state jail felony if the violation causes serious bodily injury.
The release of footage of a Seattle police officer speaking callously about the value of a pedestrian’s life sparked backlash and also highlights a grim reality: families left behind after a loved one is killed by a driver typically have few options for covering costs and holding drivers accountable.
A Seattle police officer sparked outrage when he joked that the death of pedestrian Jaahnavi Kandula might be settled for as little as $11,000. Some families get even less.