William Daniels Killed in Spokane Hit-and-Run Accident
A 63-year-old man has been arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail after turning himself in to authorities
William Daniels, 44, of Spokane, was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Newport Highway near Raising Canes on June 20, according to the Spokane Police Department.
James Bernhardt, 63, turned himself in to authorities early Wednesday and was booked into the Spokane County Jail. He faces criminal charges after admitting to driving the bronze, early 2000s Toyota Highlander that fled south from the scene.
A caller reported seeing a pedestrian down in the road at approximately 4:15 a.m. Responding paramedics pronounced the victim, Daniels, dead at the scene.
Court documents indicate the driver told investigators he initially thought he struck garbage while driving to work. After turning around and realizing he had hit a person, he panicked and drove away.
The suspect drafted an apology letter at the Public Safety Building before his arrest. His arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday.
The sudden loss of a loved one in a hit-and-run leaves families grappling with deep grief and unanswered questions. While the criminal justice system pursues accountability for the driver who fled, civil avenues also exist to support the victim's estate.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Hit-and-run crashes frequently leave behind fragmented physical evidence that fades quickly within hours of impact. A fleeing motorist removes a critical piece of the investigative puzzle, and what remains requires rapid collection before weather or traffic erases it."
"A legal team can preserve that material and coordinate reconstruction specialists who understand how to build a factual picture from incomplete evidence," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
What criminal charges does the driver face in Spokane?
Fleeing the scene of a fatal collision is a severe felony in Washington. When a suspect is identified and arrested, prosecutors typically pursue charges related to felony hit-and-run and vehicular homicide, depending on the circumstances of the impact.
Even with a suspect in custody, navigating the aftermath of a fatal collision involves complex interactions with insurance adjusters who often seek to minimize payouts.
How does an arrest impact the civil investigation?
An arrest and subsequent criminal proceedings can provide critical evidence for a parallel civil claim. Police reports, surveillance footage, and suspect admissions gathered by law enforcement become foundational elements when establishing liability.
Washington wrongful death statute
Under RCW § 4.20.010, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Washington applies pure comparative fault. The statute of limitations is 3 years.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and the estate's losses.
"Insurance companies often try to pressure families of victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their clients to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly," noted Stefano Formica, a national legal analyst for Accident News and of counsel at Bond Legal.