When the I-5 Bridge over the Skagit River collapsed last year it caused damage, destruction, loss of business and heartache to local residents.
In accordance with Washington state law, drivers here are liable for damage they cause to a bridge along a state highway. Both the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) as well as individuals have brought suit against the trucking company responsible, yet none have been successful. The insurance company continues to deny responsibility for any damage.
WSDOT is doing everything it can to make sure those responsible for the bridge collapse are held financially accountable for the damage caused.
Rep. Jeff Morris wants constituents who have suffered damages due to this accident to know that they too have a place to turn.
“The communities around the Skagit River Bridge collapse suffered immensely in the months following,” said Rep. Morris. “I am grateful to be able provide my constituents with a viable path towards monetary reparations.”
Individuals or businesses who have claims against those responsible for the bridge collapse can file them with the State of Washington Department of Enterprise Services (DES). Once the claim is filed, it will be assigned to and investigated by a tort claims investigator. Claims are expected to be evaluated and responded to within 60 days of their receipt.
Individuals can file claims with DES two ways:
1) They can visit: https://des.wa.gov/services/Risk/claims/Pages/standardTortClaims.aspx
2) They can call 1-800-737-0615 and the person answering the telephone will take some information from them and send a blank claim form to fill out and return to the address on the claim form.