Wrongful death trial blaming state for Black Lives Matter protester struck and killed on I-5 set to begin

The wrongful death trial for Summer Taylor, who died in a crash during a 2020 Black Lives Matter protest, is set to begin in Washington State. Taylor's family, represented by the Stritmatter Firm, alleges that the state's failure to adequately close I-5 allowed the driver to access the roadway. They emphasize that despite the state allowing protests, proper safety measures were not enforced, placing protesters at risk. The state had previously closed the freeway on 30 occasions for protests but did not do so effectively on the night of the incident. Jury selection is scheduled for Monday, with opening statements planned for the following week.

In January, Taylor's estate and a group of plaintiffs reached a $10 million settlement with the city regarding police actions during the protests. Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison noted that the settlement was a strategic decision to mitigate financial and resource strains on the city. This trial highlights ongoing debates about state accountability and safety during public demonstrations.