The state of Washington has agreed to a $30 million settlement with the family of 13-year-old Michael Weilert, who was killed at a crosswalk in Parkland on July 19, 2022.
Evan Bariault, the family’s attorney, said the settlement resolves a lawsuit alleging the Washington State Department of Transportation knew the crosswalk’s flashing lights were malfunctioning but failed to repair them.
Bariault emphasized the case was never primarily about financial compensation but rather about securing justice for Michael and his family while creating systemic change and accountability.
“We learned early on in this case that the state didn’t have any type of checks and balance for these crosswalks,” Bariault explained. “So, for example, when one of these lights went out, the state had no notice that the light would be out.”
At the time of Weilert’s death, five of the 11 crosswalks along State Route 7 were not functioning properly, according to Bariault. This widespread failure of safety equipment raises serious questions about maintenance protocols and oversight.
“We hope that part of this settlement will involve the state changing its processes and procedures and ensuring that there’s a system in place to make sure that something like this doesn’t happen again,” Bariault stated.
In an interview just days after Michael’s death, his parents vowed to fight for changes that would prevent similar tragedies. They described how their son had followed all the safety rules they taught him.
“We thought we were teaching Michael right. You get to the crosswalk, you push the button and wait for the cars to stop, he did everything he was supposed to do, and he pushed the button, the cars stopped, and he started walking, and then this car comes out from nowhere, and he was doing what he was supposed to be doing,” his mother said in 2022.
The heartbreaking account illustrates how Michael did exactly what pedestrians are instructed to do at marked crosswalks. He activated the warning system, waited for traffic to stop, and began crossing only when it appeared safe. The malfunctioning lights failed to adequately warn approaching drivers, resulting in the fatal collision.
WSDOT issued a statement acknowledging the tragedy: “While the state has reached a settlement with the family, we recognize that the loss of Michael Weilert was devastating for the family, friends and the community. WSDOT continues to work with communities and partners toward our state’s Target Zero goals. One tragic incident like this is one too many.”
Target Zero represents Washington’s ambitious plan to eliminate all traffic deaths and serious injuries on state roads by 2030. The initiative requires identifying and addressing infrastructure weaknesses, including crosswalk safety systems.
“Losing a child is something no parent ever prepares for, nor can a parent ever prepare for. There’s not a day that goes by that they don’t think about Michael,” Bariault said, acknowledging the permanent loss the family endures.
Since losing her son, Amber Weilert has become an advocate for pedestrian safety, meeting with numerous lawmakers to push for safer streets and improved crosswalk infrastructure.
“Michael’s legacy is very important and keeping that pain from any other mom, I want that to be my legacy,” Amber Weilert said in 2022, articulating her determination to prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedies.
Concrete changes are already underway along State Route 7. All crosswalks in the corridor are being converted to fully signalized crosswalks, replacing the flashing beacon system with red lights that provide clearer, more authoritative signals to drivers.
Bariault indicated this represents a significant safety upgrade. Traditional traffic signals with red lights command greater attention and compliance from drivers compared to flashing beacons, which some motorists may ignore or fail to notice.
The family and their legal team hope this settlement will prompt broader changes across Washington state. The case exposed systemic failures in how WSDOT monitors and maintains pedestrian safety infrastructure.
The absence of automated monitoring systems meant the state relied on reports from the public or routine inspections to identify malfunctioning crosswalk lights. This reactive approach allowed multiple crosswalks to remain broken for extended periods, creating dangerous conditions for pedestrians.
Modern technology could provide solutions. Connected crosswalk systems can automatically alert maintenance departments when lights fail, enabling rapid repairs before pedestrians are put at risk.
The $30 million settlement ranks among the largest in recent Washington history for a pedestrian death case. The substantial amount reflects both the severity of the state’s negligence and the devastating loss of a young life.
Michael was only 13 years old when he died, with his entire life ahead of him. The settlement attempts to account for the years of life, experiences, and contributions he will never have the opportunity to make.
For the Weilert family, no amount of money can truly compensate for their son’s death. However, the settlement provides resources to honor Michael’s memory through continued advocacy and ensures his death was not in vain.
The case serves as a stark reminder that infrastructure maintenance is not merely an administrative concern but a matter of life and death. When safety systems fail, the consequences can be catastrophic, particularly for vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists.
