Family Accepts $30M Settlement After 13-Year-Old Killed at Faulty Crosswalk

Summary: The Weilert family has reached a $30 million settlement with the state of Washington after 13-year-old Michael Weilert was struck and killed at a malfunctioning crosswalk on Highway 7 in July 2022. The family alleged the crossing beacon had been defective for weeks and that the state failed to warn pedestrians or make timely repairs.

What happened

In July 2022, middle schooler Michael Weilert and a friend were preparing to cross Highway 7 near their Parkland neighborhood. Michael pressed the button on a flashing pedestrian beacon meant to stop traffic; the device activated for the first lane and a pickup truck stopped, allowing Michael to enter the crosswalk on his bicycle. When he moved into the second lane, that signal failed to activate and an oncoming Jeep struck him, killing the 13-year-old.

Lawsuit and settlement

The family filed a civil lawsuit in Pierce County Superior Court in 2023. They maintained that the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) knew the beacon was defective for weeks before the crash and did not post warning signs or repair the device. The suit also alleged that, at the time of Michael’s death, five of Highway 7’s 11 crosswalks had missing or broken crossing lights.

On Nov. 7 the family reached a settlement: the state agreed to pay $30 million, and the Jeep driver will contribute $50,000 through her auto insurance as part of the agreement. The settlement is believed to be among the largest ever paid by WSDOT and may be one of the largest wrongful-death payouts in the state involving a minor.

"I think, in a way, [the settlement] helps provide some closure for the Weilert family," attorney Evan Bariault said. "The case was never really about money. The case has really been more about creating change, especially in Parkland."

Response and safety goals

A WSDOT spokesperson acknowledged the tragedy and called it "one tragic incident too many." The agency said it has reached a settlement while continuing to work with communities and partners toward Washington's Target Zero goal — a plan aimed at eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries on state roadways by 2030.

The Weilert family said they hope the settlement leads to accountability and meaningful safety improvements so other families do not suffer a similar loss. Their legal claim and the settlement have renewed attention and pressure on state and local leaders to improve pedestrian crossings and safety infrastructure along Highway 7 and elsewhere.

Beneficiaries and filings: The lawsuit named Michael's parents, their four children as beneficiaries, and was filed by Michael’s parents and an aunt. The family emphasized that no monetary award can replace Michael’s life, but that the agreement may help drive reforms to prevent future tragedies.