When one vehicle crosses over the center line on a busy road, a head-on crash is the usual result. Last Sunday, June 7, 2020, the result of such a mishap was not a head-on collision but a side swipe, driver’s door to driver’s door. As described by the Washington State Patrol, the outcome was just as catastrophic as one might expect from a head-on collision.
According to the state patrol’s report, the collision occurred at about 1:15 p.m. on Highway 97 when a southbound Chevrolet AstroVan crossed the centerline and struck a Ford 150 that was heading north. A GMC Sierra then struck the pickup truck in the rear after it stopped.
Despite the glancing nature of the initial collision, the impact appears to have been especially severe. The driver of the van and one passenger were pronounced dead at the scene. Six other passengers in the van were transported to Central Washington Hospital for treatment of their injuries. Three occupants of the Sierra and two occupants of the pickup truck were also taken to the hospital for treatment.
A camper being towed by the Ford pickup and a boat being towed by the GMC Sierra became detached in the collision and added to the chaotic scene on the highway. Police reported that only the driver and one passenger in the van were wearing seatbelts.
Anyone who has been injured or lost a loved one in a similar accident may wish to consider pursuing a claim for damages against the driver whose negligence caused the accident. The assistance of a capable personal injury attorney may be invaluable. A knowledgeable attorney can evaluate the evidence and provide an estimate of the likelihood of recovering damages for past and future lost income, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.