1 Dead and 3 Hurt in Salkum Crash on Highway 12
SALKUM, WA (August 6, 2020) – Monday morning, a driver died and three others sustained injuries in a tow truck accident on Highway 12.
According to reports, at 1:44 a.m., a tow truck driver and two passengers headed west on Highway 12, near Stowell Road near milepost 78. However, an oncoming semi-truck hit the tow truck as it tried to make a u-turn.
“Both vehicles were traveling westbound prior to the collision,” Trooper Dakota Russell said. “The tow truck … did not see the semi-truck behind them thus causing a T-bone collision.”
At this time, the WSP didn’t provide the identity of the deceased driver from Cle Elum. However, they confirmed that the cause of the collision was an “unsafe U-turn.”
Meanwhile, the 70-year-old male semi-truck driver from Napavine sustained injuries. Furthermore, the two tow truck passengers, a 35-year-old Olympia woman, and a 38-year-old Rainier woman also suffered injuries.
Responders took the semi-truck driver to Providence Centralia Hospital. Furthermore, authorities revealed that the Olympia female passenger didn’t wear a seatbelt. They transported her to Morton General Hospital. Meanwhile, the female passenger was flown to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver.
At this time, it’s still unclear whether drugs or alcohol caused the crash.
Meanwhile, eyewitness Jodi Hornby said, “At 1:40 a.m., Jon and I jumped out of bed because we thought we heard a plane crash. I ran outside, saw corn and glass all over the road, heard a neighbor say, ‘We need help out here!’ and called Lewis County Dispatch.”
“She was sleeping in the passenger seat of the car being towed,” Hornby revealed, talking about one of the passengers. “Miraculously, the car came off the trailer and landed perfectly upright, right next to the flatbed.”
We understand that losing a loved one is never easy. Our law firm would like to express our heartfelt sympathies to those mourning the loss of the victim.
What Grieving Families Can Do after a Fatal Crash
In the case of the tow truck accident on Highway 12, the family of the victim must become aware of their rights under the law.
Those closest to the victim may have the right to seek compensation for their loss. Some common examples include funeral expenses, medical bills, and what is called “loss of consortium.”
“Although nothing can bring back those dearly departed, we strive to secure the future of our clients, protecting them from further losses,” explains Mark Sweet, a seasoned attorney at Sweet Lawyers.
To begin filing a wrongful death claim, call the Sweet Lawyers at (800) 674 7852. Our goal is to remain on your side throughout your legal battle. Moreover, we will grant you a settlement that you and your family deserve. Above all, we single ourselves out from other law firms by providing personalized guidance and aggressive representation. Thus, if interested in seeking trusted legal support to cover any financial hardships accrued from an auto accident, do not hesitate to call. Additionally, we are at your disposal 24/7.