Frightening Traffic Crash on I-5 Injures 29-Year-Old Tenino Man [Lakewood, WA]

Lakewood, WA (April 06, 2025) – A 29-year-old Tenino man was hurt after a hit-and-run traffic crash on I-5 on Friday afternoon.

According to the Washington State Patrol, the disastrous crash happened around 3 p.m. near milepost 124 in the Lakewood area.

Reports say that a hit-and-run crash on northbound I-5 caused significant traffic delays. Officials say that a semi-truck struck a gray Audi.

The Audi had initially hit a barrier in lane three and veered into lane two. At that point, a semi-truck traveling northbound switched from lane one into lane two and collided with the Audi. After the crash, the truck driver fled the scene.

Emergency responders transported the injured man to Tacoma General Hospital. The impact left the Audi stopped perpendicular on the left shoulder, partially blocking the HOV lane.

Authorities closed three left lanes for approximately an hour and a half, creating a traffic backup that stretched up to 10 miles—from Thorne Lane in Lakewood to the Meridian Road Northeast overpass in Lacey.

Washington State Patrol continues to investigate the incident and is searching for the semi-truck driver involved.

Focus on the Road

Millions of people take to the roads for work, school, errands, or leisure. While many of these trips are uneventful, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Traffic accidents can change lives in an instant, causing physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardship.

Wearing your seatbelt is the simplest and most effective way to protect yourself in an accident. It can reduce the risk of serious injury or death by up to 50%.

If you witnessed this crash or have any information about the semi-truck involved, please contact the Washington State Patrol. Help keep our roads safe—never leave the scene of an accident.

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Personal Injury Claims After a Traffic Collision: What You Need to Know

When involved in an injury collision, filing a personal injury claim is mostly necessary to recover damages. This legal process allows the victims to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses caused by the traffic collision. However, the process is often complex, and understanding how it works is crucial for anyone pursuing a claim.

The first step in a personal injury claim is to determine liability. In most cases, the driver responsible for the traffic accident, which could either be due to negligence, distracted driving, speeding, or other factors, will be held accountable. Establishing fault is key to securing compensation. Gathering pieces of evidence such as police reports, traffic camera footage, witness statements, and medical records can strongly prove who was at fault.

Once liability is established, the injured party can then seek compensation for various types of damages. Medical expenses, which include hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, prescription medications, and any long-term care needs, will be a significant part of the claim.

Additionally, if the traffic collision resulted in lost wages or has impacted the victim’s ability to work, these financial losses can also be added to the claim.

Pain and suffering, which is a more subjective form of compensation, is one of the most debated aspects of a personal injury claim. Courts and insurance companies assess this based on how severely the victim was injured and the accident’s impact on the victim’s life, including physical and emotional distress.

Do not forget about the statute of limitations, which dictates the time frame within which a claim must be filed. Failing to file within this period may result in losing the right to pursue compensation.

Let Our Expert Attorneys Guide You

A personal injury claim can help you recover damages if you’re injured in a traffic collision. Seek legal counsel from Sweet Lawyers to ensure your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of receiving fair compensation.

See what our clients say or, better yet, call us today at (800) 674-7852.