Mariah Lucas of Oregon Airlifted in Vehicle Crash on State Highway 14 [Washougal, WA]

Washougal, WA (February 14, 2022) – On Saturday, 23-year-old Mariah Lucas of Keizer, OR, and others, sustained injuries in a head-on crash on State Highway 14.

Officers received the crash report at around 2 p.m., on the westbound freeway, near Milepost 19.

An eastbound 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche driven by 28-year-old Shawn LaBuff of Vancouver attempted to pass another vehicle by using the westbound lane. 

As a result, the pickup crashed head-on with a westbound 1997 Jeep Cherokee driven by 36-year-old Brett Merritt.

Immediately, the rescuers rushed Mariah Lucas, LaBuff’s passenger to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver. 

LaBuff also sustained injuries but he declined medical aid.

Moreover,  the paramedics rushed Merritt and his two passenger, 35-year-old Jenny O’Connor and 37-year-old Samuel Russell, all from Vancouver, to local hospitals.

Meanwhile, investigators said crossing in the oncoming lane was the cause of the accident. They also said that no drugs or alcohol were involved, and everyone was wearing their seat belts during the crash.

When driving, better to scan the road 1/2 mile to a full mile ahead in order to look out or recognize potential hazards in time. Thus, you need to learn to consciously break that natural instinct and focus farther ahead.

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Look for a Personal Injury Lawyer

Moreover, driving is essential for many in order to move about in their lives, however, it is one of the most dangerous activities we do every day. As often these accidents happen, many people do not know what follows in the event of a car accident.

Furthermore, according to the United States Department of Transportation, there are approximately 300,000 merging accidents every year.

So, in case of accidents like this one, it is crucial that everyone remain calm in order to properly handle the immediate aftermath of an automobile collision.

Meanwhile, here are some of the things that we can do to practice defensive driving and avoid accidents like the vehicle crash on State Highway 14:

– Always drive at a controllable speed.

– Never assume you know the other driver’s intention.

– Also, be prepared to positively react to other drivers.

– This one, we should never neglect: yield at intersections, even if you have right of way.

– Most importantly, stay focused on the road. Remove all distractions such as mobile phones unstrapped toddlers, etc.

Immediately call our attorneys at Sweet Lawyers if you sustained injuries in an accident.

Our hotline is (800) 674 7852. Similarly, you may also check our website and chat with our live agents.