Davis Law Group, P.S.

Four people hospitalized after I-90 collision

Story Highlights:
Four injured in Ellensburg motor vehicle collision
Van vs. Semi-truck collision caused by driving too fast for conditions
Eastbound I-90 lanes blocked for 2 hours



Date: January 12, 2011, 01/12/2011
Location: Ellensburg, Kittitas County, Washington
Type: Car accident, Semi-truck accident
Outcome: Four injured

On Wednesday evening, a 1999 Pontiac transport was traveling eastbound on I-90 about 10 miles outside of Ellensburg when it lost control and struck the rear of a 2006 Volvo semi-truck. The collision caused the van to jam under the trailer of the semi-truck up to the windshield.

The four passengers in the van, including a nine-year-old girl, were injured and taken to Kittitas Valley Community Hospital. All of them suffered varying injuries to head, shoulders, neck, back, ribs, hands, and face. The driver of the semi-truck was not injured. All parties involved were wearing their seat belts.

Washington State Patrol has concluded that the collision was caused by the van traveling too fast for weather conditions. Slush and ice on the roadways in addition to freezing rain also contributed to the crash. The collision blocked eastbound lanes, and backed up traffic for almost two hours.


National Car Accident Statistics
Males continue to be involved in the majority of traffic collisions—representing 69.1% of fatalities from 1997-2006. This difference is most prominent in the 21-30 age group, where they comprise 78.3% of the total.

Washington State Basic Speeding Law
The driver of every vehicle shall drive at an appropriate reduced speed when approaching and crossing an intersection or railway grade crossing, when approaching and going around a curve, when approaching a hill crest, when traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway, and when special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather or highway conditions.

Winter Driving Tips from WSDOT

• Drive for conditions – slower speeds, slower acceleration, slower steering, and slower braking in winter conditions.
• Use your headlights and don’t use cruise control.
• Four and all-wheel drive vehicles will not stop or steer better in icy conditions.
• Leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. And remember, big trucks take longer to stop.
• Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges, or shady spots.
• Brush the snow off your vehicle, especially your lights, before you drive. It makes you more visible plus snow and ice flying off a vehicle can be dangerous to other drivers.

Seattle Car Accident Lawyers
If you or a family member has suffered as the result of a car accident, Seattle car accident attorney Chris Davis and the Davis Law Group, P.S. can help you. We understand the devastation that can occur as a result of being in a serious auto accident. We are committed to helping car accident, trucking accident, and motorcycle accident victims recover the just and fair compensation they are entitled to receive under the law.