Any head-on collision is dangerous, but the worst ones are often fatal. This is true no matter where the collision happens, or what the circumstances are. But when it happens because the other driver ran a stop sign–or something similar–it’s even more disappointing. This is what happened in a crash on US-2 Sunday, July 6, 2025, according to a story from KXLY.
According to Washington State Patrol investigators, a 92-year-old man was killed when he ran a stop sign and collided head-on with another car. The collision happened around 4:15 p.m., when the 92-year-old man was headed east on Colbert Road near US-2. He didn’t stop at the stop sign there, and was hit by a car that was headed south driven by a 28-year-old man.
Both cars ended up in the median, but the 92-year-old man did not survive the collision. He was pronounced dead at the scene by authorities. The 28-year-old man and his 26-year-old passenger were both taken to a local hospital with injuries. Their conditions aren’t known at this time. WSP closed the area for several hours while they investigated.
Can I File an Injury Claim Against a Driver That Passes Away?
If you survive a head-on collision near Spokane and the other driver is the one that doesn’t survive, the legal steps that come next can feel overwhelming. Like the story above, you could be dealing with serious injuries, a totaled car, and questions about who’s responsible–especially if the other driver caused the accident. Here’s what you should know:
- Even if the driver who caused the accident didn’t survive, you can still file an injury claim. In these cases, the claim usually goes through the other driver’s insurance policy.
- If they had coverage, it works much like a normal car accident case.
- If they didn’t, your own uninsured motorist coverage may come into play.
But there’s one big difference. Because the other driver has passed away, someone has to be officially named to handle their affairs. In Washington, this person is called the personal representative. They’re often named in a will. If there isn’t a will, the court can appoint someone. Once that representative is in place, you can move forward with your claim. That might involve:
- Filing an insurance claim against their liability coverage
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit against their estate (if needed)
The focus of your claim won’t be on the fatality—it will be on your own injuries and losses from the collision itself. Depending on what happened, your damages might include:
- Medical bills and rehab costs
- Lost wages or missed work
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Long-term impact on your health or ability to work
There’s a three-year deadline to file most injury claims in Washington, starting from the date of the accident. But because this type of case involves probate and more moving parts, it’s smart to act quickly. Evidence can fade, and legal delays can eat up time you may need.
Contact CCD Law After You’re Injured in a Spokane Car Accident
Car accidents in Spokane can turn your life upside down in an instant—physically, emotionally, and financially. From medical bills to missed work and the stress of dealing with insurance, it’s a lot to carry on your own.
At CCD Law, we’ve been standing by Spokane drivers since 1948. Our job is to make the legal process easier, so you can focus on healing. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, we can help you figure out your next steps and start putting things back together by:
- Looking into what caused the accident and who’s responsible
- Helping you collect the evidence your claim needs
- Walking you through the legal process in plain English
- Dealing with the insurance companies and push for a fair outcome
No matter what you’re facing or questions you have, our team at CCD Law will be there for you. Set up a free consultation today to get started.
