Being in a multi-car accident doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be more serious–but most of the time, it is. It’s not hard to figure out why: more cars being involved means more variables–impact, speed, inattention, driving under the influence–all of which increase the likelihood that there will be an accident. This is unfortunately what happened in a recent car accident on Highway 395, according to a story from KHQ.
Washington State Patrol (WSP) deputies say that two drivers were killed and three others were injured when a 43-year-old woman tried to pass a pickup truck on the shoulder of Highway 395 near Loon Lake on Sunday, June 15, 2025.
As she tried to pass the truck, she sideswiped it, sending her car into the southbound lane and killing a 21-year-old woman after colliding head-on. The 43-year-old woman was also killed in the second head-on collision. The driver of the pickup truck and his two passengers were injured after the sideswipe sent them into a tree. After being transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center, the man was charged with not wearing a seatbelt.
WSP deputies believe that drugs or alcohol were factors in the accident, but are still investigating.
Who’s Responsible If a Multi-Car Accident is Fatal?
The challenge with car accidents like the one in the story above is pretty simple: when more than one person is involved, who carries the fault? This is important in any potential car accident claim–but the stakes are raised when there’s a fatality involved.
With that said, it’s all about figuring out:
- Who was negligent and caused the accident.
When a driver is under the influence, it typically leads to the accident. But sometimes, it’s another driver that isn’t under the influence, yet still does something that causes the pileup. If that’s the case, responsibility could fall on the:
- Non-impaired driver that was speeding, tried to pass illegally, etc.
And then you have to factor in even more people, depending on the circumstances, like the city or county government, car makers, or passengers. But to make things even more complicated, it’s common for everyone to try to shift blame–even when their actions contributed to what happened. That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced legal team on your side to untangle everything.
CCD Law Helps Car Accident Victims in Washington State
Losing someone you love in a fatal car accident is one of the hardest things a family can go through. It’s overwhelming, and understandably, legal steps are probably the last thing you want to think about. And while you don’t have to work with a lawyer, having someone who knows how to handle these cases can take some weight off your shoulders.
Here’s what our team at CCD Law can do to help:
- Dig into the details of the crash to figure out exactly what happened
- Figure out who’s legally responsible–even when the facts are complicated
- Handle insurance talks or file a wrongful death claim on your behalf
- Help you understand each step, without overwhelming you with legal jargon
We know this isn’t just about legal claims–it’s about your family, your grief, and trying to find some solid ground again. If you’ve lost a loved one in a Spokane car accident, you don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out today for a free consultation and let us help you through it.
