Interstate 90 is one of the busiest roads in Spokane, virtually at all hours. According to a story from KREM 2, two people were killed in a wrong-way, head-on collision in the early morning hours of Thursday, May 2, 2024.
Washington State Patrol (WSP) deputies responded to initial calls of a wrong-way driver in the westbound lanes of Interstate 90 around 2:30 a.m., then soon after reported a crash with fatalities. After an initial investigation, WSP says that a 24-year-old woman was driving eastbound in the westbound lane when she collided head-on with a 59-year-old male. Both were wearing seatbelts, but were pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash closed the westbound lanes of I-90 for nearly three hours, with traffic being diverted to Altamont. The lanes have since been reopened.
Who’s At-Fault in a Wrong-Way Accident?
When there’s a wrong-way accident in Modesto, it might seem clear who’s at fault. If a driver hits you while going the wrong way, that’s usually considered negligence. This means the other driver is usually responsible for the accident.
But wrong-way accidents can happen for different reasons, so fault depends on the situation. Here are some parties who could be at-fault:
- The driver going the wrong way is usually the main one at fault.
- If the wrong-way driver was using someone else’s vehicle, that owner might also be responsible, especially if they let an unfit driver use it.
- If there was a problem with the vehicle itself, like faulty brakes, the manufacturer might also share some of the blame.
- If a bar or restaurant served the wrong-way driver too much alcohol, and that led to the accident, they could be held responsible under Washington law.
- Badly designed or poorly marked roads could contribute to the accident. In these cases, the government agency in charge of the roads might be partly to blame.
Regardless of who is ultimately responsible, a wrong-way accident is very likely to be severe in terms of injuries, as the above story shows. Your case is still going to hinge on how effectively you’re able to present your case, and this means collecting proof like witness accounts, police reports, and medical records. After that, you’re going to need to file an injury claim and go through the legal process. While challenging, our team can help you.
CCD Law Can Help You After a Spokane Car Accident
Since 1948, CCD Law has been dedicated to helping car accident victims get the financial support and damages they need after a car accident. Our experienced Spokane car accident lawyers can help you in recovering:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost income
- Loss of companionship
- Repair/replacement costs for vehicle damage
While dealing with the aftermath of any car accident can be overwhelming, know that our team will support you every step of the way. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Spokane, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
