On the morning of August 24, 2025, tragedy struck on U.S. 395 at the intersection with Crestloch Road in Franklin County. According to the Washington State Patrol, a southbound Chevrolet Trax attempted to make a left-hand turn across the northbound lane when it was struck by an oncoming Toyota RAV4. The violent collision left one man dead and sent three others to the hospital with injuries.
Authorities reported that a 76-year-old passenger from Vancouver who had been riding in the Chevrolet was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Chevrolet, a 73-year-old woman, and an 18-year-old passenger were both injured and transported to a local hospital. The driver of the Toyota, a 48-year-old man from Deer Park, was also hospitalized. At this time, officials have not released details about the severity of their injuries.
Investigators noted that all of the individuals involved were wearing seat belts and that drugs or alcohol were not factors in the collision. Instead, the crash was attributed to a failure to yield the right-of-way when attempting the left-hand turn. The intersection was partially shut down during the investigation, causing delays for drivers along the busy stretch of highway.
This crash is the latest in a series of accidents that have raised questions about the safety of rural intersections along U.S. 395. Local residents and officials have voiced concern that intersections like Crestloch Road pose risks for drivers attempting to cross or turn onto the highway, particularly given the high speeds on the road. The Washington State Department of Transportation has acknowledged these safety concerns, with potential solutions such as flashing warning lights, reduced speed zones, or other intersection improvements being discussed.
“Drivers need to be very much aware of their surroundings… when turning off of those side roads onto 395, they need to make sure that they have a big gap in between the next vehicle coming,” said WSDOT spokesperson Meagan Lott. While driver attentiveness is critical, many in the community believe that roadway improvements are also necessary to prevent future tragedies.
For families affected by collisions like this one, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Beyond the immediate grief and pain, survivors are often left facing mounting medical bills, long recovery periods, and questions about how such a devastating event could have been avoided.
At Tamaki Law, our attorneys are committed to helping accident victims and their families pursue accountability and justice. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, we encourage you to reach out for a free consultation to better understand your rights and options.
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