On a winter afternoon near Snoqualmie Pass in Washington, a young life was tragically cut short in a collision on Interstate 90. According to the Washington State Patrol (WSP), 21‑year‑old Brayden Duncan of Auburn was killed when his vehicle slid on the snowy roadway and was struck by a semi‑truck. This devastating event highlights both the dangers of winter driving and the legal complexities families face after a fatal crash.
What Happened in the I‑90 Crash Near Snoqualmie Pass?
On Wednesday around 4 p.m., westbound traffic on I‑90 in the Cascades was hit by a deadly collision. Duncan was driving a 2004 Honda Civic when his car lost traction, struck the median barrier, and re‑entered the road into the path of a semi‑truck. The truck, driven by a 32‑year‑old man from Spokane, struck the Honda, resulting in fatal injuries to Duncan. The truck driver was not injured. According to WSP, Duncan was wearing his seatbelt and the cause of the crash was driving too fast for the snowy conditions.
A Winter Storm Warning was in effect at the time of the collision, and Snoqualmie Pass had reported more than a foot of fresh snow, creating especially hazardous conditions. The crash shut down westbound I‑90 for several hours, causing lengthy backups before lanes reopened just before 7 p.m.
The Human Impact: A Life Lost, Families Affected
Brayden’s death is a heartbreaking example of how quickly a routine drive can turn tragic in winter conditions. Families and communities feel the emotional and financial shock of losing a loved one in such circumstances. Beyond grief, the aftermath often involves medical bills, funeral costs, and questions about liability and justice.
When a family loses someone due to a collision involving another vehicle, they may wonder:
- Can the family pursue a wrongful death claim?
- Is there compensation for funeral and related expenses?
- Could an investigation show negligence even in poor weather conditions?
Was There Negligence Involved?
Weather conditions were a major factor, but that doesn’t automatically eliminate the possibility of negligence. Washington law recognizes that drivers have a duty to operate vehicles safely — including adjusting speed for conditions. If another party’s actions contributed to the crash, a personal injury or wrongful death claim may be possible.
Determining negligence in winter weather collisions often requires investigating:
- Road conditions and warnings
- Vehicle maintenance records (e.g., tires, brakes)
- Whether the other driver was following at a safe distance
- Compliance with traffic laws
Even when conditions are bad, drivers are expected to exercise reasonable care. Sometimes other drivers fail to do that — and families deserve answers.
How Blanford Law Can Help After a Fatal Collision
If you’ve lost a loved one in a severe crash like the I‑90 crash near Snoqualmie Pass, you don’t have to navigate the legal aftermath alone. At Blanford Law, we understand Washington’s traffic laws and the complexities of personal injury and wrongful death claims. Our team works to:
- Conduct independent investigations into the crash
- Gather evidence from WSP reports, scene reconstruction, and expert witnesses
- Identify liable parties and insurance coverage
- Advocate for fair compensation for your family
Losing someone suddenly is overwhelming. Having a trusted legal advocate can make a real difference in securing financial support and justice.
What to Do After a Fatal Collision in Washington
- Get a copy of the police report. These documents contain crucial details about the crash.
- Preserve evidence. Photos, witness statements, and any video footage can be key.
- Talk to a qualified attorney. Early legal guidance helps protect your rights and deadlines.
- Understand your options. Washington has strict statutes of limitations and specific wrongful death laws that affect compensation.
Your legal team should shoulder the complex work so you can focus on healing and honoring your loved one.
Call To Action
If your family has been affected by a fatal collision like the I‑90 crash near Snoqualmie Pass, you may have legal options. Contact Blanford Law today at ken@blanfordlaw.com or 253‑720‑9304 for guidance on your legal matter.
Additional Resources
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