A Cle Elum couple is recovering after a devastating head-on collision on Interstate 90 near North Bend, highlighting the dangers of highway driving and the potential legal implications of multi-vehicle crashes in Washington State.
Around 9:50 a.m. on a recent Friday, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) responded to a serious three-vehicle collision near milepost 31 on I-90. The crash injured four people and temporarily closed the busy highway corridor that connects Eastern Washington to the Seattle area.
According to WSP, the incident began when a westbound 1999 Toyota 4Runner attempted to pass another vehicle, a silver 2013 Lexus RX also traveling westbound. The Lexus, driven by 80-year-old Carl A. Person of Cle Elum, reportedly failed to decelerate, overcorrected, and veered across the westbound lanes into oncoming traffic.
Tragically, the Lexus was struck head-on by an eastbound 2016 Ram 1500 pickup driven by 35-year-old Rashid Rodriguez Baez of Bothell. The collision destroyed both vehicles and resulted in significant injuries. Carl Person and his wife, 75-year-old Sue A. Person, were transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Rodriguez Baez and his passenger, Maria C. Vargas, 34, of Seattle, were taken to Overlake Medical Center in Bellevue.
The driver of the 4Runner, 61-year-old Larry J. Schuster of Kennewick, was uninjured and continued westbound after the crash. WSP has stated that charges are pending, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Contact Blanford Law
If you or someone you love has been injured in a highway collision in Washington, experienced legal guidance is key. Contact Blanford Law today at ken@blanfordlaw.com or 253-720-9304 for support tailored to your legal situation.
Additional Resources
- DUI Charges in South Cle Elum — Explains the legal process and consequences of a DUI charge in South Cle Elum, including possible defenses and penalties.
https://blanfordlaw.com/dui-south-cle-elum/ - Continued Education Requirements – WAC 308-19-330 — A breakdown of mandatory continuing education standards for licensees under Washington law.
https://blanfordlaw.com/continued-education-requirements-wac-308-19-330/ - Brief Adjudicative Proceeding – WAC 308-19-400 — Overview of Washington’s simplified adjudicative process for licensing issues and disciplinary matters.
https://blanfordlaw.com/brief-adjudicative-proceeding-wac-308-19-400/ - Accomplice Liability – RCW 46.64.048 — Discusses how passengers or other parties may be held legally responsible under Washington’s accomplice liability laws. (used)
https://blanfordlaw.com/rcw-46-64-048-accomplice-liability/ - Ellensburg Car Accident: What to Do Next — Offers legal advice and practical steps for anyone involved in a car accident in Ellensburg. (used)
https://blanfordlaw.com/ellensburg-car-accident/