Two women were seriously injured Wednesday afternoon following a Kittitas County intersection crash at the intersection of Number 6 Road and Kittitas Highway, according to the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say the collision occurred around 12:30 p.m. when a passenger vehicle was struck by a pickup truck. The impact left the two women inside the passenger car trapped, requiring firefighters from Kittitas Valley Fire & Rescue to extricate them from the wreckage.
The passenger was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, while the driver was transported by ambulance. Both women were reported to be in stable condition. The occupants of the pickup truck were not injured.
The collision also knocked down power lines, forcing portions of Number 6 Road and Kittitas Highway to remain closed for several hours while emergency crews investigated the crash, removed damaged vehicles, and utility workers restored electrical service.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the collision, and the investigation remains ongoing.
How Fault Is Determined After a Kittitas County Intersection Crash
Because law enforcement has not identified the cause of this collision, it is too early to determine who, if anyone, may be legally responsible. Investigators will typically examine several factors, including:
- Traffic signal or stop sign compliance
- Right-of-way violations
- Vehicle speed
- Driver distraction
- Impairment
- Witness statements
- Physical evidence from the scene
- Vehicle event data and surveillance footage, if available
An official collision report can play an important role in determining liability, although it is only one piece of evidence.
Washington Is a Comparative Fault State
Washington follows a pure comparative fault system. Under RCW 4.22.005, an injured person may still recover compensation even if they are partially responsible for a collision. However, any recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault.
For example, if someone suffers $100,000 in damages but is found 20% at fault, they may still recover $80,000.
This rule often becomes important in intersection crashes where each driver may offer different accounts of what occurred.
Injuries Often Seen in Side-Impact Collisions
When vehicles collide at intersections, occupants are especially vulnerable to significant injuries because there is less structural protection along the sides of a vehicle.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Pelvic and hip fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
The fact that one victim required air transport to Harborview suggests the injuries may have been serious, although both women were fortunately reported to be in stable condition.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Individuals injured in Washington motor vehicle collisions may be entitled to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
The value of a claim depends on the severity of the injuries, available insurance coverage, and the evidence establishing liability.
Why the Investigation Matters
Because the Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate this Kittitas County intersection crash, additional evidence may emerge regarding:
- Which vehicle had the right-of-way
- Whether excessive speed played a role
- Mechanical failures
- Roadway conditions
- Other contributing factors
Victims should avoid assuming fault until investigators have completed their review and all available evidence has been evaluated.
Contact Blanford Law
If you or someone you love has been injured in a Washington motor vehicle collision, understanding your legal rights early can help protect your ability to recover compensation.
Contact Blanford Law today at ken@blanfordlaw.com or 253-720-9304 for guidance on your legal matter.
Additional Resources
Roslyn DUI Injury Claim After I-90 Crash
Learn how impaired driving collisions can affect personal injury claims and what evidence may be important after a serious Washington crash.
https://blanfordlaw.com/roslyn-dui-injury-claim-i90/
Coupeville Fatal Crash Highlights SR-20 Roundabout Safety
Explore how intersection design and roundabouts can reduce severe crashes while understanding liability after intersection collisions.
https://blanfordlaw.com/coupeville-fatal-crash-sr20-roundabout-safety/
Dangerous Intersections in Washington: What Drivers Should Know
Discover why certain intersections experience more crashes and how Washington law addresses negligence after intersection accidents.
https://blanfordlaw.com/dangerous-intersections-washington
Understanding Washington Pretrial Diversion
Learn how Washington’s pretrial diversion programs work in eligible criminal cases and when they may be available.
https://blanfordlaw.com/washington-pretrial-diversion/
Washington CRR 1.2 Explained
Read an overview of Washington’s Civil Rules for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction (CRR 1.2) and how they apply to certain legal proceedings.
https://blanfordlaw.com/washington-crr-1-2/