Quincy, Washington – One Person Dead, Five Children Injured in Two-Car Collision

Quincy, Washington (December 16, 2019) – A mother died and five children were injured in a two-car collision that occurred on the intersection of State Route 28 and White Trail Road on Monday evening. According to the information from the Washington State Patrol, the victim who died on the scene has been identified as Lynn M. Coffman from Tacoma. One child was taken to Harborview Medical Center, and the four other children were taken to Quincy Valley Hospital, along with the two drivers of the involved vehicles.

According to the report, just before 6 p.m., a vehicle being driven by Sarah E. Scheid of Warrenton, Oregon, slid into a ditch off the eastbound side of State Route 28. This is the vehicle in which Coffman and the children were passengers. A semi truck being driven by Lorenzo M. Mendoza from Pasco later slid in the same area and struck the rear end of Scheid and Coffman’s vehicle. The incident remains under investigation, but it has been determined that impairment is not a factor in the collision.

About Vehicle Accidents

We offer our sympathies and compassion to the friends and loves ones of the victim. Unfortunately, this is not the only time an accident has resulted in a fatality. In 2017, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)  have reported a total of 120, 993 car accidents. Of those accidents, 525 were fatal and 34, 311 were possible or suspected of injuries. There are several types of collision that may happen, such as side collision, rollover collision, and head-on collision. Of the types of car accidents, head-on collisions are considered the most dangerous due to the circumstances – two cars are heading towards each other, with a great amount of force being experienced by all parties when the impact happens. While only 2% of car accidents are head-on collisions, they account for more than 10% of car-accident related injuries. These injuries are quite dangerous as most of them are head, spine or neck-related, including spinal injuries, brain injuries, paralysis, broken bones, and whiplash. Similarly, victims of side collisions and rollover collisions also suffer may also suffer head and neck injuries, though the risk is lower in these types of collisions. In rollover collisions, the car will come to rest on its side or roof, resulting in a dangerous situation which passengers might need to be extricated from. In side collisions, the greatest risk comes to the passenger on the particular side that received the impact. No matter the type of accident, all crashes are bound to cause a dreadful situation for all involved.

We urge all drivers to be careful while behind the wheel. When in a location where hazards such as poor illumination, rough roads or construction materials are present, be especially cautious. By doing this, we can ensure our safety as well as the safety of others in the nearby area.

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