Toppenish, Washington – Four Dead, Three injured in Car-Truck Collision at US 97

Toppenish, Washington (May 7, 2019) – Four people were killed and three were injured in a car-truck collision at the US 97 on early Tuesday morning. The four were passengers of the car killed by the impact of the collision. Another passenger had to be transported by helicopter to Virginia Mason Memorial in Yakima, while the car driver was taken to the Astria Regional Medical Center. The truck driver suffered minor injuries, but was not reported to require hospitalization.

According to one of the officers on the scene, the car sped through a stop sign on Larue Road, which then rammed the semi truck going south. It is believed that the car driver was possibly driving while under the influence. No one has been charged or arrested in the accident, but the FBI is reportedly taking on the investigation.

About Vehicle Accidents

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 driver to remain cautious on the streets. Vehicle accidents of any type can result in loss, damage, injuries and death not only to the driver, but to passengers, occupants of other vehicles, and pedestrians on the street. If you have been a victim of a similar accident, do not hesitate to reach out for aid.

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