Hoquiam, Washington – Two People Injured in Car-Tow Truck Collision

Hoquiam, Washington (August 29, 2019) – Two people were injured in a collision involving a car and a stationary tow truck on State Route 109 near Burrows Road on early Thursday morning. The driver of the car, a 57 year-old man from Hoquiam, was able to transport himself to a hospital and from there was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. The truck driver, a 30 year-old man from Ocean Shores, was transported to Grays Harbor Community Hospital for treatment.

The accident happened around 3:40 a.m. According to the report from the Washington State Patrol, the tow truck was stationary on the road, with a Honda on its flatbed. The drivers of the truck and the Honda were outside their vehicles when the Hoquiam man failed to yield and drove up the tow ramp, crashing into the Honda. Both cars were totaled in the accident, and the crash caused the road to be blocked for more than an hour.

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 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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