Tacoma, Washington – One Dead, One Injured in Collision Involving Three Vehicles

Tacoma, Washington (August 2, 2019) – A motorcyclist was killed and a woman injured following a collision involving three vehicles on southbound Interstate 5 at South Yakima Avenue on Saturday evening. The incident involved a minivan which crashed into the motorcycle, and later crashing into a third vehicle . The motorcyclist, identified as Caire C. Cotton of Tacoma, died on the scene. A woman from the third vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way for treatment. The minivan driver, a 64 year-old Tacoma woman, was not injured.

According to the report, Cotton was riding on southbound I-5 around 6 p.m. when his motorcycle broke down. He then stopped at the gore point to make repairs. The minivan driver exited Interstate 705 and struck the motorcyclist, also striking a third vehicle. The minivan driver faces a possible charge of vehicular homicide. The accident caused all southbound lanes to be closed, with traffic being diverted to State Route 16 and 38th Street.

About Vehicle Accidents

We offer our sympathies and compassion to the friends and loved ones of the victim. Unfortunately, this is not the only case of accident where fatalities and injuries have been reported. 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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