Wapato, Washington Semi Truck Accident Injures Two

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on July 10, 2012

Two people were injured recently in an accident involving a small car and a tractor-trailer, according to an article in the Yakima Herald.

Investigators believe the accident occurred when the driver of the semi truck failed to stop at a red light at the intersection of US 97 and West Wapato Road in Wapato. Instead, the truck barreled through the intersection and slammed into a Plymouth Neon being driven by a 23-year-old local man. He and his 21-year-old passenger were taken to local hospitals for treatment of their injuries.

The driver of the truck was not injured in the crash, and the truck was still driveable. The Neon, however, was totaled. Investigators say that everyone involved in the crash was wearing a seat belt at the time. They do not believe alcohol was involved, but driver distraction may have been a factor.

Running a red light may have several causes, but they all point to a driver’s failure to pay proper attention to the road. Distraction caused by fatigue, using a cell phone, or other activities is a common cause of running red lights. Age can also play a role; in a 2010 study, older drivers were found to be more likely to run red lights, especially when their vision was impaired by cataracts or other conditions.

Running a red light causes 260,000 accidents nationwide each year. If you’ve been injured in one of these accidents in Washington, an experienced Washington truck crash lawyer at Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. can help. Call us today at (888) 228-3860 for a free, confidential consultation.