Sammamish, Washington – One Dead, Three Injured in Collision

Sammamish, Washington  (June 25, 2019) – A woman  was killed, two children critically injured and another driver sustained minor injuries in a car-truck collision on State Route 202. The woman, identified as Justina M. Lamphere of Seattle, was found dead in the wreckage of her car. A 4 month-old baby and a 2 year-old girl found inside the wrecked car were taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. The driver of the pickup truck, a 24 year-old man from Bothell, was also taken to Harborview with minor injuries.

According to preliminary investigation, Lamphere made an unsafe turn onto the west bound lane of State Route 202 as the pickup was approaching in the eastbound lane. The pickup was unable to avoid the vehicle and collided with the side door of Lamphere’s vehicle. The car was sent into a ditch from the impact, while the pickup truck was forced off the roadway and struck a tree. The driver of the pickup truck has been found to not be at fault and will face no charges. The accident caused both lanes to be temporarily closed for investigation and cleaning.

About Vehicle Accidents

We offer our sympathies and compassion for the friends and loved ones of the victims. Unfortunately, this is not the only case of fatal 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.

[cta]