Toppenish, Washington – One Person Hospitalized Following Hit-and-Run Crash

Toppenish, Washington (August 29, 2019) – One woman was hospitalized after her vehicle was struck by another car at the intersection of southbound State Route 97 and East McDonald Road on Thursday night. The victim, identified as 32 year-old Maribel Estrada, was taken to Astria Toppenish Hospital for treatment. She was reported to be recovering from her injuries. The driver of the other vehicle, identified as 31 year-old Rigoberto Navarro-Guardado, appeared to be uninjured in the incident and fled from the scene.

The collision happened after 10 p.m. on Thursday night. According to the report from the Washington State Patrol, Navarro-Guerdado were heading west on East McDonald Road while Estrada was traveling on southbound State Route 97.  Navarro-Guerdado failed to halt at the stop sign, causing him to crash into Estrada’s vehicle. He fled the scene, but was later located and now faces felony hit and run charges.

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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