Puyallup, Washington – One Person Dead, One Injured in Car-Truck Collision at River Road

Puyallup, Washington  (January 30, 2020) – One person died and another was injured in a collision involving a car and a pickup truck on River Road on Thursday night. According to the report from KOMO News, the driver of the car, a 58 year-old man from Puyallup, was pronounced dead on the scene. The driver of the pickup truck, a 25 year-old man from Oregon, was injured and taken to a hospital for treatment. No further word has been given regarding the truck driver’s condition.

According to information from the Washington State Patrol, troopers and medics responded to the scene near 78th Avenue East  around 9:20 p.m. Preliminary investigation found that the car had made a left turn onto River Road from a lounge parking lot and was struck by the northbound pickup truck. River Road was blocked at the scene for 3 1/2 hours while investigation and clean-up was ongoing.

About Vehicle Accidents

We offer our sympathies and compassion to the friends and loved ones of the victim. Unfortunately, this is not the only time a collision has resulted in a fatality and injuries. 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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