The driver then overcorrected and went across the westbound lanes into the eastbound side, where the Nissan collided with an oncoming 2016 Dodge Dart
Soap Lake, WA – A collision between two vehicles sent two people to a hospital on Wednesday afternoon near Soap Lake in Grant County.
According to a report by the Washington State Patrol, authorities responded at around 3:55 p.m. February 18, to the accident on State Route 28 near milepost 50.
Through investigations, the WSP learned that a 2008 Nissan Versa was traveling west on State Route 28 when it drifted off the right shoulder.
The driver then overcorrected and went across the westbound lanes into the eastbound side, where the Nissan collided with an oncoming 2016 Dodge Dart.
The driver of the Dodge, Ginger L. Calderon-Goodman, 18, of Soap Lake, was wearing a seatbelt and was taken to Columbia Basin Hospital. There was no update on Calderon-Goodman’s condition.
The operator of the Nissan, Jose F. Machado Ayala, 42, of Soap Lake, was also wearing a seatbelt and was taken to Harborview Medical Center with unspecified injuries.
Authorities reported that charges are pending against Ayala but specific details on the charges were not immediately released.
Alcohol or drug involvement in the accident has not been ascertained at this time. The Washington State Patrol is still conducting an investigation into the crash.
Grant County has recorded relatively high number of injuries and fatalities in traffic-related accidents in the recent past. The county averaged 23 fatalities annually between 2021 and 2023. The situation got worse as it reached its highest point in 2022, when 28 lives were lost due to traffic collisions. Data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) shows that a large share of these fatal crashes occurred on state highways, with Interstate 99 in the Moses Lake area ranking among the most dangerous roadways in the county.
These routes are particularly hazardous due to a combination of sharp curves and heavy traffic flow, including frequent semi-truck activity. Such conditions often lead to risky passing maneuvers, increasing the likelihood of vehicles veering into oncoming lanes. In addition to roadway design and traffic volume, contributing factors commonly include impaired driving, excessive speed, unsafe passing, and driver distraction. Motorists are strongly encouraged to stay alert, especially when traveling through high-risk areas like I-90, to reduce the chances of being involved in a devastating crash.
Speak with a Professional Car Accident Lawyer for Legal Help
If you were injured in this car accident, you may have the right to seek compensation. It is advisable to seek legal guidance from a professional car accident lawyer. Visit our car accident lawyer page to learn more about the legal options you have.