The crash occurred on Highway 38 near milepost 22 at approximately 5:20 p.m. on December 9, 2025.
Douglas County, OR – One person was killed, and another suffered minor injuries after a three-vehicle collision on Highway 38 Tuesday evening, according to the Oregon State Police.
The crash occurred on Highway 38 near milepost 22 at approximately 5:20 p.m. on December 9, 2025.
Investigators reported that an eastbound Buick Enclave drifted into the westbound lane for unknown reasons, colliding with a westbound Freightliner commercial truck. The impact caused the Buick Enclave to spin into the roadway, where it was then struck by a westbound Buick LaCrosse before rolling and coming to rest on its side.
The driver of the Buick Enclave, identified as David Michael Lawson, a 48-year-old Elkton resident, was pronounced dead at the scene. The operator of the Freightliner, Kevin Morgan Leiser, a 65-year-old Vancouver (WA) man, sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The driver of the Buick LaCrosse, a 53-year-old from Elkton, was reportedly uninjured. No arrests were made.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation, though authorities have not yet determined why the Enclave entered the opposing lane.
Emergency crews, including Oregon State Police, Scottsburg Fire, and ODOT, responded to the scene and conducted traffic control and clearing operations.
The crash caused significant delays along Highway 38, with the roadway affected for approximately five hours while authorities investigated and removed debris.
The incident remains under investigation by the Oregon State Police.
Crash Statistics in Oregon
According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Oregon has continued to see fluctuations in traffic-related fatalities in recent years. Statewide crash reports show that lane-departure and head-on collisions remain among the leading causes of deadly rural-roadway crashes. ODOT’s annual traffic safety publication provides detailed data on statewide crash trends, fatality rates, and contributing factors.
Douglas County in particular, experiences a higher proportion of fatal crashes on rural highways like Highway 38, where limited lighting, curves, and higher travel speeds can contribute to severe outcomes. Safety officials continue to emphasize defensive driving and awareness, especially during the winter months when visibility and road conditions tend to worsen.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a fatal car accident, it’s important to understand your legal rights as soon as possible. Crashes involving multiple vehicles often involve complex liability issues that require thorough investigation. Speaking with an experienced wrongful death attorney can help ensure evidence is preserved and claims are properly handled. Reach out for legal guidance today to protect your rights and explore available options for recovery.