Pasco, WA (April 21, 2026) — Two people were seriously injured early Tuesday morning in a collision involving a passenger vehicle and a semi-truck at the intersection of U.S. Highway 12 and Tank Farm Road. According to the Washington State Patrol, the crash occurred around 2:51 a.m.
Investigators reported that the semi-truck was attempting to turn onto Tank Farm Road from Highway 12 when it allegedly failed to yield to an oncoming car. The car then collided with the truck. The driver and passenger in the car were both transported to the hospital with serious injuries. The semi-truck driver was not transported. Authorities have noted that this intersection has previously been identified as a high-risk location. The investigation is ongoing.
Left turns across active traffic are one of the more common ways serious crashes happen, especially when visibility is limited. Around 3 a.m., there are fewer cars on the road, but that can sometimes lead to faster travel speeds or misjudging how quickly another vehicle is approaching.
In this case, investigators will likely focus on when the truck began its turn and whether there was enough time and space to do so safely. That includes looking at how far away the car was, how fast it was traveling, and what the driver of the truck could reasonably see before committing to the turn.
The fact that this intersection has already been flagged as high-risk adds another layer. Some intersections have sightline issues, unusual layouts, or traffic patterns that make turning more difficult than it appears at first glance.
That does not replace a driver’s responsibility to yield, but it can be part of the broader picture investigators consider when trying to understand why a crash happened in a specific location.
To get a clearer answer, investigators will likely rely on vehicle damage, the final resting positions, and any available witness statements.
Because this crash involved a semi-truck, they may also review any available data from the truck to understand speed and braking leading up to the impact.
Source: KNDU
Crashes involving turning commercial trucks often come down to judgment calls like when to turn, how to gauge distance, and whether it’s safe to proceed. Those decisions have serious consequences when a smaller vehicle is involved. That being said, since the operation of a truck is highly regulated, it’s important to consider hiring an attorney experienced specifically in truck crashes if you find yourself in a similar situation.
Attorneys certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in truck accident law have demonstrated experience handling these types of cases, and few attorneys in the Pacific Northwest hold that certification. Tom D’Amore, founder of D’Amore Law Group, has more than 30 years of experience and is certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
If you were hurt in a crash like this, schedule a consultation to talk through what happened and what your options may be.
