Ellensburg, WA (January 17, 2026) — A Washington State Department of Transportation worker was injured Saturday night after a commercial truck struck a WSDOT vehicle on eastbound Interstate 90 near milepost 115, approximately six miles east of Ellensburg. The crash occurred at approximately 7:52 p.m.
According to the Washington State Patrol, a commercial truck traveling eastbound collided with a WSDOT truck that was actively applying product to the roadway. After impact, the WSDOT vehicle reportedly left the roadway, entered the median, and rolled. The roadway worker was transported to Kittitas Valley Healthcare for treatment. Authorities stated that the commercial truck driver was not injured and has been charged with DUI and endangering a roadway worker. State Patrol alleged that drugs or alcohol were involved and identified DUI as the cause of the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
When a crash involves allegations of driving under the influence, particularly in a commercial trucking case, it immediately raises serious safety and compliance concerns. Commercial drivers are subject to stricter alcohol and drug standards than ordinary motorists. Federal regulations prohibit commercial drivers from operating with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 percent or higher and impose strict testing requirements.
Investigators will likely examine not only the circumstances of the crash itself, but also the timeline leading up to the driver operating the truck that evening. This includes reviewing when the driver was on duty, where the vehicle originated, and whether any signs of impairment were observed before the collision.
In cases where DUI is alleged as a cause, attention often turns to the trucking company’s hiring, supervision, and drug and alcohol testing practices. Commercial carriers are required to conduct pre-employment screening, maintain ongoing drug and alcohol testing programs, and respond appropriately to any prior violations.
Investigators may review whether the driver had a valid commercial driver’s license, whether required pre-employment background checks were completed, and whether random or post-incident testing protocols were properly followed. If prior violations or red flags existed, those records could become relevant in evaluating the carrier’s role.
Although authorities have alleged DUI as the cause, a full investigation will still be necessary to document how the crash occurred and whether any additional contributing factors were present. This may include reviewing electronic data from the truck, dash camera footage, dispatch records, and the carrier’s safety compliance history.
A careful and complete review helps determine not only what happened at the moment of impact, but whether systemic safety failures contributed to the event. Establishing those facts is essential when a crash involves both alleged impairment and a commercial vehicle.
Source: Source One News
Crashes involving commercial trucks and allegations of DUI often involve both criminal proceedings and complex civil liability issues. These cases can require detailed knowledge of federal motor carrier regulations, drug and alcohol testing standards, and carrier safety requirements.
Attorneys certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in truck accident law have demonstrated experience handling complex commercial vehicle cases. This certification is held by a limited number of attorneys nationwide. Tom D’Amore, founder of D’Amore Law Group, has more than 30 years of experience and holds this certification. That background can be especially important when evaluating serious truck crashes in Washington involving alleged impairment. If you or a family member has been injured in a similar incident, consider reaching out for a consultation.
