Thurston County, WA (March 25, 2026) — Two drivers were seriously injured Wednesday morning after a transporter van collided with a semi-truck on southbound Interstate 5 near Exit 99. According to the Washington State Patrol, the crash led to a closure of the southbound lanes near State Route 121 while emergency crews responded.
Authorities reported that both drivers sustained serious injuries, with one transported by air to Seattle for treatment. Early witness statements indicated that the van may have drifted off the roadway before striking the rear of a semi-truck that was parked on the right shoulder. However, investigators have stated that the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
At this point, the available information is limited, and investigators will need to sort through several possibilities. While witnesses have suggested the van drifted, that is only one piece of the picture and will need to be verified against physical evidence and any available data.
Investigators may look at whether the van driver was dealing with distraction, a mechanical issue, or a medical issue in the moments leading up to the crash. They will also likely review vehicle movement and positioning to understand how the van left the travel lane.
The fact that the semi-truck was parked on the shoulder raises its own set of questions. Investigators will need to determine whether the truck was fully clear of the travel lane or if any portion of it extended into active traffic.
They may also examine whether the truck had appropriate warning measures in place, such as hazard lights, reflective markings, or other signals that would make it visible to approaching drivers. Even when a vehicle is stopped on the shoulder, there are safety requirements that must be followed to reduce the risk of a collision.
In situations like this, it is important not to rely solely on early witness statements. A complete investigation considers the actions of all involved and how each factor may have contributed to the crash.
This can include reviewing vehicle damage, roadway evidence, and any electronic data from the semi-truck. Understanding how far onto the shoulder the truck was positioned and how the van approached the area will be key to determining what happened.
With serious injuries involved and limited confirmed details, a careful review of the evidence will be necessary to establish how the crash occurred. Early assumptions can change once investigators have a clearer understanding of the sequence of events.
A thorough investigation helps ensure that all contributing factors are identified and that any conclusions are based on verified facts rather than initial impressions.
Source: KIRO
Crashes involving parked commercial trucks can involve questions about vehicle placement and compliance with safety requirements. These cases often depend on a detailed review of both driver actions and trucking regulations.
Because of that, it is important to work with an attorney who understands how to evaluate these factors and apply the rules that govern commercial vehicles. Attorneys certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in truck accident law have demonstrated experience handling these types of cases, and only a small number of 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 or a family member were injured in a crash involving a semi-truck in Washington, call us to schedule a consultation to review the details and determine how to move forward.
