Passenger in Tacoma struck after illegal turn near Hood Canal Bridge
November 06, 2025 | Jefferson, WA
A fatal collision on the Hood Canal Bridge has left a community in mourning after a passenger lost his life in a two-vehicle crash.
The incident, involving a misguided U-turn, highlights the perils of such maneuvers on busy highways.
Antonio Mateo Gaspar, 39, of Allyn, died when a Toyota Tacoma attempted a U-turn and struck another vehicle on Hood Canal Bridge.
What Happened in the Jefferson County Crash?
On November 6, a two-vehicle accident unfolded on Highway 104 in Jefferson County, Washington.
The Washington State Patrol reported that a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, carrying 39-year-old Antonio Mateo Gaspar of Allyn as a passenger, was heading eastbound when its 28-year-old female driver attempted a U-turn.
- Date of Incident: November 6, 2025
- Location: Hood Canal Bridge, Highway 104, Jefferson County, Washington
- Vehicles Involved: Toyota Tacoma pickup truck and an oncoming vehicle
- Victim Details: Antonio Mateo Gaspar, 39, of Allyn, pronounced dead at the scene
- Driver Details: 28-year-old female
- Collision Type: T-bone impact after the pickup crossed the center line
The pickup crossed into oncoming traffic and was struck broadside, resulting in Gaspar's immediate death. Authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Why Do U-Turn Crashes Pose Such High Risks?
U-turns demand precise judgment of traffic flow and visibility, yet they often lead to severe outcomes. Drivers must navigate multiple lanes while exposed to high-speed oncoming vehicles.
Key factors contributing to these accidents include:
- Misjudging available space or time to complete the turn
- Reduced visibility near bridges, curves, or hills
- Legal restrictions in areas where vehicles are not visible from 500 feet in both directions
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), improper turning maneuvers, including U-turns, factor into thousands of collisions annually.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Annual crashes from illegal or improper turns |
About 51,000 |
NHTSA (2022 data) |
Fatalities in turning-related crashes |
Approximately 800 |
IIHS (annual average) |
Injury crashes involving turns |
Over 40,000 |
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System |
These figures underscore the need for heightened awareness and adherence to traffic laws.
Legal Insights from National Analysts
Newsline consulted with seasoned legal professionals to provide perspective on navigating the aftermath of motor vehicle crashes. In cases such as this, professional guidance can safeguard families' rights amid grief.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can collect the proper evidence to help prove that a driver’s actions were reckless, which requires a variety of resources,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst with the Newsline. “Serving as an advocate, an attorney will help compassionately guide a client during this difficult time, vigorously protecting their legal rights and best interests.”
Key Takeaways from Bond:
- Preserve evidence promptly through independent analysis
- Demonstrate recklessness with comprehensive resources
- Prioritize compassionate support for affected families
“We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of. Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”
Key Takeaways from Formica:
- Monitor investigations to align with family interests
- Pursue compensation for emotional and companionship losses
- Ensure vital protections during vulnerable periods
Families may explore wrongful death claims to address losses from such tragedies.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).