Driver of Dodge Ram crossed centerline and hit Chevrolet Equinox near milepost 34 in Colfax
December 03, 2025 | Colfax, WA
A serious head-on crash occurred on Dec. 3 south of Colfax in Whitman County, Washington, involving a northbound Dodge Ram and a southbound Chevrolet Equinox.
The Washington State Patrol reported the incident at approximately 5:28 p.m. at milepost 34 on State Route 195.
The Dodge Ram driver crossed the centerline and collided head-on with the Equinox driven by Blaise A. Banks, 19, from Homer, Alaska. Both vehicles stopped in the roadway, blocking traffic in both directions.
Blaise A. Banks, 19, of Homer, Alaska was injured when his Chevrolet Equinox collided head-on with a Dodge Ram on State Route 195 near milepost 34 south of Colfax.
What Happened in the Crash?
- Date and Time: Dec. 3, 2025, around 5:28 p.m.
- Location: State Route 195, milepost 34, three miles south of Colfax, Whitman County, WA
- Vehicles Involved: 2012 Dodge, northbound, and 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, southbound
- Injuries: Blaise A. Banks transported to Pullman Regional Hospital, and Dodge Ram driver taken to a different hospital
- Investigation Status: Ongoing by Washington State Patrol
Authorities confirmed Banks was airlifted or transported to Pullman Regional Hospital for treatment of her injuries.
Why Do Head-On Crashes Happen?
Head-on collisions often result from driver errors like crossing the centerline due to distraction, speeding, or improper passing. According to the National Safety Council, motor vehicle crashes caused 4.5 million injuries in 2018.
Contributing Factor |
Percentage of Crashes (CDC Data) |
Description |
|---|
Distracted Driving |
25% |
Use of phones or other distractions leading to centerline crossover |
Speeding |
29% |
Excessive speed contributing to loss of control |
Unsafe Passing |
15% |
Attempting to pass on undivided roads |
Fatigue |
10% |
Driver drowsiness causing unintended lane departure |
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Federal Highway Administration reports on roadway fatalities.
These incidents underscore the dangers of rural highways like State Route 195, where undivided lanes increase risks.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, an independent investigation is crucial to determine liability and support potential claims. Newsline features insights from national legal analysts to provide clarity on motor vehicle incidents.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. “Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the victim’s family must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently.”
- Importance of Prompt Action: Delays can lead to lost evidence, affecting case outcomes.
- Role of Professionals: Attorneys help negotiate with insurers to secure fair compensation.
- Common Challenges: Insurance companies may push for low settlements, but skilled representation ensures victims are treated fairly.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, emphasized the broader consequences:
“The stress and worry following a serious injury could be overwhelming, disrupting all aspects of life, including family, work, finances, and overall quality of life. It is vital for victims to hire an attorney when filing a personal injury claim, which allows them to negotiate with an insurance company on behalf of a client.”
- Victim Rights: Eligible individuals may pursue claims for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Insurance Tactics: Companies often undervalue claims, and legal advocacy protects against this.
- Comprehensive Support: Attorneys handle complexities, allowing focus on recovery.
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(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).