Honda CR-V veered into oncoming traffic and struck Jefferson Transit bus near milepost 9
March 03, 2026 | Jefferson, WA
A tragic collision on State Route 104 in Jefferson County claimed one life and left three people injured, including two Sequim residents.
The Washington State Patrol reported the incident occurred around 7 p.m. on March 3, involving a Jefferson Transit Authority bus and two other vehicles.
Christopher Fiorini, 41, and Elizabeth Fiorini, 68, were injured after a three-vehicle crash on State Highway 104 near milepost 9 in Jefferson County
What Happened in the State Route 104 Crash?
The crash unfolded when a Honda CR-V, driven by a 17-year-old from Poulsbo, veered into oncoming traffic near milepost 9 while heading west. The vehicle collided with the oncoming bus, causing the bus—driven by a man from Port Townsend—to cross the centerline. The bus then struck a Toyota Tacoma traveling behind the CR-V.
- Fatalities: The Poulsbo teenager driving the Honda CR-V died from her injuries.
- Injured Parties:
- Bus driver airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in serious condition.
- Christopher Fiorini, 41, driver of the Toyota Tacoma, was treated at Jefferson Healthcare in Port Townsend.
- Elizabeth Fiorini, 68, passenger in the Toyota Tacoma, was also treated at Jefferson Healthcare.
- Location: State Highway 104 near milepost 9, Jefferson County, Washington.
- Time: Approximately 7 p.m. on March 3.
- Vehicles Involved: Honda CR-V, Jefferson Transit Authority bus, Toyota Tacoma.
- Agency: Washington State Patrol is leading the ongoing investigation.
Authorities continue to investigate the factors leading to the collision, with no charges announced yet.
Why Do Highway Crashes Like This Occur?
Motor vehicle accidents on highways often stem from factors such as distracted driving, speeding, or adverse weather conditions. In this case, the initial veer into oncoming traffic suggests possible loss of control. Broader data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) underscores the prevalence of such incidents.
Year |
Estimated Injuries in U.S. Roadway Crashes |
Injury Rate per 100 Million Vehicle Miles Traveled |
|---|
2022 |
2.38 million |
75 |
2023 |
2.44 million (2.5% increase) |
75 |
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
These figures highlight a persistent risk on American roads, with millions facing life-altering impacts annually.
Legal Insights on Crash Investigations and Personal Injury Claims
Newsline features analysis from seasoned legal professionals to provide context on incidents like multi-vehicle collisions. Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline, emphasizes the value of thorough investigations.
“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,” Bond said. “Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the victim’s family must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently.”
Key takeaways from Bond's insights:
- Independent investigations complement official efforts by gathering overlooked evidence.
- Prompt action preserves critical details like witness statements and digital records.
- Experienced counsel helps identify liability in complex highway accidents.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, addresses the aftermath of serious injuries.
“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,” Formica noted. “Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
Bullet-point takeaways from Formica:
- Legal representation counters aggressive insurance tactics for fair settlements.
- Claims can cover medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress from crashes.
- Victims in bus or multi-vehicle accidents may pursue compensation for ongoing care needs.
Pending investigation outcomes, affected parties like the Fiorinis could explore personal injury options to address their injuries.
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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).