Chevrolet Equinox driver hit disabled Ford F-150 that then struck pedestrian
March 12, 2026 | Forks, WA
A 61-year-old man from Clallam Bay suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident near Forks when a vehicle struck a disabled truck, propelling it into him early on March 14.
What Happened in the Crash?
Douglas K. Sternback, 61, was injured after a Chevrolet Equinox struck a Ford F-150 and pushed it into the pedestrian on U.S. 101 near milepost 203 near Forks.
Douglas K. Sternback was positioned near the fog line behind a disabled 1986 Ford F-150 truck that partially obstructed the eastbound lane of U.S. Highway 101 near milepost 203. Just before 5 a.m., a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox driven by a 41-year-old resident of Port Angeles collided with the Ford, causing it to strike Sternback.
- Location: U.S. Highway 101 near milepost 203, Forks, Washington
- Date and Time: March 14, just before 5 a.m.
- Vehicles Involved: 1986 Ford F-150, disabled, and the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox
- Injuries: Sternback was transported to Forks Community Hospital for treatment, and the Equinox driver was uninjured
- Cause: Cited as driving too fast for conditions by the Washington State Patrol
- Status: Charges pending, investigation ongoing
The Equinox driver showed no signs of impairment.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Pedestrian incidents like this highlight risks for vulnerable road users. Drivers bear primary responsibility to maintain caution, especially near disabled vehicles or in low-visibility conditions.
Common contributing factors include distracted driving, excessive speed, and failure to yield. According to the National Safety Council, motor vehicles injured about 150,000 pedestrians in 2018.
Factor |
Description |
Source |
|---|
Distracted Driving |
Using phones or other distractions while operating a vehicle |
CDC |
Speeding |
Exceeding safe speeds for road conditions |
Federal Highway Administration |
Failure to Yield |
Not giving right-of-way to pedestrians, even outside crosswalks |
National Safety Council |
Poor Visibility |
Low light or fog affecting driver awareness |
Washington State Patrol Reports |
In cases such as this, road conditions, visibility, and lighting play critical roles in determining fault.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in pedestrian collisions to establish negligence and support claims.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
- Pedestrians generally have the right-of-way when crossing streets or intersections, marked or unmarked.
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians at all times.
- Factors like road conditions and visibility are examined to build strong cases.
- Proper investigation helps victims or families seek justice.
“Injured victims involved in a collision often seek a personal injury claim to cover the cost of medical bills, future medical care, loss of income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.
Insurance providers may resist covering full expenses, making legal assistance essential to advocate for fair compensation.
Douglas Sternback may pursue a personal injury claim as the investigation continues.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, is experienced in pedestrian accidents involving serious injuries. She is available for a free consultation if you or a family member needs assistance.
(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).