Driver in GMC Terrain struck Mazda causing it to leave roadway and hit tree stump
January 08, 2026 | Yelm, WA
A 44-year-old woman from Yelm, Washington, could face DUI and vehicular assault charges following a serious early-morning crash on Yelm Highway Southeast that hospitalized 24-year-old Kaleb B. Marshall from Graham.
Kaleb B. Marshall, 24, of Graham, was injured after a GMC Terrain struck his Mazda during an attempted pass on Yelm Highway Southeast in Thurston County.
The collision unfolded around 5:17 a.m. at milepost 12, as reported by the Washington State Patrol. The woman, operating a black 2017 GMC Terrain westbound, attempted to pass Marshall's bronze 2015 Mazda 3. The maneuver led to a collision, forcing the Mazda off the roadway, where it struck a tree stump. The GMC pulled over to the right shoulder.
Marshall received medical attention at Providence St. Peter Hospital. The GMC driver was arrested and booked into Thurston County Jail. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.
Key Details of the Yelm Highway Crash
- Date and Time: Jan. 8, around 5:17 a.m.
- Location: Yelm Highway Southeast, milepost 12, Yelm, WA
- Vehicles Involved: Black 2017 GMC Terrain and bronze 2015 Mazda 3
- Injuries: Kaleb B. Marshall, 24, from Graham, was transported to Providence St. Peter Hospital
- Suspect: 44-year-old Yelm woman, booked into Thurston County Jail on possible DUI and vehicular assault charges
- Agency: Washington State Patrol
What Happened in the Crash?
The Washington State Patrol detailed that the westbound GMC Terrain driver tried to overtake the Mazda 3, resulting in the crash. This caused the Mazda to veer off the road and collide with a tree stump, while the GMC stopped safely on the shoulder. No further details on the extent of Marshall's injuries have been released, but he required hospital treatment.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Impaired driving remains a leading cause of roadway collisions, endangering all users, including drivers and pedestrians. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), a drunk driving incident occurs every 85 seconds, leading to fatalities or serious injuries that are entirely preventable.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights the national scope of this issue:
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Annual Drunk Driving Fatalities |
Over 10,000 |
CDC |
Crashes Involving Alcohol Impairment |
28% of all traffic deaths |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Preventable Nature |
100% |
MADD |
Frequency of Incidents |
Every 85 seconds |
MADD |
Legal Insights
National legal analyst Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, emphasizes the importance of thorough investigations in motor vehicle crashes.
“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 Bond, a national analyst for Newsline. “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 analysis:
- Independent investigations complement official efforts by gathering overlooked evidence.
- Prompt action preserves critical details like witness statements and digital records.
- Experienced counsel helps navigate complex liability questions in collision cases.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, addresses potential personal injury claims arising from such incidents.
“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 added. “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.”
- Serious injuries disrupt daily life, finances, and emotional well-being.
- Legal representation counters insurer tactics for low settlements.
- Fair compensation covers medical bills, lost wages, and long-term effects.
Pending investigation outcomes, Marshall may pursue a personal injury lawsuit to seek appropriate remedies.
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(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
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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).