Semi-truck and hit-and-run vehicle struck pedestrian near Bake Oven Road
May 05, 2026 | Wasco, OR
Oregon State Police are investigating a tragic pedestrian accident in Wasco County, where a woman lost her life after being struck by two vehicles late on May 5.
Lutah Avis Wallulatum, 42, died after a Peterbilt semi-truck and a second vehicle struck her along Highway 97 near Bake Oven Road in Wasco County.
What Happened in the Crash?
Authorities report that Lutah Avis Wallulatum, 42, from Warm Springs, was walking along Highway 97 when a southbound Peterbilt semi-truck struck her near milepost 61 and Bake Oven Road around 10:30 p.m. Moments later, a northbound vehicle hit her and fled the scene.
Wallulatum, who officials believe was on the roadway due to a vehicle breakdown, died at the crash site from her injuries.
- Date and Time: May 5, around 10:30 p.m.
- Location: Highway 97 near milepost 61, Bake Oven Road, Wasco County, Oregon
- Victim: Lutah Avis Wallulatum, 42, of Warm Springs
- Vehicles Involved: Southbound Peterbilt semi-truck, northbound unidentified vehicle, hit-and-run
- Agency: Oregon State Police (OSP)
- Status: Fatal, investigation ongoing
Anyone with information about the hit-and-run is urged to contact investigators at 800-442-2068.
Why Do Semi-Truck Crashes Occur?
Semi-truck accidents can stem from multiple causes, including mechanical issues, driver errors, and environmental factors. These incidents often involve pedestrians when vehicles break down on busy highways like Highway 97.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), large truck crashes injure an estimated 150,000 people annually and result in about 4,900 fatalities each year.
Cause of Semi-Truck Crashes |
Description |
Annual Impact (NSC Data) |
|---|
Tire Blowouts |
Sudden tire failures leading to loss of control |
Contributes to thousands of incidents |
Mechanical Failures |
Brake or engine issues in heavy vehicles |
Involved in 30% of fatal crashes (FHWA) |
Improper Maneuvering |
Unsafe turns or lane changes by truckers |
Common in pedestrian-involved accidents |
Lane Drifting |
Driver distraction or fatigue causing drift |
Affects highway safety significantly |
Excessive Speed |
Trucks exceeding limits on curves or in poor weather |
Increases the severity of impacts |
Driver Fatigue |
Long hours leading to drowsiness |
Responsible for 13% of crashes (NSC) |
Sudden Loss of Control |
Due to weather, load shifts, or road conditions |
Often fatal for pedestrians |
Data sourced from the National Safety Council (NSC) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Legal Insights on Pedestrian and Commercial Vehicle Crashes
In cases such as this involving commercial vehicles and pedestrians, prompt and thorough investigations are crucial to determine liability and protect involved parties.
"Commercial vehicle crashes are often complex, and many factors can play a role in these types of accidents," said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal.
Bond emphasized the need for independent investigations that examine the truck, driver logs, and company records to gather evidence.
- Independent investigations help preserve accident scenes and review black box data from trucks.
- Proficient witnesses can analyze causes like fatigue or maintenance failures.
- Background checks on drivers and insurance reviews ensure fair compensation.
- Legal guidance navigates the complexities of multi-vehicle incidents, including hit-and-runs.
Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal, added insights on supporting families after such tragedies.
"The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident. We understand just what families must go through, and having their rights protected is vital."
Potential Wrongful Death Claims in Pedestrian Accidents
Following this incident, the family of Lutah Wallulatum may explore a wrongful death claim to seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Such claims hold trucking companies and fleeing drivers accountable, ensuring families receive support amid grief. A dedicated attorney can monitor the OSP investigation and advocate for justice.
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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).