Speeding pickup truck struck Ford Expedition near Lewis Street exit
April 30, 2026 | Pasco, WA
Marco Mendoza-Ortiz, 53, lost his life in a devastating head-on collision involving his Ford Expedition and a speeding pickup truck on the Lewis Street exit off Highway 395.
Marco Mendoza-Ortiz, 53, died after a head-on crash involving a Ford Expedition and a pickup truck on the Lewis Street exit off Highway 395 in Pasco.
What Happened in the Crash?
The Washington State Patrol reported that the incident occurred around 11:10 a.m. on April 30. Mendoza-Ortiz was driving northbound when a 32-year-old man operating a pickup truck, traveling at excessive speed, crossed into oncoming traffic and struck the SUV head-on. The collision ejected Mendoza-Ortiz from his vehicle, leading to his fatal injuries at the scene.
- Location: Lewis Street exit ramp off Highway 395, Pasco, Washington
- Date and Time: April 30, approximately 11:10 a.m.
- Vehicles Involved: Ford Expedition, driven by Mendoza-Ortiz, and an unspecified pickup truck
- Driver of Pickup: 32-year-old male, no injuries reported
- Outcome: Mendoza-Ortiz was pronounced dead at the scene, and an investigation is ongoing by the Washington State Patrol
The exit ramp, a curved section of roadway, may have contributed to the loss of control by the speeding driver.
Why Do Speeding-Related Accidents Happen on Highway Exits?
Speeding on highway exits like the Lewis Street ramp increases risks due to tight curves, merging traffic, and reduced visibility. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), excessive speed reduces reaction time and vehicle stability, turning minor errors into catastrophic circumstances.
Common factors in such crashes:
- Driver inattention or impairment
- Failure to adjust speed for road conditions
- High-traffic volumes on interchanges like Highway 395
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Percentage of fatal crashes involving speeding |
29% |
NHTSA (2023 data) |
Annual U.S. traffic fatalities due to speeding |
Over 12,000 |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Risk increases from speeding by 10 mph over the limit |
2x likelihood of crash |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
Legal Insights on Speeding Crashes and Victim Rights
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle collisions, independent investigations play a crucial role in uncovering all factors. National legal analyst highlights the importance of thorough investigations beyond initial police reports.
“Speeding endangers not only the driver’s life but also their passengers and others on the road. Excessive speeding reduces the time a driver has to react in a dangerous situation to avoid a crash. Regardless of the findings of any police investigation, it is imperative to conduct an independent investigation into the cause of the crash to secure evidence and protect the rights of a victim’s family,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives:
- Re-interview witnesses and analyze surveillance footage to build a complete picture
- Obtain phone and texting records of potentially liable parties
- Guide families compassionately while safeguarding legal interests
For relatives, pursuing a wrongful death claim can address losses like companionship and emotional distress. Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, emphasizes ongoing support.
“We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of. Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident,” said Formica.
Newsline, the premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., maintains an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence.
Our rigorous standards ensure accurate, timely reporting on legal news, accidents, and public safety issues. For transparency, we adhere to our Corrections Policy, offering a 24-hour review guarantee.
Readers can submit feedback via our Corrections Form or learn more about our Editorial Process and Editorial Policy.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
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).