Westbound Honda CR-V veered into oncoming traffic near milepost 9 struck eastbound bus
March 03, 2026 | Jefferson, WA
A tragic multi-vehicle accident in Jefferson County claimed the life of a young driver and left three others with injuries, as reported by the Washington State Patrol.
Michael Berrett was seriously injured after a Jefferson Transit Authority bus and Honda CR-V crash on State Highway 104 near milepost 9 in Jefferson County.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident unfolded when a 2018 Honda CR-V, operated by a 17-year-old from Poulsbo, veered into the eastbound lane on State Highway 104 near milepost 9. The SUV collided head-on with a Jefferson Transit Authority bus driven by 62-year-old Michael Berrett of Port Townsend. The force of the wreck sent the bus across the centerline, where it struck a 2008 Toyota Tacoma following the CR-V. The teenage driver from Poulsbo succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
- Date and Time: Occurred around 6:53 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3.
- Location: State Highway 104 near milepost 9, Jefferson County, Washington.
- Vehicles Involved: 2018 Honda CR-V, Jefferson Transit Authority bus, 2008 Toyota Tacoma.
- Fatalities: One – the 17-year-old Poulsbo resident.
- Injuries:
- Michael Berrett, bus driver, 62, Port Townsend – serious condition, airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
- Driver and passenger of Toyota Tacoma, both from Sequim – treated at Jefferson Healthcare in Port Townsend.
- Investigation Status: Cause under review, no confirmation on drugs or alcohol involvement.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Roadway collisions like this often stem from factors such as distracted driving, speeding, or adverse conditions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), veering into oncoming traffic is a common precursor to severe crashes.
Statistic |
Value (2023) |
Source |
|---|
Total Motor Vehicle Injuries |
2.2 million |
NHTSA |
Fatal Crashes Involving Lane Departure |
Over 10,000 deaths annually |
Federal Highway Administration |
Bus-Related Accidents |
5,000+ injuries per year |
CDC |
Legal Insights
In multi-vehicle crashes resulting in fatalities and serious injuries, thorough investigations play a crucial role in determining liability and supporting affected parties.
“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 Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, and 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 Takeaway 1: Independent investigations help uncover hidden details beyond initial police reports.
- Key Takeaway 2: Prompt action preserves critical evidence like black box data or witness accounts.
- Key Takeaway 3: Legal representation ensures fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, emphasized the challenges victims face post-accident.
“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.”
Pending investigation outcomes, individuals like the bus driver may explore personal injury claims to address the profound impacts on daily life, including work disruptions and financial strain.
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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).