Vehicle travelled over embankment near private driveway north of Entiat
May 05, 2026 | Chelan, WA
A serious collision on State Route 97A left two people with major injuries after their car veered off the road north of Entiat in Chelan County.
The Washington State Patrol is leading the investigation into the early morning incident.
The crash occurred around 5:44 a.m. at milepost 222, approximately five miles north of Entiat. Authorities reported that the southbound vehicle lost control, leading to a severe off-road collision.
Moses L. Aparicio, 25, of Manson, was seriously injured in a single-vehicle crash on State Route 97A in Chelan County.
What Happened in the Crash?
A gray 2014 Chevrolet Cruze was traveling southbound when it veered onto the right shoulder for undetermined reasons. The car entered a ditch, struck an embankment by a private driveway, flipped over, and settled on a hillside.
- Vehicle: Gray 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
- Direction: Southbound on SR 97A
- Location: Milepost 222, north of Entiat
- Time: 5:44 a.m. on May 5
- Injuries: Driver and passenger seriously hurt, both airlifted to Harborview Medical Center
- Passenger Identified: 25-year-old Moses L. Aparicio of Manson
- Damage: Vehicle heavily damaged from the rollover
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
The Washington State Patrol continues to investigate potential causes, including driver behavior or road factors. Such incidents on rural highways often involve veering due to inattention or environmental challenges.
- Distracted driving
- Speeding on curves
- Adverse weather or low visibility
- Mechanical failures
Drivers are advised to exercise caution on SR 97A, which features challenging terrain.
Crash Statistics Overview
Motor vehicle accidents cause widespread harm each year. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) underscores the scale:
Year |
Total Crashes |
Injuries |
Fatalities |
Source |
|---|
2023 |
Over 6 million |
2.2 million |
40,990 |
NHTSA |
2022 |
6.06 million |
2.4 million |
42,514 |
NHTSA |
2021 |
5.75 million |
2.3 million |
42,939 |
NHTSA |
Legal Insights
For incidents involving motor vehicle crashes, detailed examinations are essential to determine responsibility and aid those impacted. Analysts stress the importance of supplementary inquiries to official efforts.
“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 of 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.”
- Independent investigations reveal hidden evidence
- Video and records provide clarity on accidents
- Swift evidence collection prevents loss
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, shared perspectives on pursuing claims.
“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 noted. “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.”
- Legal representation combats unfair settlements
- Support alleviates post-injury stress
- Compensation addresses broad life effects
As the investigation proceeds, options for personal injury pursuits may arise to help mitigate the consequences of such collisions.
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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).