Dodge Ram lost control on the snow covered highway and crossed into a ditch before striking the tree
April 15, 2026 | Clackamas, OR
A devastating accident claimed the life of a Gresham resident and injured three others on a treacherous stretch of highway in Clackamas County.
The incident unfolded amid challenging winter conditions, highlighting the dangers of driving in adverse weather.
Nina Westbrook, 34, died after a Dodge Ram lost control on U.S. Highway 26 and struck a tree near Welches in Clackamas County.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision occurred when a westbound 2014 Dodge Ram veered out of control due to excessive speed on a snow-slicked road. The truck crossed the median, plunged into a ditch, and slammed into a tree around 3 p.m.
Key details include:
- Location: U.S. Highway 26 near Welches, Clackamas County, Oregon
- Date and Time: April 15, around 3 p.m.
- Vehicle Involved: 2014 Dodge Ram pickup truck
- Contributing Factors: High speed and snowy road conditions, no alcohol detected
- Investigation Status: Ongoing by Oregon State Police, with no additional details released yet
Nina Westbrook, 34, from Gresham, was a rear passenger and was declared deceased at the scene. The driver and another passenger sustained severe injuries requiring hospital transport, while a 2-year-old girl in the vehicle suffered minor injuries.
Why Do Snowy Road Crashes Happen?
Winter weather significantly elevates crash risks on highways like U.S. 26, where snow accumulation and black ice create hazardous driving environments. Even a light snowfall can reduce tire grip, making vehicles more susceptible to hydroplaning or skidding, especially during turns or sudden stops.
Common contributors to these incidents include:
- Inadequate speed adjustment for the weather
- Poor visibility from snow flurries or untreated windshields
- Failure to maintain safe following distances
- Unpredictable braking on slick surfaces
According to the Federal Highway Administration, icy roads contribute to thousands of crashes annually, with over 900,000 weather-related incidents reported in recent years.
Factor |
Impact on Crashes |
Source |
|---|
Snow/Ice Coverage |
Reduces traction by up to 50%, extending stopping distances |
Federal Highway Administration |
Speeding in Poor Conditions |
Increases skid risk by 30-40% |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
Visibility Impairment |
Contributes to 20% of winter accidents |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
Black Ice |
Causes sudden loss of control in 15% of cases |
Federal Highway Administration |
Legal Insights on Motor Vehicle Crashes in Adverse Weather
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in weather-related collisions to determine liability and support affected families.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “In cases such as this, an accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives:
- Detailed scene analysis can uncover hidden factors like road maintenance issues
- Families may pursue claims for medical costs, lost income, and emotional impacts
- Legal support ensures investigations align with securing fair compensation
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. In cases such as this, a wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
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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).