Wrong-way Toyota struck northbound Ford Focus near Ridgefield
March 09, 2026 | Battle Ground, WA
A tragic wrong-way crash on Interstate 5 claimed the lives of two individuals early Monday morning.
The incident occurred near milepost 11, south of Ridgefield, when a northbound Ford Focus collided head-on with a southbound Toyota Corolla in the northbound lanes.
Rebecca Hantho, 40, died after a Ford Focus collided with a Toyota Corolla on Interstate 5 near milepost 11 south of Ridgefield near Battle Ground.
What Happened in the Crash?
At approximately 3:38 a.m., Rebecca Hantho, 40, from La Center, was operating the Ford Focus heading north. The vehicle struck the Toyota Corolla driven by a 30-year-old man from Portland, who was traveling the wrong way. Both drivers were declared dead at the scene by emergency responders.
Key details of the incident include:
- Date and Time: March 9, around 3:38 a.m.
- Location: Interstate 5 near milepost 11, south of Ridgefield, Battle Ground area.
- Vehicles Involved: Ford Focus, northbound, and Toyota Corolla, wrong-way southbound.
- Victims: Rebecca Hantho, 40, La Center, unidentified 30-year-old male, Portland.
- Agency: Washington State Patrol is leading the investigation.
Why Do Wrong-Way Accidents Happen?
Wrong-way crashes on highways like Interstate 5 pose significant risks to motorists. The Washington State Patrol has not determined if impairment played a role, but such incidents often stem from various factors.
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), around 400 people lose their lives annually in wrong-way collisions nationwide. Common contributors include:
Cause |
Description |
Source |
|---|
Driver Error |
Confusion at exits or lane markings leading to wrong-direction entry. |
FHWA |
Impaired Driving |
Alcohol or drugs affecting judgment and direction sense. |
FHWA |
Distracted Driving |
Mobile device use or other distractions are causing navigational mistakes. |
FHWA |
Poor Road Design |
Inadequate signage or lighting in high-risk areas. |
FHWA |
These statistics underscore the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures on interstates.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving fatal motor vehicle crashes, conducting an independent investigation promptly is crucial to preserving vital evidence. National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough reviews beyond initial police reports.
“In addition to a police report, an attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “Your lawyer has the resources to hire witnesses, conduct driver background checks, locate witnesses to the crash, and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family during this difficult time, while protecting their legal rights.”
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives:
- Preserve evidence through credible investigations to identify all contributing factors.
- Hire specialists for background checks, witness interviews, and insurance evaluations.
- Seek compassionate legal support to navigate grief and secure rights.
Pending investigation outcomes, the family of Rebecca Hantho may pursue a wrongful death claim. Such claims can cover damages for loss of companionship, funeral costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “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 client's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
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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).