Vehicle struck Mazda MPV van after Portland driver spun out at excessive speed
March 05, 2026 | Kelso, WA
A serious collision unfolded on Interstate 5 South in Kelso, involving at least six vehicles and resulting in five injuries, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Richard C. Whittaker, 78, and Margaret J. Gardner, 73, were injured after a chain-reaction crash along Interstate 5 South near the Three Rivers Crossing exit in Kelso.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident occurred around 1:53 p.m., south of the exit for the Three Rivers Crossing mall. A 57-year-old man from Portland was driving a 2022 Ford Bronco at excessive speed for the conditions, causing the vehicle to spin out. Two other drivers attempted to swerve to the left shoulder to avoid the Bronco but struck a 2003 Mazda MPV van and a car operated by a 39-year-old resident of Winlock. A semi-truck also became entangled in the pile-up.
- Date and Time: March 5, afternoon
- Location: Interstate 5 South, Kelso, near the Three Rivers Crossing mall exit
- Vehicles Involved: 2022 Ford Bronco, 2003 Mazda MPV van, sedan, Winlock driver, semi-truck, and two additional vehicles
- Injuries: Five people were hospitalized at PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview
- Identified Victims: Richard C. Whittaker, 78, driver of the Mazda from Bellingham, and Margaret J. Gardner, 73, passenger from Bellingham
- Suspected Cause: Speeding by the Bronco driver, who may face charges
The Washington State Patrol continues to investigate the sequence of the crash and liability factors.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Multi-vehicle pile-ups on interstates like I-5 often stem from factors such as speeding, sudden maneuvers, and poor visibility. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), roadway conditions and driver behavior play critical roles in such incidents.
Year |
Injuries in U.S. Roadway Crashes |
Injury Rate (per 100 million vehicle miles traveled) |
Source |
|---|
2022 |
2.38 million |
75 |
NHTSA |
2023 |
2.44 million |
75 |
NHTSA |
Data highlights a 2.5% increase in injuries, underscoring the need for cautious driving on busy highways.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving multi-vehicle collisions, thorough analysis is essential to determine fault and support affected parties. National legal analyst Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, emphasizes the value of independent reviews.
“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 Bond, 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 takeaways from crash investigations:
- Independent attorneys can uncover details missed in initial reports.
- Surveillance and records provide crucial evidence for liability.
- Prompt action preserves vital information before it degrades.
Stefano Formica, of Counsel with Bond Legal, adds perspective on pursuing claims after serious injuries.
“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.”
- Personal injury claims help cover medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress.
- Experienced representation counters lowball offers from insurers.
- Victims deserve fair compensation to rebuild their lives post-accident.
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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).