Three Yakima Brothers Fatally Injured in Auto Accident

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Three brothers were killed in an automobile accident on US 12 west of Naches on Sunday. The brothers were in a Jeep Wrangler. The driver crossed the centerline in an attempt to pass traffic traveling the same direction. Unfortunately, there was not enough room and the Jeep Wrangler struck a Ford Expedition head on.

Roman Abundiz , 24, Raul Abundiz, 15, and Fernando Abundiz , 11, all suffered fatal injuries in the accident. Only the driver was wearing his seat belt.

Also riding in the Jeep were Rosa P. Abundiz, 43, Yesenia Verduzco Sanchez, 22, and Rogelio Benavidez Ramirez, 21, all of Yakima, State Patrol officials said. They were all injured, however, it is not believed that any of their injuries were life threatening.

The other vehcile involed in the fatal accident was a Ford Expedition. The Expedition contained six occupants from Kennewick, Washington. Only four of the occupants of the Expedition were injured.

The driver of the Expedition, Daniel E. Leach, 32, and passengers Casey I. Leach, 28, and Kelsey M. Leach, 7 — were taken to Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital. Another passenger, Dennis M. Davis, 30, was taken to Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center. None of those injuries were life threatening. Two other girls in the Expedition — ages 2 and 4 — were uninjured, officials said.

It is not believed that drugs or alcohol played a role in this tragic fatal accident, just poor judgment. Going in to oncoming traffic lanes in order to pass a vehicle in front of you can have terrifying consequences and should only be attempted when there is absolutely no question that the maneuver can be performed safely. One should NEVER attempt a pass unless there is no question that it can be done safely with plenty of time to accomplish the pass. As this story shows, a small lack of judgment can have catastrophic consequences.

This blog is provided by www.straighttalklaw.com, where you can order free books on Washington auto accidents, auto insurance, and other valuable legal information, offered as a public service by Jason Epstein and his law practice Premiere Law Group in Seattle, Washington.