Okanogan Co., WA - Three-Car Accident with Injuries on Hwy 97

Okanogan Co., WA (May 30, 2025) - A three-vehicle collision east of Pateros in Okanogan County left three people injured Thursday afternoon, May 29. The crash occurred around 3:20 p.m. along U.S. Highway 97, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Investigators say the crash began when an SUV traveling northbound failed to stop in time and struck a Jeep that had come to a halt to make a left turn off the highway. The impact resulted in injuries to the SUV’s driver, a 68-year-old Shelton resident, who was treated at the scene. Two passengers—one from the SUV and another from the Jeep—were taken to Three Rivers Hospital in Brewster for further care.

A third vehicle, a van traveling behind the SUV, attempted to avoid the collision but ended up sideswiping the SUV’s passenger side. Fortunately, the two individuals inside the van were not hurt.

Troopers determined that the driver of the SUV was following too closely and was cited accordingly. They confirmed that impairment was not a factor in the crash. The incident disrupted traffic on U.S. 97 for approximately an hour as emergency crews worked at the scene.

We hope for the full recovery of the injured victims. 

Washington Car Accidents

In Okanogan County and across Washington State, car accidents continue to be one of the leading causes of injury and trauma. In 2023 alone, more than 3,000 people in Washington suffered serious injuries due to traffic collisions — many of which occurred on rural highways and county roads like those in Okanogan.

Unfortunately, most of these crashes are not random. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that over 90% of traffic accidents nationwide stem from human error. In Okanogan County, common contributing factors include:

• Distracted driving, such as texting or using a smartphone
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Speeding on open roads with little enforcement
• Driver fatigue, especially on long rural stretches

Distracted driving remains a particularly urgent issue, responsible for hundreds of thousands of crashes across the U.S. each year. In Washington, speeding alone caused more than 4,000 accidents last year, many of them in less densely populated counties like Okanogan where high speeds are more common.

For those injured in these accidents, the consequences are often life-changing. Beyond physical pain and recovery, victims must contend with hospital bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and emotional distress. It’s a heavy toll — one that no one should have to bear alone.

At Freeman Law Firm, our car crash lawyers are dedicated to helping crash victims in Okanogan County seek justice and recover compensation for their injuries. Whether you were hurt in a high-speed collision on U.S. 97 or a distracted driving incident near a local town, our experienced attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way. And because we work on a contingency fee basis, you won’t pay anything unless we secure a win for you.

Call Freeman Law Firm at 206-880-2454 for a free consultation. Let us fight for your rights and help you get back on the road to recovery.