Seattle, WA - Multi-Vehicle Crash Ends in Injuries on I-5 near Northgate Way

Seattle, WA (May 28, 2025) — A multi-vehicle crash involving a semi-truck brought traffic to a standstill on Interstate 5 in north Seattle Wednesday morning, closing all northbound lanes and three southbound lanes near the Northgate neighborhood.

The collision was reported shortly after 9:30 a.m. just north of Northgate Way. According to the Washington State Patrol (WSP), the driver of a semi-truck was traveling southbound on I-5 when another vehicle attempted to pass. The two cars collided, causing the semi-truck to crash through the concrete barrier and block all lanes of northbound traffic.

Video from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) showed the semi sprawled across the northbound lanes, lying perpendicular to the flow of traffic. As a result, three southbound lanes were also shut down, and traffic had to be rerouted via Northgate Way. Congestion quickly built up, with delays stretching approximately 4 miles northbound and 7 miles southbound.

The Seattle Fire Department (SFD) confirmed that at least one passenger vehicle was also involved in the crash. Several individuals sustained injuries and were transported to Harborview Medical Center for treatment. 

All lanes were reopened shortly before noon, but significant traffic delays lingered through the late morning. WSP indicated that the driver who attempted to pass the semi-truck is believed to have caused the crash and will likely face a citation. Further details on the citation have not yet been released, and the investigation remains ongoing.

We hope for a full recovery for those injured.

Washington Semi-Truck Accidents 

Semi-truck accidents are among the most dangerous and devastating collisions on the road, capable of altering lives in a matter of seconds. In Seattle and throughout Washington State, crashes involving large commercial vehicles lead to serious injuries and, all too often, fatal outcomes. With their massive size and weight, semi-trucks can cause catastrophic damage in the event of a crash, especially when driver negligence is involved.

Across the country, more than 3 million people are injured in vehicle accidents each year, and semi-truck collisions contribute significantly to that number. In Washington, hundreds of these incidents occur annually, many resulting from preventable causes like speeding, fatigue, distracted driving, or operating under the influence. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 93% of motor vehicle accidents are linked to human error, and truck-related crashes are no exception.

Young drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 are particularly vulnerable in these types of collisions, which remain one of the leading causes of death for that age group. Speeding alone is a factor in more than 11,000 deaths nationwide every year, and when large trucks are involved, the risks multiply.

For those who survive a crash with a semi-truck, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Victims often face long recoveries, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma that can affect entire families. When a truck driver or trucking company acts irresponsibly, holding them accountable through a legal claim can be a critical step toward healing and financial stability.

At Freeman Law Firm, our Seattle truck accident attorneys understand the serious nature of these cases. We’re here to help injured victims pursue the justice and compensation they deserve. With years of experience handling complex injury claims across Washington State, we provide the aggressive representation and compassionate support our clients need to move forward.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a semi-truck accident, don’t wait. Call Freeman Law Firm today at 206-880-2454 for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the path to recovery with confidence.