Fife, WA (December 28, 2025) – A suspected DUI crash on Friday, December 26, left a woman in critical condition and a child injured on southbound Interstate 5 in Fife.
The Washington State Patrol said the crash happened just before 10 p.m. near the Wapato Way East Overpass in Fife. A Mercedes slammed into the back of a Volkswagen Rabbit after the smaller car slowed near a tow truck parked on the right shoulder.
Troopers said the 44-year-old Tacoma man driving the Mercedes hit the 2009 Rabbit, then crashed into the right-side barrier beneath the overpass. Both cars came to rest in the two right lanes, blocking traffic for several hours while emergency crews cleared the wreckage.
A 40-year-old Covington woman riding in the Mercedes suffered critical injuries. Photos from WSP show the Mercedes with its airbags deployed and extensive front-end damage. Medics treated the driver, who had minor injuries, before troopers booked him into the Pierce County Jail for DUI and vehicular assault.
The 27-year-old Tacoma woman driving the Volkswagen was hurt and later drove herself to a nearby hospital. Her nine-year-old passenger suffered minor injuries and did not require hospital care.
Troopers continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses to determine what led to the crash.
DUI Accidents in Washington
DUI crashes remain a major concern across Washington. Each year, hundreds of people are seriously hurt or killed in collisions involving alcohol or drugs. These wrecks often happen suddenly, turning an ordinary drive into a life-changing event.
Common injuries in these crashes include:
- Head Injuries: A strong blow to the head can cause a concussion, skull fracture, or sudden dizziness.
- Neck and Spinal Damage: Rapid motion can strain or tear muscles, ligaments, or spinal discs, leading to chronic pain.
- Broken Bones: The force of a crash can fracture arms, legs, or ribs, often requiring surgery and lengthy recovery.
- Internal Bleeding: Intense pressure can injure organs or blood vessels, with symptoms that may not appear right away.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Bruised or torn muscles and ligaments can limit movement and cause lasting discomfort.
Brain injuries deserve special attention in serious crashes such as the one mentioned above. The brain is a soft and vulnerable organ, and even a low-speed jolt can cause a concussion or lasting cognitive changes. Victims often experience headaches, dizziness, memory loss, or mood shifts that appear hours or days later. Seeking medical testing right away helps doctors detect hidden trauma and start treatment early.
It’s also essential to work with a personal injury attorney who understands car accidents and the complexities of proving DUI cases. Skilled guidance can help victims recover compensation for hospital bills, rehabilitation, lost income, and pain related to their injuries.
At Brain Injury Law of Seattle, we have years of experience handling alcohol and drug-related traffic cases. Our team connects victims with neurologists and rehabilitation experts and builds recovery-focused legal strategies that protect their future.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries caused by an impaired driver, call Brain Injury Law of Seattle today at (425) 270-1768 for a free consultation. Our team is ready to stand by your side, protect your rights, and help you move forward.
Note:
This article is based on reports from publicly available sources, including news outlets, police dispatches, and eyewitness statements. The image(s) used are for illustrative purposes only and are sourced from publicly available materials where applicable. Brain Injury Law of Seattle has not independently verified every detail of the reported incident. While no artificial intelligence (AI) systems are used to generate the factual content of these articles, AI or automated tools may have been used in limited aspects of formatting, editing, or publishing. If you notice any errors or would like to request a correction or removal, please contact us, and we will respond promptly.
Disclaimer:
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