Cle Elum, WA (April 16, 2025) – A Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) worker was hospitalized Tuesday after a semi-truck crashed into a stationary work zone vehicle along Interstate 90, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Accident Details: The crash occurred around 10:00 a.m. at milepost 74, about 11 miles west of Cle Elum. Authorities say Eliazar Moreno, 60, of Moses Lake, was driving a 2010 Peterbilt semi-truck eastbound when he failed to move over for a lane closure and collided with a WSDOT attenuator truck parked in the closed lane.
The driver of the DOT vehicle, 59-year-old Daryl Lee of Kittitas, was wearing a seatbelt and sustained injuries in the crash. He was transported to Kittitas Valley Hospital. Moreno was uninjured and was cited for reckless driving.
Both vehicles were totaled in the crash. The incident briefly impacted traffic through the area as emergency crews responded.
Legal Considerations: Work zone crashes involving commercial trucks are often scrutinized for adherence to traffic safety laws. In this case, Moreno’s failure to move over for a closed lane and resulting citation for reckless driving may expose him—and potentially his employer—to liability.
Daryl Lee may be eligible to pursue a personal injury claim in addition to any workers’ compensation benefits, depending on the findings of the investigation.
Ongoing Investigation: The Washington State Patrol confirmed that drugs and alcohol were not factors in the crash. Authorities continue to investigate the incident and assess whether further enforcement actions are warranted.
Wishing Daryl Lee a full and speedy recovery.
Source: YourSourceOne