GRANT COUNTY, WA (November 14, 2025) — An Ephrata man died Thursday afternoon following a two-vehicle collision on State Route 28 in Grant County. The Washington State Patrol identified the victim as 49-year-old Joshua A. Julian.
Accident Details: The Washington State Patrol reported that the crash happened at around 1:50 p.m. on State Route 28 about seven miles east of Quincy. Julian was driving a sedan when it struck the trailer of a semi-truck driven by 36-year-old Luis C. Castro of Othello.
Julian sustained traumatic injuries upon impact and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Castro was uninjured in the collision. The crash blocked the highway for several hours.
Investigation: Troopers determined that Castro caused the collision by failing to yield as he turned onto the highway from a private driveway. Castro has been cited for negligent driving.
A State Patrol report indicates it’s yet to be determined if drug or alcohol impairment played a role in the crash. The investigation continues as authorities finalize their findings.
Legal Considerations: Commercial truck drivers have a responsibility to ensure the roadway is clear before entering from driveways or side roads. When a truck driver fails to yield and pulls onto a highway in front of oncoming traffic, the resulting collision can be catastrophic for drivers in smaller vehicles who have no time to avoid impact.
Failure to yield violations that result in fatalities can support both criminal negligent driving charges and civil wrongful death claims. In Washington, families of victims killed by negligent drivers can pursue compensation for funeral costs, medical expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship.
When a commercial driver is at fault, the trucking company that employs the driver may also bear liability for the crash. Companies have a duty to properly train their drivers and ensure they follow safe driving practices, including yielding appropriately when entering roadways.
The citation for negligent driving establishes that the truck driver violated the law, which can strengthen a wrongful death claim by providing evidence of fault.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Joshua A. Julian as they grieve this loss.
Source: KPQ