Liberty Lake, WA — January 24, 2025, One person was injured following a car accident that occurred at around 1:00 A.M. on I-90.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person injured during the early morning hours of January 24th. According to official reports, a vehicle was traveling in the eastbound lanes of I-90 in a Ford pickup truck, when for unknown reasons the truck to overturn and then catch fire.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that the driver had been ejected and had sustained critical injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment. At this time it remains unknown what caused the accident, and the identity of the driver has not been released, though more details may be released in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When incidents like this occur, they raise critical questions about what led to the accident. Uncovering the cause requires a detailed investigation, guided by three essential questions: Did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation? Has anyone considered the possibility of a vehicle defect? And has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected?

The first question examines the scope of the authorities’ investigation. When a vehicle overturns and catches fire, it’s essential to carefully document the crash scene and evaluate potential contributing factors such as roadway design, weather conditions, or debris on the highway. Investigators should analyze skid marks, impact points, and the trajectory of the vehicle to determine how the rollover occurred. Witness accounts and any available surveillance or traffic camera footage can also provide valuable context. Ensuring these steps are taken is crucial for understanding the sequence of events.

The second question involves the potential role of a vehicle defect. Mechanical or design failures, such as brake malfunctions, steering issues, or tire defects, could lead to a loss of control and contribute to a rollover. Additionally, questions about the truck’s crashworthiness—such as the effectiveness of seatbelt restraints or the structural integrity of the cab—may arise, particularly since the driver was ejected. A forensic inspection of the vehicle and its components is critical to identify whether any defect played a role in the crash. Unfortunately, if the vehicle is quickly removed or destroyed, these opportunities can be lost.

The third question focuses on collecting all available electronic data. Modern vehicles, including Ford pickup trucks, are equipped with electronic control modules (ECMs) that store crucial data about the vehicle’s performance leading up to the crash. This can include speed, braking, steering inputs, and even throttle position. Additionally, obtaining information about the driver’s cell phone usage can help determine whether distractions might have contributed. Surveillance footage or recordings from dash cameras, if available, may also provide key insights. Collecting this data promptly is essential to ensure it isn’t lost or overwritten.

Addressing these three questions is essential to uncovering the truth about what caused this accident. For the injured driver, understanding the cause is critical to determining accountability and ensuring that any contributing factors are identified and addressed.