By Crash News Writer 
Chewelah, WA (July 30, 2026) – Two people lost their lives in a head-on collision involving a passenger vehicle and a garbage truck Tuesday morning on Highway 395 near Chewelah, according to the Washington State Patrol.
According to the Washington State Patrol the crash occurred at approximately 5:15 a.m. on July 28 along Highway 395 near Bluecreek. Investigators said a Chrysler PT Cruiser was traveling northbound when it crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a Sunshine Disposal garbage truck traveling southbound.
The impact caused the garbage truck to roll onto the northbound shoulder, while the PT Cruiser overturned and came to rest in the southbound ditch. A witness at the scene extinguished a small fire that ignited following the collision before emergency crews arrived.
Authorities identified one of the victims as Jamey Dotts, 55, of Kettle. Dotts and a 47-year-old woman from Springdale, who was also riding in the PT Cruiser, both sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. Officials have not confirmed who was driving the passenger vehicle at the time of the crash.
The driver of the garbage truck, a 34-year-old Chewelah man, was not injured. The Washington State Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the fatal collision.
Protect Your Rights After a Fatal Accident Today
Fatal head-on collisions often leave families facing unimaginable emotional and financial challenges. In addition to grieving the loss of a loved one, surviving family members may encounter funeral expenses, medical costs, lost household income, and complex insurance issues. Preserving evidence and understanding your legal rights as early as possible can help protect your family’s interests while the investigation continues.
Learning about car accident laws in Washington can help surviving family members understand wrongful death claims, comparative fault laws, insurance requirements, and important legal deadlines. Crash scene photographs, witness statements, medical records, vehicle inspections, and official investigative reports may all become important pieces of evidence during a legal claim.
Many families searching for a car accident near me are looking for answers after a tragic loss. Those seeking information about a car accident near Chewelah should obtain an official car accident report when it becomes available. Individuals searching for a car accident near me often benefit from speaking with an attorney before communicating extensively with insurance companies.
If your loved one was involved in a car accident near Chewelah, reviewing the official car accident report with experienced legal counsel can help determine what legal options may be available. A car accident report may provide valuable evidence to support a wrongful death claim.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article is based on preliminary information released by investigating authorities and may be updated as additional facts become available.
- Authorities have identified one of the victims as Jamey Dotts, while the second victim has been identified only as a 47-year-old woman from Springdale.
- The Washington State Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the head-on collision, and additional details may be released as the investigation progresses.
- Readers seeking additional assistance can review accident resources in Washington .
The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. It is based on public reports available at the time of publication and remains subject to change as investigators release new information. Readers may also review frequently asked questions in Washington . Please review our disclaimer before relying on the information presented.
If your family has lost a loved one in a similar fatal collision, contact an experienced Washington personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights and available options.