22-Year-Old John Beatty Sustains Injuries in DUI Crash on State Route 28 [Ephrata, WA]

Ephrata, WA (August 5, 2025) – Early Monday morning, 22-year-old John Beatty of Hartline was sent to the hospital after the driver of the vehicle he was riding reportedly fell asleep behind the wheel.

Washington State Patrol reported that at around 3:35 a.m., 27-year-old Daniel A. Castillo of Ephrata was driving a 2004 Honda Civic east on State Route 28 when he veered off the road near milepost 44, roughly one mile south of Ephrata. The car left the highway, crashed into a ditch, and came to a stop.

Emergency responders transported both Castillo and his passenger, Beatty, to Samaritan Hospital for treatment. Officials confirmed that both men had been wearing seatbelts.

Investigators believe Castillo was impaired and had fallen asleep at the time of the crash. Authorities arrested him on suspicion of DUI and vehicular assault.

The authorities are conducting a further investigation into this collision.

Traffic collisions can happen anytime, but their impact lasts a lifetime. Stay alert, avoid distractions, and never drive under the influence. Always wear your seatbelt, obey speed limits, and be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists. Keep a safe distance between vehicles and adjust your speed for road conditions.

Fatigue and intoxication are a dangerous combination. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by a reckless driver, Sweet Lawyers is here to stand with you and help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.

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When a DUI Crash Happens

A personal injury case is critical after a car accident, especially when there is an injured party caused by another driver’s carelessness. Automobile accidents can lead to painful physical injuries, emotional distress and financial ruin. Medical expenses, lost income, and expenses for long term recovery don’t take long to add up. One option for reaching a fair resolution to these damages is a personal injury lawsuit.

Filing a court action holds the wrongdoer accountable. It also forces insurance providers to offer a reasonable settlement, rather than a low-ball offer that may not be enough to cover all of your losses. In too many instances, the insurers who shouldn’t be in the business of trying to maximize their profits often look for ways to minimize their payouts. And your rights will be protected with the personal injury claim throughout this process.

Also, in a personal injury lawsuit, you may be able to recover noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life. It’s often no less important than your medical bills. In suing, you also encourage safer driving by reinforcing the accountability of reckless or negligent drivers.

If you do retain an experienced personal injury lawyer, the case is likely to proceed much more smoothly and not only will you be led through the legal process, you will likely have a better chance of a positive outcome as well.

Speak with Sweet Lawyers to learn more about personal injury claim. Call us at (800) 674-7852 or visit our website here.