Riggin Bliss Hospitalized in Lewis River Road Head-On Crash

17-Year-Old in ICU Following Major DUI Collision Near Milepost 33

Ariel, WA (June 26, 2026) – Riggin Bliss, a 17-year-old volunteer firefighter, was injured following a Lewis River Road head-on crash Monday.

The accident report stated that the victim was on his way home from another job, driving near Milepost 33 when the collision happened.

Bliss was southbound on Lewis River Road, when a northbound driver crossed into his lane and struck him head-on.

Rescuers including Bliss’ older brother, Charlie Silvis, also a volunteer firefighter at Fire District 7, rushed to the scene.

Medics said it took almost 20 minutes and several attempts to maneuver Bliss out of his truck. He was rushed to the hospital with a broken femur, hip and tibia, as well as bruising on his neck and chest.

Moreover, the northbound driver, 76-year-old John Jessup of La Center, was airlifted to an area hospital and charged with vehicular assault. Police believe he was driving impaired.

Millions of people take to the roads for work, school, errands, or leisure. While many of these trips are uneventful, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Traffic accidents can change lives in an instant, causing physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardship.

Wearing your seatbelt is the simplest and most effective way to protect yourself in an accident. It can reduce the risk of serious injury or death by up to 50%.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a crash, Sweet Lawyers can help you understand your legal options.

Can Sweet Lawyers Help After a DUI Crash?

Traffic accidents can be distressing, leaving you with physical injuries, emotional pain, and the challenges of dealing with insurance companies and legal processes. When traffic accidents happen, hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer from Sweet Lawyers can greatly ease your burden and give your legal case better results.

Meanwhile, here are the key benefits of hiring Sweet Lawyers’ personal injury attorneys following a car crash:

1. Our Legal Team Offers Expertise

Personal injury claims following a traffic accident involve complex legal processes, from determining liability to negotiating with insurance companies. Sweet Lawyers specializes in personal injury law. With years of experience handling car accident cases, our team’s in-depth knowledge of traffic laws, insurance strategy, and how to effectively advocate for your rights ensures you get the best possible legal representation.

2. Maximizing Your Compensation

Costly medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering are just some of the aftermath of a vehicle crash. When you hire Sweet Lawyers, our attorneys will work tirelessly to help you recover full compensation for all your damages. Our team is undoubtedly knowledgeable in calculating short-term and long-term expenses, including medical treatment, therapy, and lost earning potential. You can be sure all of your needs are addressed.

3. Thorough Investigation

Determining who is at fault following a collision can be complicated, especially when the reports are conflicting or the evidence is insufficient. It is a normal practice for Sweet Lawyers to conduct a thorough investigation into the case to build a solid case. Aside from that, our attorneys will gather pieces of evidence such as witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reports, that will help us make your legal case stronger. Certainly, Sweet Lawyers’ attention to detail can make a significant difference in proving liability and strengthening your claim.

4. Stress-Free Legal Process

Dealing with the aftermath of a vehicle crash is indeed overwhelming. Let Sweet Lawyers take the legal stress off your shoulders and handle everything from paperwork to settlement negotiations. This way, you can focus on recovering, knowing that your case is in capable hands.

Hiring a Sweet Lawyers personal injury lawyer ensures that you get expert legal support, maximum compensation, and a smooth path to recovery after a car crash.

Call us at (800) 674-7852 and you may click on this link to learn more. Let us discuss your possible legal claim.