Wichita, KS (April 9, 2025) – On Wednesday morning, April 9, a three-vehicle crash occurred around 6:50 a.m. on westbound K-96 at mile marker 296.2, near the Webb Road interchange in Sedgwick County. According to authorities, the incident was caused by an unsafe lane change made by one of the drivers, resulting in a chain-reaction collision. One person involved in the accident sustained injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The crash occurred when a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, traveling westbound in the left lane, attempted an unsafe lane change and struck a 2016 Toyota Corolla in the center lane. The impact pushed the Corolla into a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek in the exit lane. The driver of the Chevrolet, 41-year-old Andrea Locke of Wichita, sustained suspected minor injuries and was taken to Wesley Medical Center – Woodlawn for evaluation. The other two drivers, 37-year-old Hootan Mehraein of Wichita and 58-year-old Gary Gaither of Andover, were unharmed. All drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, and traffic was temporarily slowed in the area. The Kansas Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the incident.
Our thoughts are with the injured victim and their loved ones. We wish Andrea Locke a swift and complete recovery.
Lane-Change Collisions in Kansas
Unsafe lane changes are a common cause of traffic accidents, particularly on high-speed roadways like K-96. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), improper lane changes are among the leading causes of highway crashes in the United States. These types of collisions often occur when drivers fail to signal, check blind spots, or gauge traffic speeds correctly. In Kansas, such crashes can lead to serious injury and significant damage, especially during morning commutes when traffic is dense and fast-moving.
The moments after a car accident can be critical for your future health and legal rights. Victims injured in collisions caused by another driver’s negligence have the right to seek compensation for their injuries, lost wages, and other damages. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, don’t face the aftermath alone. The trusted legal team at Bretz Injury Law is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today at 620-524-0080 for a free consultation and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.