Driver injured in I-82 crash after swerving to avoid animal

An animal in the roadway on Interstate 82 south of Richland caused a crash Wednesday night that sent a Benton City man to the hospital.

Erik S. Halvorson, 52, of Kennewick, was driving a Nissan Coupe eastbound in the left lane near milepost 104 shortly after 9 p.m. when he slowed to avoid the animal, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Zachary R. Clodfelter, 20, of Benton City, swerved and lost control of his Ford Ranger pickup, colliding with Halvorson’s car, leaving the roadway and rolling, state police said.

Clodfelter was taken to Kadlec Regional Medical Center, where he was treated and released.

No charges were filed, state police said. Both men were wearing seat belts. The Ford was totaled.

This story was originally published March 31, 2016 at 9:15 PM with the headline "Driver injured in I-82 crash after swerving to avoid animal."