Washington, D.C. (December 3, 2025) – A deadly wrong-way crash on DC-295 left one driver dead and another fighting for life early Tuesday, December 2, according to authorities. Police responded around 3:15 a.m. to DC-295 north of the Pennsylvania Avenue Southeast exit. Investigators say a Mercedes E350 traveled south in the northbound lanes at a high speed. The Mercedes then slammed into an Audi Q7 that was heading in the correct direction.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene and found severe damage to both vehicles. First responders pronounced the Mercedes driver dead at the scene. Police identified her as Franyana Williams, a 40-year-old woman from District Heights. Paramedics transported the Audi driver to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Authorities have not released the Audi driver’s name or an updated medical status.
Police have not said why the Mercedes entered the highway going the wrong way. Investigators continue to review evidence and work to determine what led to this crash.
Our thoughts are with the families affected by this tragedy, and we hope the injured driver receives the strongest possible care.
Auto Accidents in Washington
Roadways carry fast-moving traffic at all hours, so crashes here tend to be severe. Wrong-way collisions are especially dangerous. They combine high speeds with the surprise of a vehicle entering against the traffic flow. Even alert drivers may have no time or space to escape.
Wrong-way crashes can happen for several reasons. They often involve confusion at ramps, impaired driving, or a driver who misreads signs in low light. Late-night and early-morning hours also raise the risk because roads feel emptier and visibility drops. When a wrong-way driver speeds, the danger multiplies. The closing speed between two vehicles can exceed 100 miles per hour, which explains why these incidents so often turn fatal.
Victims who survive may face long recoveries. They may deal with brain injuries, spinal damage, broken bones, or internal trauma. Families also face emotional shock, lost income, and sudden medical expenses. In critical injury cases, the costs can continue for months or years through rehab and ongoing care.
People hurt in an auto accident should take certain steps to protect themselves:
- Get medical help right away, even if you feel okay. Some injuries take hours to show up, and early care can prevent complications.
- Ask for a copy of the police report. This report often includes key facts about speed, direction of travel, and witness statements.
- Write down what you remember as soon as you can. Details like lighting, lane position, or whether the other car had headlights on may matter later.
- Save all medical records and receipts. These documents help show the true impact of the crash.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without guidance. Insurers may use early comments to reduce or deny claims.
A car crash attorney can help injured people and families understand what options exist after a severe highway collision. A lawyer can gather traffic camera footage, review crash reconstruction findings, and speak with witnesses. They can also handle communication with insurers so victims do not face pressure while trying to heal. When a crash causes a fatality, legal action may also help a family seek accountability and financial stability.
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a serious crash in Washington, D.C., we are here to help you take the next step. At Blaszkow Legal, we work to uncover the facts, protect your rights, and pursue the support you deserve.
Call Blaszkow Legal at (703) 879-5910 for a free consultation today.
Note: When creating these blog posts, our team of writers utilizes external sources, including local and state news sources, social media platforms, police accident incident reports, state police accident reports, and, at times, eyewitness accounts. Please contact us immediately if you discover any incorrect information so that we can update the post with the most current, accurate information available.
Disclaimer: This post is not a business solicitation, and none of the information provided in this blog post should be interpreted as medical or legal advice. If you have been injured in an accident, seek immediate medical attention. This post’s featured image was not captured at the actual accident scene.
