Driving near the scenic Oregon resort towns of Bend and Sisters, two men reportedly died in a two-car accident on March 17. Police report that a 62-year-old man and his 59-year-old wife were driving on Highway 20W when their Subaru was struck head-on by a Nissan Sentra after it crossed the centerline. Witnesses reported to authorities that just prior to the accident the 33-year-old Nissan driver was seen driving erratically. Both men died at the scene of the car accident.
The injured wife was taken to a hospital in Bend with critical injuries. She is left fighting for her life while she and her family mourn the loss of her husband and hope for her full recovery. The family will likely be interested in the official accident investigation and its published report. They may wish to make use of Oregon’s personal injury laws to press claims on behalf of the deceased husband as well as the injured wife.
Sadly, this accident illustrates all too well the serious repercussions of negligent or reckless driving. While it’s not clear what caused the man in this case to swerve over the centerline, two families now have to face the devastation of losing a loved one so suddenly.
Car accidents can cause immense damage, which is why it is so important that drivers in Portland and elsewhere remain attentive and vigilant while driving. Doing so could go a long way toward keeping our roads safe and free from tragic accidents like this one.
Source: Bellingham Herald, “FATAL: Pasco man, 33, killed in crash near Bend, Ore.,” Paula Horton, March 19, 2012
