A multi-vehicle crash on an Oregon roadway led to the death of one man recently. The car accident happened when a driver reportedly lost control of the van that she was driving. The woman is accused of losing control because she was using her cellphone moments before the fatal crash.
The van was traveling on Oregon Highway 99 when the car accident happened. Police believe that the woman was taking a picture with her phone just moments before her van crossed into oncoming traffic. As the driver lost control, the van turned sideways. That is when a motorcyclist crashed into its side.
The impact caused the motorcyclist to suffer fatal injuries. In addition, a driver in a car traveling behind the motorcycle swerved to avoid the collision in front of her. This effort caused the car to end up in a ditch on the side of the road. It is unclear if this driver suffered any injuries.
Oregon police investigated this fatal crash after the incident. The results led to criminal charges being filed against the van’s driver. In addition, the woman at the wheel of the van may be liable under personal injury laws for the damages caused to victims in this fatal car accident. This liability may extend to the economic costs suffered by the surviving family of the now-deceased motorcyclist. Though nothing can make up for the loss that they must endure, using personal injury laws sometimes allows families to receive compensation for a funeral and other relevant expenses.
Source: kpic.com, “Sheriff: Driver in deadly crash distracted by cell phone,” Oct. 11, 2012
