In a recent news report, an accident occurred in southeast Portland ion a Sunday in September at about 11:30 p.m. When police arrived at the scene, they discovered a woman lying in the street, thrown from her Toyota sedan. The 43-year-old driver was said to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, though no further description of the basis for that statement was provided.
A police vehicle with front-end damage was located in a nearby parking lot and the injured officer was pulled from the wreck. He was apparently heading eastbound on Stark Street, on his way to a disturbance call at the time of the crash.
Witnesses indicated the police vehicle had its lights and siren on before the crash and slowed approaching the intersection at Southeast 122nd Avenue. A small red car was said to hit the cruiser head-on. The police investigation is continuing and authorities are trying to determine which driver had a green light at the time of the car accident. Surveillance video from nearby businesses was to be reviewed.
The woman was seriously injured with life-threatening injuries. She remains in a Portland hospital in serious condition. The injured officer was also hospitalized, where he remained the following day, though he was expected to recover.
It remains to be seen what a full investigation will reveal. To the extent that one or both drivers are found to be negligent in the operation of their vehicles, the law permits civil recovery in the form of monetary damages for injuries and pain and suffering. A Portland attorney devoted to helping victims of car accidents pursue the legal remedies to which they are entitled may help assess the damage and pursue the best course of action.
Source: KPTV – FOX 12, “Woman, police officer hospitalized after SE Portland crash,” Mark Glyzewski, Sept. 19, 2011
