Driving in the Pacific Northwest can be challenging much of the year. In the summer, the sun can cause temporary blindness for a driver, and the rain can wreak havoc on Portland roads when they become slick and wet. Accidents can occur, causing serious injury to those unlucky enough to be caught in the path of a car that has lost control.
Earlier in January, one of the largest winter storm of the season came down on Oregon and its drivers. Snow, rain and ice combined to make for treacherous driving conditions. Many serious car accidents occurred and several people were hospitalized and even killed.
In one instance, a driver of a sports utility vehicle lost control when the vehicle began to slide on an icy highway. The SUV, which was carrying a mother and her four children, crossed the center of the road and slammed into a car driven by a 52-year-old man. Serious injuries resulted for the family, and they were taken to a local hospital. The driver of the car they hit was sadly killed.
Negligence of the mother driving the SUV may be taken into consideration as police work to review this accident. In extreme weather conditions like those that occurred in Oregon recently, drivers are required to use a high level of caution. If a driver is found to have lost control due to negligence, such as speeding or checking a cellphone, he or she may be found liable for the damages inflicted upon the accident victims.
This liability can include payments for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. No report of fault has been issued in this accident, but police may continue to investigate. Here, the family of the man who was killed may consider retaining legal assistance to determine the possibility of seeking monetary compensation for the devastating loss they have suffered.
Source: The Seattle Times, “Winter weather bears down after dry Oregon autumn,” Jonathan J. Cooper, Jan. 16, 2012
