Winter weather that has blanketed the Pacific Northwest recently may have contributed to a fatal accident that happened on an Oregon highway. The fatal car accident took place on a snow-covered portion of Highway 97. It appears that other conditions may have also contributed to the incident.
According to a recent report from Oregon officials, a 19-year-old man was driving a passenger sedan on the snowy road when a pickup truck attempted to pass him. This occurred in a prohibited passing area of the road. As the driver of the pickup tried to pass, he lost control of his vehicle. The truck smashed into the passenger car, sending it to the side of the road. The pickup ended up on its roof as a result of the crash.
The driver of the pickup and one of his passengers died at the scene. A woman who was a rear seat passenger was taken to a local hospital with injuries. The driver and other young occupants in the passenger car did not suffer injuries that were reported.
The driver of the pickup likely caused the fatal car accident when he attempted to pass on the snowy road in a no-passing area. As a result of his actions, it is possible that he will be found to be the cause of the crash. If that occurs, he may face liability under personal injury laws for the death of his passenger. Though this claim may be complicated by the death of the individual at fault, his estate could bear the burden of the personal injury liability should such a claim be made by the car accident victims.
Source: koinlocal6.com, “Two die on snow-covered Ore. road,” Jennifer Meacham, Dec. 15, 2012