Law enforcement personnel in Washington County say an Oregon woman was responsible for a drunk driving crash that was caused when she drove on the wrong side of the road. Three people were injured in the wrong way crash, and the authorities believe that the woman may have been driving without her headlights on, despite the fact that the crash occurred after dark. The apparent drunk driving accident occurred as she was driving the wrong way on Oregon 99 West.
The other vehicle that was involved in the crash was driven by a 22-year-old, and she had a passenger who was 20. All three people who were involved in the crash were taken to a hospital for medical treatment. The two victims in the vehicle that was struck suffered injuries that were initially characterized as non-life threatening.
Although the Oregon driver did suffer more serious injuries, she was still charged with drunk driving and assault in the fourth degree. Regardless of the criminal proceedings pending against her, the victims have the right to sue her for personal injury claims in civil court. A close examination of the case could reveal if this is a beneficial course of action for the two young victims.
The driver and passenger in the car that was struck will undoubtedly incur expenses related to their injuries, including the possibility of lost income from work while recovering. Any personal injury claim that they pursue must be backed by sufficient proof of negligence that was a causal factor in the crash. If the alleged wrong way driver is convicted in criminal court of the drunk driving and/or assault charges, proof of that may further support claims for financial liability in civil court. While a monetary judgment, if awarded, cannot undo any physical damage, it can help cover financial losses.
Source: oregonlive.com, “Tigard woman, 48, cited in wrong-way Oregon 99W crash near King City that injured 3“, Rebecca Woolington, April 27, 2014
