Even in cases of single-car accidents, it’s possible to seek compensation if you’re injured. For example, if you’re riding in a vehicle with a friend who decides to pull out into traffic while speeding, that friend was in violation of the law. If you’re hurt in an accident because of the collision your friend causes, you can seek compensation from his or her insurance carrier or from your friend directly by filing a lawsuit.
The people in this case could pursue the same kind of option if they decide to do so. A crash that took place in Portland left three passengers injured and has resulted in the driver of the vehicle facing multiple charges. According to the story from The Oregonian on Sept. 24, the crash, which occurred at around 3:45 a.m., took place when a 25-year-old driver crashed into a tree while driving with a number of passengers.
The news reports that the man had been under the influence of alcohol and marijuana prior to being involved in the collision, but police did not report the level of intoxication the man was under. Police suspect he was driving too fast and failed to navigate a curve before he lost control of his vehicle and collided with the tree.
One of the man’s passengers had to be rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, while the two others and the driver were not seriously hurt. The driver was booked on charges of second-degree assault and for reckless driving, driving under the influence and for three counts of recklessly endangering another person.
Source: Oregon Live, “Saturday morning crash causes life-threatening injuries,” Fedor Zarkhin, Sep. 24, 2016