Driving is a difficult undertaking even when conditions are favorable. A person who operates a vehicle must pay attention to multiple mirrors, properly gauge their distance from traffic in front of them and manage the activity and passengers in their own automobile. When additional factors come into play, such as low light in the evening or unexpected roadway hazards, driving can get even tougher for an Oregon resident.
Recently, a 42-year-old woman was driving on Highway 22 when a deer ran out in front of her car. The woman swerved to avoid hitting the animal, but in the process, hit a guardrail and caused her vehicle to become stopped in the highway. As she and her passengers were getting out of the damaged car, another car crashed into the stopped vehicle.
When the impact occurred, a 9-year-old girl was thrown out of the stopped car. She suffered serious injuries and had to be taken to the hospital for treatment. Her current condition is unknown, and it is unknown if any other victims suffered injuries in this serious event.
This story is a tragedy, and it all began with the unexpected appearance of a deer in the road. Drivers must use care and caution to prevent car accidents like this one and need to pay attention to what is in front of them. The driver of the vehicle that hit the stopped car may hold liability for the child’s losses and injuries due to her failure to see the stopped car in front of her and her failure to negotiate around it rather than crash into and cause more harm. A personal injury action can help explore these questions and issues, helping one establish cause and liability.
