An elderly driver sustained serious personal injury early Wednesday morning in a truck collision on Highway 97 north of Madras, Oregon. According to official reports, a 2002 Chrysler Sebring driven by Clinton Daniel Deshazer, age 71, was northbound on Highway 97 near milepost 90 when, for unknown reasons, it crossed the centerline into the two southbound lanes. The Chrysler collided with the front of a southbound Kenworth truck pulling two trailers loaded with wood pallets in the right hand southbound lane. The truck and trailers veered to the right and came to a stop off the southbound shoulder. The Chrysler came to rest near the center of the highway. No injuries to the truck’s driver or passenger were reported. An investigation is ongoing.

Oregon Car and Truck Accidents
Truck collisions accounted for around eight percent of traffic crashes in Jefferson County in 2009. Oregon Department of Transportation car accident statistics show that there were four fatalities and 52 injuries involving car accidents in Madras and other parts of the county in which today’s collision occurred.

Oregon crash statistics published by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration showed that there were 1,433 fatal and non-fatal crashes involving large trucks in 2008. 37 of those truck collision car accidents resulted in deaths.

Portland Auto Accident Lawyer
An Oregon personal injury lawyer with experience in car crash cases can assist injured victims in protecting legal rights and recovering compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation, and other related damages. Our Portland law office is prepared to analyze all aspects of a traffic crash and dedicated to holding any negligent parties accountable. We offer a free, confidential attorney consultation. If you or loved ones are hurt in a car accident, call us toll free at (800) 714-3204 or use our online contact form.