Oregon State Police (“OSP”) continue to investigate an August 25, 2010, fatal truck collision that occurred along westbound Interstate 84 in the Corbett area. The victim has not been identified other than as the adult male driver of a 2003 Honda Pilot sport utility vehicle displaying California license plates.
OSP is seeking any witnesses. The Honda Pilot is believed to have been light green in color before the car crash and fire. Anyone with information should call OSP Northern Command Center dispatch at (800) 452-7888 (in Oregon) or (503) 731-3030.
According to OSP, the fatal traffic crash happened as the Honda traveled westbound on Interstate 84 near milepost 23 before veering off the north side of the freeway into a viewpoint parking area. The Honda crashed into the left rear side of a parked semi-trailer and caught fire.
The truck’s driver, Richard Clay, age 30, was reportedly inside the truck’s sleeper berth when he felt the impact and noticed the fire. Mr. Clay was apparently able to unhook the truck from the trailer and move it as the fire developed, but he and others who stopped to help were unable to reach the Honda’s driver because of the fire.
Truck Collision Law and Liability
The auto accident in this case involved a tractor-trailer, but it is more of a single car crash than a truck collision. The semi parked in a rest area might have been any other solid stationary object. If the SUV veered off the road because the driver fell asleep or otherwise lost control, then there appears to be clear liability for negligence. It’s not clear whether alcohol was involved or whether the SUV driver was reacting to a sudden emergency or otherwise unable to avoid the collision.
Auto accident negligence is generally defined as failure to exercise ordinary care in the operation of a motor vehicle. “Ordinary care” in this context means that the motor vehicle operator must maintain the car under reasonable control, that is, such a degree of control as would be exercised by a reasonably prudent person in the same or similar circumstances.
Get an Oregon Auto Accident Lawyer Attorney Consultation after a Crash
An Oregon auto accident lawyer can help obtain full and fair compensation for injury or death caused by a negligent driver. Portland, personal injury lawyer. The Law Office of Dane E. Johnson provides a free, confidential attorney consultation. Contact us toll free at (800) 714-3204 or online.
Related Web Resources
ktvl.com, Driver Dies in Fiery Crash at Scenic Viewpoint Near Corbett
