FOLLOWUP: What’s happened since end-of-year Junction crash

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(WSB photo, December 30th)

On December 30th, we reported on that mid-afternoon crash at Fauntleroy/Oregon. SPD sent out the Traffic Control Investigation Squad to investigate, as one driver was seriously hurt and taken to the hospital. Here’s what has happened since then: The 36-year-old woman driving the white vehicle was cited for a red-light violation, and faces $190 in fines. For the driver she hit, the crash’s aftermath is far more costly. The victim’s daughter Emily, a local grocery-store worker, says that her mom is “struggling with broken ribs, a head injury, and deep bone bruising. We found out from my mom’s doc that she has a severe concussion from the accident and her cognitive thinking has been altered, affecting her energy, movements, and moods greatly. The total recovery time is about 6 to 8 months!” She started a crowdfunding account for any community members interested in helping.

bertha January 17, 2021 (3:40 pm)

Injuries that are “not life-threatening” doesn’t mean they aren’t “life-altering.” My heart goes out to your mom and family as you all struggle to recover from the accident.

Craig January 17, 2021 (4:02 pm)

Isn’t this what lawyers live for? No being facetious or inciting, but if someone was clearly at fault and the other party is financially suffering because of it, isn’t that grounds to pursue financial compensation in court? BTW, it pains me to see the results of a 6,000 pound vehicle like the Chevy Tahoe here (that ran the red light) vs the light little blue car that’s literally half it’s weight (3,000 lbs). There was not much the little blue car could do in terms of physics. The much larger white Chevy was going to cause a lot of damage to the other car’s occupants.

WSB January 17, 2021 (4:04 pm)

I don’t know this family’s intentions, I do know that in looking up the aftermath of other crashes, I find far more evidence of lawsuits than citations (probably another followup there). That aside, filing and resolving lawsuits takes some time, and I believe Emily is looking for assistance for her mom in the short run – groceries, transportation, etc. – TR
- Craig January 17, 2021 (4:35 pm)
  
  Donated. No matter the outcome, or reasons for getting to this state it’s a legit cause and good to help.
Diane January 17, 2021 (4:34 pm)

yes, lawsuits/insurance take time; Emily’s mom needs help now; she needs help with rides to medical appts and much more; please click on the link in story for

Kathy’s Accident Recovery Fund

thanks for posting story TR

flimflam January 17, 2021 (4:03 pm)

Only $190 for running a red light, causing a fairly severe accident as well as seriously injuring someone? That seems off to me…

Duh January 18, 2021 (10:43 pm)

So when you go through a yellow light and the light camera calls it red, you want a more expensive ticket?

You can’t change the punishment due to the outcome of a broken law. All laws have predetermined penalties for instances exactly like this.

Frog January 17, 2021 (4:06 pm)

Wait wait wait … using the low bridge brings a $75 fine, and running a red light causing an injury accident is $190? On the other hand, the victim should have a huge liability claim, probably exceeding the limits of the bad driver’s insurance policy by a six figure sum at least. That part should be interesting.

Question Authority January 17, 2021 (5:01 pm)

Let’s all hope the causing driver even had insurance, without it we all pay increasing costs to make up for that negligence.

norsegirl January 17, 2021 (5:51 pm)

Well put, Bertha…'”not life-threatening” doesn’t mean they aren’t “life-altering”.’ Cognition is a crucial and mighty force for capable functioning. However, even minimal impairment can upset one’s ability to manage the everyday. Very best wishes for a strong and speedy recovery to Kathy. And thoughts of support to Emily.

Emily January 17, 2021 (5:52 pm)

Thank you everyone for your concerns, support, and feedback. My mom is still struggling with her injuries, especially her concussion, and all the support that is being donated to her is so very kind and helps ease her mind during this time.. such a wonderful community ❤ The at-fault driver did have insurance, as did my mom, my mom did hire an attorney, however, the process is a lengthy one, as there is alot involved in a case like hers. My mom is on a minimal fixed income so I felt it necessary to set up a GoFund for her in the mean time while her case is getting worked. Thank you for your support and kindness 🙏

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