Date: May 31, 2009
Location: Northwest Lower River Road, Vancouver, WA
Type: Car Accident
Outcome: 1 Minor Injury
Names: Andrey Runov, Clarissa Kemrer, Kelly Ehrich
Vancouver woman Kelly Ehrich, 33, had to be transported by ambulance to Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital last night after a three-vehicle crash on Northwest Lower River Road. According to The Oregonian, the crash happened when 24-year-old Andrey Runov of Portland, headed southbound, attempted to pass a car driven by Clarissa Kemrer in a no-passing zone entering a blind S-curve. Runov slammed into Ehrich’s northbound vehicle, forcing it off the roadway. Runov then collided with Kemrer’s vehicle, pushing it off the road on the west side and causing it to roll over. Vancouver police reported that Runov was driving above the 45 mph speed limit.
The crash left Ehrich with a possible left foot fracture, but otherwise unharmed. Neither Kemrer nor Runov seemed to sustain injuries from the collision. Runov was cited for not having insurance, and arrested for reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, driving without an ignition interlock as required, and making a false statement to a police officer. He was booked into the Clark County Jail.
We are incredibly glad that neither Kemrer nor Ehrich suffered critical injuries in this crash. We hope that Ehrich’s foot injury is not severe, and that she makes a complete recovery. We can only imagine the shock, anger, and frustration that both victims must be experiencing; to find yourself injured because somebody else was being reckless and irresponsible is truly awful. We wish them the very best, and hope that Runov is put to justice.
What may not be obvious is that Kemrer and Ehrich can still receive compensation for their injuries and losses, even if Runov does not have auto insurance. Ehrich’s PIP should cover up to $15,000 over the course of one year in medical bills for her injured foot. Any other losses from the crash for which Ehhrich (or Kemrer) wish to be compensated can be collected from their respective Uninsured Motorist policies (UM). Both women also have the option to sue Runov personally; if he were particularly wealthy, this may be a good option. An experienced Oregon or Washington car accident attorney will know how to check Runov’s assets. With the help of a good lawyer, both victims should be able to collect the compensation they deserve.
Shulman DuBois, LLC, is located in Portland, Oregon, and serves clients in all Oregon cities and counties, including: Portland, Beaverton, Multnomah County, Hillsboro, Gresham, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Tualatin, Troutdale, Sellwood, Corvallis, Salem, Eugene, and Albany.
As of the date we posted this blog, Shulman DuBois LLC does not represent any of the parties. If you are mentioned in this article and believe you may need legal help, please contact us or another reputable law firm. Oregon law firms specializing in personal injury, including us, will provide free and confidential consultations, so do not hesitate to call and ask questions.
