Date: June 17, 2009
Location: Interstate 5, near Creswell, Oregon
Type: Car Accident
Outcome: Two deaths, one injury (severity unknown)
Names: Brian Coontz, Cathleen Coontz, Kailee Coontz, Stephen Whitaker, one unidentified injury victim
Interstate 5 is now open to traffic after a fatal crash near Creswell took the lives of two people, including a child this Wednesday around 9 P.M. The road was blocked after the accident for Oregon State Police investigation.
The collision took place when a northbound motor home quickly switched across the median, heading directly into oncoming southbound traffic. One passenger of the motor home was killed, as well as a child in the southbound vehicle. Another accident victim is reported to have been airlifted to Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend.
Cathleen Coontz, driver of the southbound car, survived, as did the man apparently responsible for the collision, Stephen Whitaker, the driver of the motorhome. One victim has been identified as five year old Kailee Coontz of Springfield, Oregon. An unidentified passenger of the motor home passed away as well.
The investigation as to what caused the crash is in progress. So far, alcohol or faulty mechanical work on the motor home has yet to be ruled out.
History of this particular stretch of Interstate 5 shows that the road is somewhat unsafe. Within a five mile radius of the Wednesday accident, 14 people have died within 10 years as a result of median crossing by either one northbound or southbound driver. The Oregon Department of Transportation agrees that new measures to widen the interstate median will heighten the road’s safety.
As a father myself, I cannot imagine the horror of losing a child so young and perfect. It is a nightmare come true, and reading about it tears a person up. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cathleen Coontz and the rest of Kailee’s family, and our hearts also go out to all the other victims of this terrible collision during this very difficult time.
What appears simple on paper may prove to be a complex accident to investigate. There are many possible reasons why Stephen Whitaker allowed the motorhome to cross into oncoming traffic. Perhaps he was drinking, asleep, distracted. Perhaps the steering failed due to faulty maintainence, or a poor design. Until a thorough investigation is performed, there is no way to be sure.
It is a normal human desire at times like this to turn away from thoughts of justice, and to focus on mourning. That is entirely appropriate. But in a case like this there can sometimes be a race to discover evidence, and there is some important evidence that can be lost. As an example, if it turns out the crash was caused by a faulty steering mechanism – and the entire motorhome – must be preserved. Otherwise, the motorhome company will not be held accountable and will continue to produce faulty steering mechanisms. And I’d be willing to bet that the insurance companies are already working on their investigtion. It can be important not to let them get too far ahead.
Shulman DuBois LLC represents victims with injuries resulting from accidents. Our clients deserve representation with our experience, sensitivity and tenacity. Should an unfortunate episode find you or someone you know in need of representation as a result of an accident related injury, the best thing you can do for yourself is to get educated by reading our Frequently Asked Questions, exploring our Library, or ordering your free copy of 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case.
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.
