In Multnomah County Circuit Court, Jack Alvord pleaded guilty to reckless driving, drunk driving, and third-degree assault in the Portland, Oregon pedestrian crash that seriously injured 51-year-old Norman Larkin, who is blind. Alvord, 61, pleaded no contest to hit-and-run driving. Yesterday, a judge sentenced Alvord to 22 months in prison.
Larkin broke his pelvis and legs during the Oregon traffic accident that took place on February 7. Alvord’s car drove onto the sidewalk, struck Larkin, and pinned him against a utility pole. 14 people saw the catastrophic pedestrian crash.
Some of the witnesses followed Alvord and boxed him in so he couldn’t get away. His blood-alcohol level was more than four times the drunk driving limit at .3%.
Following the Portland, Oregon pedestrian accident, Alvord went into rehab and persuaded his insurer to settle with Larkin, who just recently started to walk again. The remorseful drunk driver accepts full responsibility for causing Larkin’s personal injuries.
Unfortunately, not all negligent motorists are as quick as Larkin to take responsibility for their actions. This can make it hard for a Portland, Oregon motor vehicle accident victim to obtain the financial recovery that he or she needs (and is owed) that can pay for surgeries, rehabilitation services, therapy, medication, crutches, wheelchairs, and medical devices.
In many instances, an injured pedestrian will require the help of an experienced Portland, Oregon car accident lawyer to investigate the crash evidence, work with accident reconstruction experts, interview witnesses, and consult with medical professionals who know how to evaluate the extent of the injuries and the amount needed to recover.
It is important that you contact an experienced Portland, Oregon injury lawyer right away so that you can explore your legal options and get the process going. Although the statute of limitations for filing a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Oregon is two years from the date of the incident, there a lot that must be done to get the process going and determine whether an Oregon injury settlement is the best option for your case.
Oregon crash defendant tries to make amends, Associated Press/Google, September 11, 2009
Blind pedestrian struck by vehicle, Columbian.com, February 10, 2009
Related Web Resources:
Car Accidents with Pedestrians, Nolo
Pedestrian Safety Program, Oregon.gov