Linda Marie Manery, 52, was seriously injured in a Portland car accident after she crossed into opposing traffic lanes and crashed into two vehicles on the Highway 212 the evening of January 18, 2010. According to a news report in The Gresham Outlook, Manery, who was driving a 1992 Oldsmobile west on Highway 212, crossed over to the eastbound lanes and crashed into a PGE service truck driven by 53-year-old Gerry Hillyard. A 2004 Honda Pilot driven by 72-year-old Barbara Ann Herget then crashed into the truck. Manery was seriously injured in the crash and transported to an area hospital. Hillyard complained of pain and Herget was uninjured.

Two Escape Serious Injuries

It's indeed a relief that Hillyard and Herget did not sustain catastrophic injuries in this horrific crash. I wish Manery the very best for a quick and complete recovery from her serious injuries. In such cases, it would be a good idea for victims to get checked by their doctor even if they feel no pain immediately after the accident. There are several injuries such as whiplash and other back injuries or in more serious cases, internal injuries, that surface hours or even a few days after a crash.

Car Accident Causes and Liability Issues

In this particular case, it is not clear what caused Manery's erratic driving. Eyewitnesses reported to authorities moments before this crash that Manery was having trouble sticking to her lane. Was Manery having medical issues? Was there a vehicle defect or a mechanical malfunction in her Oldsmobile that was causing her to lose control of her vehicle? Officials also say that she was traveling at 45 mph when the crash occurred. If I were one of her family members, I would definitely want some answers here.

In cases where there is negligence or wrongdoing involved, car accident victims may seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy and other damages. This would apply to Herget and Hillyard if they find out they did suffer injuries in this accident. If Manery lost control of her car due to an auto product defect, she can file an auto products liability claim against the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective auto product that caused her accident and injuries. An experienced Oregon personal injury lawyer will be able to better explain these and other claim-related issues to injured victims and their families.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.