A case of drunk driving with the use of marijuana in Portland, Oregon now results in a $3.6 million wrongful death lawsuit. The city, state and man are now accused of the hit-and-run scenario that caused the death of a citizen.
As per NavBug, the lawsuit which was filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court claimed that Martin Greenough was on his way home from work via his bike, trekking along Northeast Portland Highway last December 15, in which a man named Kenneth Smith hit him. Smith can be recalled driving a 2004 Ford Crown Victoria.
According to KOIN, the lawsuit clarified that Smith went driving at 45 mph, approaching the Northeast Portland Highway and NE 42nd Avenue. Greenough was wearing a helmet, and as Smith approached the highway, he began drifting over to the right side of the street, touching the guardrail and then hit Greenough's bike from behind.
My Informs delivered that after the incident, Smith fled from the scene and Greenough was thrown off his bike. Along I-205 and Sandy Boulevard, Smith's car eventually broke down. He was then assessed of being under the influence of intoxicants and deliberately escaped the scene to try and avoid any and all responsibilities.
Generally the crash happened in a pinch point of Northeast Portland Highway, meeting the NE 42nd Street bypass bridge. Generally, the bypass eliminates the entire bike and shoulder for an approximate of 200 feet, in which the City of Portland was already aware of; at least a year before the crash happened which now points to the 3.6 million dollar lawsuit.
It was said that the ODOT fell short of assuring that the Northeast Portland Highway was labelled well for safe travel for motorists, whether vehicles or cyclists. The Portland Police claimed that Smith was charged of first-degree manslaughter, second-degree manslaughter, reckless driving and driving under the influence of intoxicants, including marijuana. As for the trial, no date was disclosed yet but Smith pleaded not guilty to the January 2016 case.
