Steep grades and hairpin turns are dangerous regardless of weather conditions, but on February 21, 2022, we saw just how dangerous they can be. Cabbage Hill, an area in Eastern Oregon already notorious for poor winter weather conditions, saw temperatures plummet into single digits.
The area of I-84 that passes through Cabbage Hill was under a winter storm warning, with areas above elevations of 3,500 forecasted to see up to four inches of snow and wind chills close to zero degrees. As the snow began to fall, the cars began to pile.
Oregon State Police Officers responded to an initial crash near Deadman Pass shortly after noon. As they arrived, they could hear more cars colliding in the distance. These chain-reaction accidents resulted in I-84 closures stretching from Pendleton to Ontario and involved nearly 100 vehicles. Multiple injuries were reported after the pileup, but the number of people harmed and the severity of their injuries are still unknown.
Chain-Reaction Pileups in Oregon Are Common
When visibility is low, it is not uncommon for chain-reaction pileup accidents to occur, especially on major freeways where many drivers are reluctant to slow down regardless of the weather. Unfortunately, failing to adjust your speed and driving habits for slippery or low-visibility conditions can have terrible consequences, including severe injuries and fatalities.
Chain-reaction crashes are common on this stretch of freeway in Eastern Oregon, as hundreds of motorists are frequently left stranded between Pendleton and La Grande during winter storms. Numerous vehicles were left on the snow-covered freeway near mile marker 230, just 21 miles east of Pendleton. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) was forced to shut down westbound I-84 overnight but was able to open the eastbound lanes later that evening.
Local first responders transported injured motorists to area hospitals. Uninjured motorists, left stranded by the closures, were taken to the Pendleton Convention Center at 1601 Westgate.
Have You Been Injured in a Weather-Related Accident in Oregon?
It may be reasonable to drive the posted speed limit in fair weather, but when visibility decreases and the roads begin to slick, it’s time to slow it down. Drivers who fail to use extreme caution in severe weather can not only trigger serious or fatal accidents, but they can also be financially responsible for victims’ damages.
Suppose you or someone you care about was injured in a snow, ice, or other weather-related crash in Oregon. In that case, you could be eligible to recover monetary compensation for damages such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future medical expenses
- Property damage
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of companionship
- Past and future loss of income
For the best chances of receiving compensation, contact an Oregon weather accident attorney to handle the claim for you.
Contact an Oregon Snow and Ice Car Accident Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Drivers who disregard the safety of you and others by failing to adjust their driving for weather conditions should be held accountable for the damages they cause. If you or someone you care about has been injured or killed in a snow, ice, fog, or other weather-related crash, the experienced Oregon personal injury lawyers with Rizk Law can help make things right.
To schedule a free, no-obligation evaluation of your motor vehicle accident, call us today at (503) 245-5677 or fill out our convenient contact form to request more information about how we can help. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to answer any questions you may have about your case. Our attorneys are flexible and offer both virtual and face-to-face legal assistance.
