Monday, January 28, 2013

OREGON - Biker sues driver over crash The driver is accused of forcing his way into a group

OFF THE WIRE
The driver is accused of forcing his way into a group of motorcyclists; the bikers reportedly retaliated

A Springfield man who was chased down by members of a motorcycle club after a crash on Highway 126 last year is being sued by the club member who was injured in the wreck.

Attorneys for Roseburg resident Valentin Camarillo filed suit last week in Lane County Circuit Court seeking $220,000 in damages from Christopher J. Jenson. The suit claims Jenson caused the April 16 crash that left Camarillo with serious injuries.

Jenson could not immediately be located for comment.

Jenson initially was arrested by Oregon State Police on charges of reckless driving and recklessly endangering another person, and booked into the Lane County Jail. But Jenson was released the next day, the charges were dropped and he was never prosecuted for any crime.

The crash occurred west of Veneta at a point where the highway narrows from two eastbound lanes to one. According to a state police report, Jenson was trying to pass four motorcycles at the location, then veered back into their lane in the middle of the group.

The suit claims the motorcyclists were riding with two in front and two in back and Jenson “forced his way in between” them. It says Jenson cut off Camarillo, clipped his front tire and caused him to lose control and crash.

According to the suit, Jenson didn’t stop. Police later reported that two members of the group chased after Jenson and caught up with him as he neared Eugene.

One came alongside Jenson’s car and used a metal hook attached to a leather whip to shatter the car’s window, police said.

In the suit, Camarillo accuses Jenson of speeding, passing in a no-passing zone and reckless driving.

The crash left Camarillo with a fractured vertebra, several other broken bones and sprains, and soft-tissue damage to his shoulder, spine, ribs and leg, the suit says.

The suit seeks $20,000 for medical expenses and $200,000 for pain, suffering and other non-economic damages. No trial date has been set.

The two motorcyclists who followed Jenson, identified as members of the Brother Speed Motorcycle Club, were arrested.

One, Phillip A. Davis of Portland, later pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a weapon, menacing, recklessly endangering, criminal mischief and reckless driving, was sentenced to 45 days in jail and three years’ probation, and was ordered to pay a variety of fines, including restitution to Jenson.

The other motorcyclist initially was charged with recklessly endangering, reckless driving and possession of Oxycodone, but those charges were dismissed.

http://www.registerguard.com/web/news/cityregion/29317545-41/jenson-suit-crash-camarillo-charges.html.csp