Driver Jailed After Motorcycle Crash

Date: July 16, 2010
Location: NE 7th & Killingsworth St., Portland, Oregon
Names: Jose Valdez-Gorogstieta, [Unknown]

A 23-year-old man was arrested and jailed on July 17, 2010, a day after a Portland, Oregon traffic crash that injured two motorcycle riders, according to The Oregonian and a Portland Police Bureau press release.

On July 16, around 4:30 PM, Jose Valdez-Gorogstieta, 23, was driving south on NE 7th Avenue, heading toward Killingsworth Street, when he went through a stop sign and crashed into a motorcycle carrying two riders. Police believe he was driving while impaired.

One of the motorcycle riders was seriously injured. The other suffered non-life threatening injuries. As of July 25, the victims had not been identified.

Valdez-Gorogstieta was taken to Multnomah County Detention Center. He is being held on charges of second-degree assault, third-degree assault, driving under the influence of intoxicants, and reckless driving. His total bail stands at $260,000. Police are continuing to investigate the crash.

Our hearts go out to the people who were injured, and we send them our best wishes.

Anytime someone is injured in a motorcycle crash in Oregon, we are reminded of the high injury and death rates for motorcycle riders. Several factors contribute to the potential risk, but probably none more so than motorists seeming inability to see motorcycles. Certainly rider skill can come into play, and we absolutely welcome the new Oregon law requiring motorcycle skills training. However, no matter how safely a person rides, a car driver who isn’t looking will remain a danger to a motorcyclist.

It is especially dangerous when a driver is impaired by alcohol or other drugs, and it is shocking how often it happens. The CDC reports that every day, 32 people in the U.S. lose their lives in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver – one death every 45 minutes.

Alcohol is not the only problem. Impairment from other drugs plays a role in around 18 percent of motor vehicle driver deaths. Most often, drugs and alcohol are used together.

If you are hurt in an Oregon car or motorcycle accident, you have someone on your side. DuBois Law Group represents victims with injuries resulting from accidents. Our clients deserve representation with our experience, sensitivity and tenacity. Should an unfortunate episode find you or someone you know in need of representation as a result of an accident related injury, the best thing you can do for yourself is to get educated by ordering your free copy of 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case. If you still have questions, contact us.