One Man Dead In Milo McIver State Park Crash

Date: August 1, 2009
Location: Milo McIver State Park
Names: Katie Erin Warren, Chester Raimer Jr.

Oregonlive.com reports the death of one man after an accident that occurred Saturday evening.

The accident occurred around 8:30 pm, within Milo McIver State Park when driver Katie Erin Warren, 21, was driving through the park and drove her car off the road, eventually colliding with several trees. Warren’s rear seat passenger, Chester Raimer Jr., 48, of Milwaukie was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Warren is being charged with second-degree manslaughter, reckless driving and driving while intoxicated. The driver’s four other passengers only sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Warren was taken to OHSU prior to being arrested.

Drunk driving is a reprehensible act that in this case cost the life of Chester Raimer Jr. This man has a family and friends who will miss him considerably. An early evening thrill was not worth this great loss of life. We hope that those who knew and loved Chester can come together for strength and hope.

When a drunk driver causes an injury accident in Oregon, there is a possibility of suing the person or bar who served the alcohol. This must be done correctly, and quickly. There are strict time limits for filing a lawsuit in Oregon, and where alcohol is involved, the limits get even stricter. A Dram Shop Notice must be sent to the server within 180 days of the incident, pursuant to ORS 471.565.

Why sue a bar for serving a person alcohol? Well, the bar must have done something wrong. Bars are regulated strictly by the OLCC, and if they serve to minors, or serve to a person who was visibly intoxicated, they have violated regulations and they should be held responsible for that. They also have a duty to perform certain checks before serving. They are not allowed to avoid the regulation by closing their eyes to what is going on in their own pub.

Our accident lawyers in Portland also give absolutely free, no-obligation consultations to families who have been injured or lost a loved one to drunk driving.