Three-Car Crash Kills One, Injures Five in Idanha Oregon

Date: December 19, 2009
Location: Highway 22 east of Idanha, Oregon
Names: Robert Lee Randis, Beverly J. Randis, Nicole Bowerman, Karlie Jean Callin, Dorian J. Dolinajec, Jessie E. Alway

According to an Oregon State Police press release, a three-car crash on Highway 22 east of Idanha, Oregon, on December 19, 2009, killed a Terrebonne man and injured five people, three seriously.

The accident happened around 4:30 PM when a Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Dorian J. Dolinajec, 23, of Portland, was driving west on the highway, and moved partially across the center line as if to pass another car. The Jeep sideswiped an eastbound 2004 Hyundai car, driven by Robert Lee Randis, 69, of Terrebonne, then became airborne and crashed into an eastbound 2006 Ford truck driven by Jessie E. Alway, 61, of Bend.

The Hyundai’s driver, Randis, was pronounced dead at the scene. Two of his passengers received serious but non-life-threatening injuries: his wife, Beverly J. Randis, 67, of Terrebonne; and Nicole Bowerman, 10, of Sweet Home. The other passenger, Karlie Jean Callin, 13, of Sweet Home, had minor injuries. Beverly Randis, Bowerman, and Callin were transported by ambulance to Santiam Memorial Hospital.

The Jeep’s driver, Dolinajec, was seriously injured, and was taken by ambulance to Samaritan Albany General Hospital.

Alway received minor injuries. She was also transported to Samaritan Albany General Hospital.

Oregon State Police troopers were continuing to investigate, along with an OSP collision reconstructionist. As of December 20, it was believed that all occupants were using safety restraints.

Responders included Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Idanha Fire Department and Oregon Department of Transportation. The highway was closed for about 30 minutes, then opened to one-lane of traffic. Both lanes were reopened around 10 PM.

We send special thoughts to the Randises’ family members, and to all those who were injured – and we know that many, many others are sending thoughts and prayers to you now as well. We are so sorry for your loss, and we wish for the full recovery of the survivors. And especially to the children, who have their whole lives ahead of them.

When children are injured, the law can get complicated fast. For example, while the standard Oregon injury case must be filed within 2 years of the accident, the statute of limitations for children, on the other hand, is not so straightforward. ORS 12.160 steps you through the process for figuring out the statute of limitations. First, the regular statute of limitations applies. Second, it doesn’t start running until the child turns 18 years old. But, third, the statute cannot be extended more than five years. And fourth, it cannot be extended beyond the child’s 19th birthday. In addition to the statute of limitations, there’s also the issue of money. Money recovered belongs to the injured child, not to his or her parents. In certain cases, a judge will need to oversee the situation to make sure this happens.

Many traffic crashes are difficult to explain, and when death or injury is involved, it is important to contact a qualified personal injury attorney. If you have questions after a car crash, please contact us.