Multi-Vehicle Crash Seriously Injures Clackamas Man

Date: October 23, 2009
Location: Highway 99E near South End Road, Canby, Oregon
Names: Kenneth R. Laughton, Jr., Mykhaylo M. Zalozh

According to the Canby Herald Online, Kenneth R. Laughton, Jr., 50, of Clackamas, Oregon, was seriously injured when his SUV crossed the center line on Highway 99E north of South End Road, between Canby and Oregon City, and hit a commercial truck and trailer hauling a load of car batteries. The crash, which occurred October 23, 2009, around 2:35 PM, pinned Laughton inside his car for 45 minutes while fire crews worked to extricate him. The truck driver, Mykhaylo M. Zalozh, 39, of Southeast Portland, was not injured.

Laughton was driving a 1994 Ford Explorer southbound on the highway near milepost 15, when, for unknown reasons, his car drifted over the center line and hit Zalozh’s truck. The crash closed Highway 99E while fire personnel worked to clean up a 200-gallon diesel fuel spill, using foam as a preventive measure.

Laughton was transported by Life Flight to Oregon Health & Science University Hospital. Oregon State Police said safety restraint information was not available.

State police were assisted by Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office in the crash investigation.

We send our thoughts and wishes to both Laughton and Stearns after this accident. We hope that Laughton will be out of the hospital soon, and that Stearns will recover emotionally from the shock of this seemingly inexplicable event.

In an accident where there seem to be more questions than answers, we are often left asking, “Why?” It can be a confusing time, trying to sort everything out. That’s why our website contains helpful information for those who have been in a crash, as well as driving tips to keep you safe on the road, whether you’re wondering how to find a good Portland personal injury attorney, or you need to know how to deal with the insurance adjuster, or if you’d like to read our free book, 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case. And if you still have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us and let us know how we can help.