Cyclist Sues for Opened Car Door
Here’s a new skirmish between bikers and motorists: A Southeast Portland cyclist is suing a woman for opening a car door directly in her path, allegedly causing a collision and permanent injuries.
According to a lawsuit filed July 8 in Multnomah County Circuit Court, Kristin Ragnarsson was riding eastbound on Southeast Stark Street on July 3, 2008.
As Ragnarsson passed the intersection with Southeast 28th Avenue, the lawsuit says, Judith Latourette-Meyers of Clackamas County had her vehicle parked at the curb on the south side of Stark. According to the lawsuit, Latourette-Meyers opened her driver-side door “directly into the path” of Ragnarsson’s bike.
Ragnarsson suffered injuries to her head, back, left hip and right hand, the lawsuit says, including a cut to her right index finger and a broken metacarpal. The injury to her right hand is permanent, the lawsuit says.
The suit, filed by Vancouver lawyer Daniel Jacobs, seeks $12,765.96 for medical bills, plus up to $100,000 for pain and suffering.
Latourette-Meyers could not be reached for comment.