Kolton Opdahl vs. Ocean Rieke

Case Background

On August 20, 2021, Plaintiff  Kolton Opdahl filed a Car crash lawsuit in the Oregon Circuit Court of Multnomah County(Case number: 21CV33588). This case was presided by the Judges Stephen K. Bushong, Judith H. Matarazzo, David F. Rees, Christopher J. Marshall, Kelly Skye, Leslie G. Bottomly and Bryan Francesconi

Cause

A severe car crash disrupted the night of December 5, 2020, at 11:00 PM on Portland’s Highway 26/Sunset Highway. Kolton Opdahl, a resident of Clark County, Washington, was operating his vehicle eastbound when the collision occurred. The defendant, Ocean Rieke, from Washington County, Oregon, created a hazardous situation by stopping his vehicle in the number 1 lane around a curve. Rieke failed to activate his hazard lights, which significantly reduced visibility for approaching traffic. Law enforcement officers investigating the auto collision placed the blame on Rieke, noting that his actions violated standard highway safety protocols. The dangerous combination of a stopped vehicle, a curved road, and the lack of warning lights culminated in this severe rear-end collision.

Injuries

The motor vehicle accident inflicted multiple severe injuries on Opdahl. The impact of the collision caused acute cervicalgia, resulting in persistent neck strain and sprain. The force of the crash transmitted through his body, triggering significant back trauma and a diagnosis of lumbago. The collision also caused substantial knee and leg injuries, compromising his mobility. Post-accident symptoms included severe headaches that persisted long after the initial crash. Opdahl sustained extensive soft tissue damage and ligament injuries that required immediate medical intervention. These injuries significantly disrupted his daily routine and diminished his quality of life, necessitating comprehensive medical treatment and ongoing therapeutic care.

Damages

The financial impact of the auto collision created substantial burdens for Opdahl. Medical expenses for treating his injuries totaled $25,000, covering emergency care, diagnostic procedures, and ongoing treatment. The crash inflicted $4,000 in property damage to Opdahl’s car, requiring extensive repairs. Beyond these direct costs, the personal injury claim included $21,000 for non-economic damages, covering past, present, and future pain and suffering. The total compensation demand of $50,000 reflected the comprehensive impact of the accident on Opdahl’s life, including diminished life enjoyment and the disruption of normal activities.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Kolton Opdahl
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Josephine C Townsend
  • Defendant(s):Ocean Rieke
    • Counsel for Defendants: Mark Douglas Monson

 Claims

The Car crash lawsuit established multiple grounds for negligence against Rieke. The legal team demonstrated how the defendant’s actions violated fundamental road safety principles. The complaint detailed specific negligent behaviors, including the dangerous decision to stop on a curved section of highway without activating warning lights. The case highlighted how these actions breached standard highway safety protocols and directly led to the rear-end collision. Supporting evidence included police reports and witness statements that confirmed the hazardous conditions created by the defendant’s negligent driving.

Defense

The defendant, admitted to the basic facts about the time, location, and occurrence of the collision. However, he contested the extent of the plaintiff’s injuries, leaving that determination to a jury. In his first affirmative defense, Rieke claimed that the collision and resulting injuries were caused by the plaintiff’s own negligence. The defense alleged that Kolton Opdahl was responsible for the accident through three specific acts of negligence: driving at an excessive speed, failing to maintain a proper lookout, and failing to maintain control of his vehicle. The defense attorney filed this response on December 6, 2021, denying all other allegations in the plaintiff’s complaint and requested that the court dismiss the plaintiff’s claims while awarding costs and disbursements to the defendant.

Jury Verdict

On November 6, 2024, after deliberating on the evidence presented, the jury rendered a verdict in favor of the defendant, Ocean Rieke. The jury found that the plaintiff, Kolton Opdahl, had not sufficiently proven his claims of negligence against the defendant in a Car crash lawsuit.

Court Documents:

Available Upon Request