Memorial for Danielle Sale and Jenee Hammel

Memorial for Danielle Sale and Jenee Hammel

  • Memorial for Danielle Sale and Jenee Hammel

The Oregonian reports that the parents of two young women killed by a TriMet bus and a young man injured in the same crash have filed suit to sue TriMet for $30 million.

The tragic crash happened last April as a group of 20-something friends were crossing NW Broadway with the walk light when a TriMet bus turned onto the street and plowed into them, killing Danielle Sale, 22, and Jeneé Hammel, 26, and injuring 22-year-old Robert Giddings.

Are lawsuits like this the only way to make an agency or company sit up and take notice of danger? TriMet seemed to respond to the deaths seriously. In addition to launching a major study of its safety, TriMet fired culpable driver Sandi Day, even though she originally received only a handful of tickets for causing the deaths and expressed extreme remorse. But the threat of a $30 million suit will certainly make them want to do everything possible to avoid running anyone over in the future.

Sarah Shay Mirk reported on transportation, sex and gender issues, and politics at the Mercury from 2008-2013. They have gone on to make many things, including countless comics and several books.

5 replies on “Parents of Pedestrians Killed by Bus Sue TriMet for $30 Million”

  1. Will $30 million bring back dead people? If not, how about $100 million? A billion? Will $30 million stop people from grieving? For a little while? Is the amount of money in proportion to the amount of grief?

  2. @ ScrumYummy – have you checked the price lately?

    Tea Party sez all these lawsuits are driving up witch doctor malpractice rates.

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