A former Oregon congressman has been accused of running a red light and causing a car crash that left the other driver with thousands of dollars in medical expenses, according to a new lawsuit. Representative Earl Blumenauer allegedly violated basic speed rules, engaged in careless and reckless driving, and failed to obey traffic control on May 23, 2025, as detailed in recent court filings obtained by the Daily Mail.
Details of the Alleged Incident
Blumenauer, a Democrat who served in Congress for 14 terms and retired from politics in January 2025, is said to have run through a busy Portland intersection, striking Ricky Krecklow's vehicle. Krecklow asserted that he had a green light while driving through the intersection at Northeast Weidler Street and 102nd Avenue when Blumenauer ran a red light and collided with him.
The lawsuit stated, "Because of the suddenness of [Blumenauer's] vehicle entering into his path, [Krecklow] was unable to avoid hitting [Blumenauer's] vehicle and the front of [Krecklow's] Lincoln struck the passenger side of [Blumenauer's] Toyota." Krecklow reported sustaining bodily injuries and significant damage to his vehicle as a result of the crash.
Financial and Personal Impact
As of April 6, Krecklow claimed to have incurred $6,249.32 in medical bills to treat his injuries. He also experienced pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, life disruptions, and inconvenience due to the injuries. The court filing argued that Blumenauer breached his duty to maintain reasonable control of his vehicle, acting in a manner that a prudent person would not have under similar circumstances.
It remains unclear whether a police report was filed for the crash. The Daily Mail contacted Krecklow's attorney, Blumenauer, and the Portland Police Department for comment, but details on official reports were not provided.
Legal Resolution and Settlement
Krecklow's lawsuit initially sought $9,999.99 in damages. However, his attorney, Brendan Burke, informed The Oregonian/OregonLive that the civil court matter was resolved quickly after it was filed on April 6. Burke stated, "We have already settled the suit with former Rep. Blumenauer's insurance, and I am planning on filing dismissal pleadings with the court soon. We will not discuss settlement details."
Background and Irony
Notably, Blumenauer has a pedestrian bridge named after him, the Congressman Earl Blumenauer Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge, located approximately five miles from the crash site. This adds an ironic twist to the allegations, given his advocacy for transportation safety during his political career.
Blumenauer became known for his signature style, featuring bow ties and neon bicycle lapel pins, during his time in Congress. Since retiring, he has served as a senior fellow at Portland State University and as a special advisor to university president Ann Cudd.
The case highlights the legal and personal consequences of traffic violations, even for public figures, and underscores the importance of road safety measures in urban areas like Portland.
