Man sentenced for serious crash

A man received a 10-year suspended sentence Dec. 15 for felony criminal endangerment after causing a 2014 crash that left him and woman seriously injured.

Christopher Parker, 35, received 13 days credit for time served. The charge was amended in a plea agreement from negligent vehicular assault.

According to court documents, Parker was the driver of a Honda Acura that was driving south on Montana 35 when it drifted into the northbound lane and collided with an oncoming Ford Escort. The Escort had heavy brake marks leading to where it had been smashed off the road, while the Acura did not. The driver of the Escort had to be cut from the vehicle. Both the Escort’s driver and Parker were taken to the hospital.

Parker admitted to having prescription drugs in his system at the time of the crash. The Montana State Crime Lab determined that two prescription drugs and the active ingredient in marijuana were present in Parker at the time of a blood draw.

The victim told investigators that she had a torn spleen, rib fractures and a bruised liver as a result of the crash, which she said was caused after Parker drifted into her lane.

Flathead District Judge Amy Eddy had a difficult time assessing how much restitution was due the victim. The injured woman had requested $58,000, but Parker’s attorney noted that insurance had already paid $50,000 in the case. It was unclear if the woman’s cost estimate took that amount into account.

Parker also noted that he had $110,000 in medical debt from the crash, as he had no medical insurance at the time. Parker said he is unemployed and currently trying to get disability benefits because he has bipolar disorder, which would make it difficult for him to pay restitution anyway.

Parker’s attorney also said that Parker was test driving the vehicle at the time of the crash, and the car company that owned it might also be liable for some of the expenses.

“Obviously you caused serious injuries to someone as a result of your conduct and I would not want the victim to go uncompensated,” Eddy said.

The victim can pursue restitution through civil court, Eddy pointed out.

Parker’s sentence will run consecutive to a five-year suspended sentence he’s currently serving in Lincoln County for felony criminal mischief.

Reporter Megan Strickland can be reached at 758-4459 or mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.