Head-On Fatal Crash Near Chemult

Date: December 30, 2014
Location: US97 near milepost 197 Near Chemult, Oregon
Names: Bill Foster Chapman, Aaron Hinrichs, and Danielle Hinrichs

Head-ON Fatal Crash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At approximately 5:30 p.m. on December 30, 2014 police investigated a head-on crash near Chemult, Oregon.

Preliminary information suggests that Bill Foster Chapman, 86, of Tulelake, CA, was driving a silver 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser headed Southbound on US97, when for no known reason, Chapman’s vehicle veered into the Northbound lane. Chapman’s vehicle collided head-on with a silver 2011 GMC Acadia being driven by Aaron Hinrichs, 34 of Eureka, CA.

Bill Foster Chapman was transported to St. Charles Hospital in Gilchrist. While being treated, Chapman died from his injuries.

Aaron Hinrichs was also transported to St. Charles Hospital, along with passenger Danielle Hinrichs, 32, and three minor aged children. All passengers in the GMC were noted to have minor injuries.

Ice and Snow were present during the time of the accident.

We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Bill Foster Chapman.

We also wish Aaron Hinrichs, Danielle Hinrichs and the minor age children a full and speedy recovery.

As Portland car accident attorneys, we know that filing an insurance claim can be extremely complicated and stressful. After a crash like this, any injured person can seek compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance policy, or through their own uninsured motorist coverage.

Steps to Take for Filing an Insurance Claim after an Oregon Accident:

1. Get medical treatment. If you’ve been injured, waiting to seek medical treatment can greatly affect the value of your claim.
2. Right after the accident, write down any details you remember.
3. Contact your insurance company and get a copy of your insurance policy if you don’t have one. Talk to your adjuster about using your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for medical treatment, lost wages, etc.
4. Determine the amount of property damage done.
5. Start keeping good records. Get the police report, copies of medical bills, pictures of your car before and after repairs, etc.
6. If you are considering hiring a lawyer, talk to the lawyer before you talk to the other driver’s insurance company.
7. If you know you are not going to hire an attorney, contact the insurance company for the other driver yourself. Be honest, but do not give a recorded statement and do not admit any liability.
8. Get all correspondence with both insurance companies in writing.
9. Do not sign anything until you are done treating and are medically stationary.
10. Check the statute of limitations on your claim. For most car accidents in Oregon, the time limit is two years, but this is not true for all cases. In some cases, you will only have 180 days – speaking to an attorney can clarify your time limits.
11. Discuss your case with a car accident attorney in Portland who offers free consultations to start understanding the laws that affect your case and your rights as an accident victim.

But before you speak to the insurance adjuster or an attorney, you can learn more about the Oregon insurance claim process in the very helpful book, 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case.