OSP Continuing Investigation into Fatal Motorcycle Crash – Gilliam County

Photo Courtesy of Oregon State Police

Oregon State Police troopers from The Dalles Area Command are continuing their investigation into a fatal motorcycle crash that took the life of an Edmonton, Alberta man.

On May 25, 2016 at about 3:45 PM, DARCY DUTERTRE, age 49 of Edmonton, Alberta Canada was driving a 2010 Yamaha motorcycle northbound on Highway 19 approximately 17 miles south of Arlington, Oregon. As DUTERTRE entered a sharp right hand curve, he drove into the oncoming lane and laid his bike over. DUTERTRE was struck by a southbound 2008 Dodge service truck driven by EDUARDO ZUNIGA-GONZALEZ, age 23 of Condon, Oregon.

While the crash remains under investigation, neither alcohol nor speed appears to have been a factor. High wind gusts were present during the time of the crash.

The Oregon State Police was assisted by the Gilliam County Sheriff’s Office, the Oregon Department of Transportation, Gilliam County Fire and Rescue, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

This was a terrible accident, and we just hope everyone involved in the crash knows that there are a lot of people thinking of them.

The period after an accident like this can be a very confusing and challenging time. We feel fortunate to be able to provide victims of these types of accidents with resources that help navigate these challenging and trying times. We hope these resources help answer some of the difficult questions you have after an accident.

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. Get all correspondence with both insurance companies in writing.
8. Do not sign anything until you are done treating and are medically stationary.
9. 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.
10. 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.