OSP Continuing Fatal Crash Investigation On Highway 58 – Lane County

Photo Courtesy of Oregon State Police

On June 1, 2016 at about 12:05AM, OSP Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a passenger car versus a semi-truck on Highway 58 near milepost 42 (east of Oakridge). Initial reports were the pickup was on fire.

Preliminary investigation revealed a 1997 Ford F150 was traveling westbound in the eastbound lane on Highway 58 when it collided head-on with a 2007 Kenworth truck tractor towing a box trailer. After impact the Ford became engulfed in flames and the truck drove off the highway into the ditch. Fire personnel arrived on scene and extinguished the fire, finding the driver deceased inside. The driver of the Kenworth, Ivan SLAVNIK, age 34, of Portland was not injured.

Highway 58 was closed for approximately an hour and a half before one lane was opened for traffic. The name of deceased will be released after family has been notified. More information will be released when it becomes available.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those involved in this accident. This was a terrible accident, and we hope everyone involved in the crash knows that there are thinking of their families and the life lost.

One of the most difficult parts of an accident like this is the fact that there will be immediate bills that will need to be taken care of in a timely manner. The period after an accident like this can be a very confusing and challenging time especially when friends and family may be involved. 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 and how mounting medical bills or a wrongful death can be addressed.

This is a sensitive time for all those involved but it is important to remember that the lives of those left behind must be protected to the fullest extent of the law.

Oregon wrongful death claims are allowed under ORS 30.020, but the law is much more complicated than a normal accident case. First of all, the statute of limitations (SOL)(time limit on filing a claim) is different. For most car accidents, the SOL is two years, but for wrongful death, the SOL is “three years after the injury causing the death . . . is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. . . .”

Additionally, there are limits on who can bring a wrongful death claim. The most common claimants are:

• Spouses
• Children (including stepchildren)
• Parents (including stepparents)

Less common claimants include:

• Grandchildren
• Siblings
• Grandparents

In a wrongful death case, you can ask for compensation for several types of damages such as:

• Charges for medical services;
• Charges for burial and memorial services;
• Compensation that the decedent would have been entitled to for disability, pain and suffering, and loss of income during the period between injury and death;
• Compensation for “pecuniary loss” to the decedent’s estate;
• Compensation for the loss of the decedent’s “society, companionship and services” to the decedent’s spouse, children, stepchildren, stepparents, and parents;

Punitive damages are allowed as well, but are rare in Oregon since the State takes 70% of punitive damages awarded. If you have lost a loved one, call a Portland wrongful death attorney for help in securing the compensation you deserve.

Motorycle Crash Kills Klamath Falls Man – Klamath County

Photo of Portland State Police

On May 30, 2016 at about 6:15 PM, OSP Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a motorcycle crash on Running Y Road near Highway 140.

Initial investigation revealed a 2002 Harley Davidson motorcycle was traveling southbound on Running Y Road approaching Highway 140 when it failed to negotiate a sharp curve. The motorcycle traveled across a grassy area before ejecting the operator into a pond.

The operator, James D DEHART, age 47, of Klamath Falls, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Speed is being considered as contributing factor in the crash. More information will be released when it becomes available.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those involved in this accident.

One of the most difficult parts of an accident like this is the fact that there will be immediate bills that will need to be taken care of in a timely manner. The period after an accident like this can be a very confusing and challenging time especially when friends and family may be involved. 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 and how mounting medical bills or a wrongful death can be addressed.

This is a sensitive time for all those involved but it is important to remember that the lives of those left behind must be protected to the fullest extent of the law.

Oregon wrongful death claims are allowed under ORS 30.020, but the law is much more complicated than a normal accident case. First of all, the statute of limitations (SOL)(time limit on filing a claim) is different. For most car accidents, the SOL is two years, but for wrongful death, the SOL is “three years after the injury causing the death . . . is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. . . .”

Additionally, there are limits on who can bring a wrongful death claim. The most common claimants are:

• Spouses
• Children (including stepchildren)
• Parents (including stepparents)

Less common claimants include:

• Grandchildren
• Siblings
• Grandparents

In a wrongful death case, you can ask for compensation for several types of damages such as:

• Charges for medical services;
• Charges for burial and memorial services;
• Compensation that the decedent would have been entitled to for disability, pain and suffering, and loss of income during the period between injury and death;
• Compensation for “pecuniary loss” to the decedent’s estate;
• Compensation for the loss of the decedent’s “society, companionship and services” to the decedent’s spouse, children, stepchildren, stepparents, and parents;

Punitive damages are allowed as well, but are rare in Oregon since the State takes 70% of punitive damages awarded. If you have lost a loved one, call a Portland wrongful death attorney for help in securing the compensation you deserve.

Crash North Of Rogue River Takes Life Of Grants Pass Man – Jackson County

Photo Courtesy of Oregon State Police

On May 30, 2016 at about 9pm OSP Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a report of a vehicle versus tree on Hwy 99 near milepost 8 (1 mile north of Rogue River).

Preliminary investigation revealed a 1997 Honda coupe was traveling northbound on Highway 99 at a high rate of speed when it failed to negotiate a right sweeping curve. The Honda exited the roadway and struck a large pine tree on the driver’s side door. The driver, Donovan G HILBY, age 47, of Grants Pass, was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel. The passenger, Patrick G GREEN, age 35, of Grants Pass, was transported to Rogue Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.

The highway was restricted to one lane for about 3 hours as the investigation was conducted. Oregon Department of Transportation, Rogue River Fire Department, Rogue River Police Department and the Jackson County Sheriff’s office assisted. Alcohol and speed are believed to be contributing factors of the crash. More information will be released as it becomes available.

We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Donovan G HILBY.

Oregon wrongful death claims are allowed under ORS 30.020, but the law is much more complicated than a normal accident case. First of all, the statute of limitations (SOL)(time limit on filing a claim) is different. For most car accidents, the SOL is two years, but for wrongful death, the SOL is “three years after the injury causing the death . . . is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. . . .”

Additionally, there are limits on who can bring a wrongful death claim. The most common claimants are:

• Spouses
• Children (including stepchildren)
• Parents (including stepparents)

Less common claimants include:

• Grandchildren
• Siblings
• Grandparents

In a wrongful death case, you can ask for compensation for several types of damages such as:

• Charges for medical services;
• Charges for burial and memorial services;
• Compensation that the decedent would have been entitled to for disability, pain and suffering, and loss of income during the period between injury and death;
• Compensation for “pecuniary loss” to the decedent’s estate;
• Compensation for the loss of the decedent’s “society, companionship and services” to the decedent’s spouse, children, stepchildren, stepparents, and parents;

Punitive damages are allowed as well, but are rare in Oregon since the State takes 70% of punitive damages awarded. If you have lost a loved one, call a Portland wrongful death attorney for help in securing the compensation you deserve.

Two Vehicle Crash Near Gaston Sends Seven To Hospital – Washington County

Courtesy of Oregon State Police

On May 28, 2016, at about 10:30PM, OSP Troopers from the North Plains Worksite and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle injury crash on Highway 47 at Seghers Road (just north of Gaston).

Preliminary investigation revealed a 2003 Ford F-350 pickup was southbound on Highway 47 waiting to turn left onto Seghers Road when it was struck from behind by a 2009 GMC Acadia SUV. The impact sent the pickup across the northbound lane of Highway 47 and into the ditch.

The driver of the GMC, Theresa TRICARICO, age 45, of Gaston, had to be extricated from the vehicle and was transported via air ambulance to OHSU with serious, but non-life threatening injuries. TRICARICO’s five passengers in the vehicle all received minor injuries and were transported to OHSU via ground ambulance.

The driver of the Ford pickup, Eileen “Michelle” KORMAN, age 50, of Gaston, received minor injuries and was transported via ground ambulance to Saint Vincent Hospital in Portland.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation. The highway was briefly shut down for about 20-30 minutes for air ambulance to land and for medical personnel to finish extrication of TRICARICO. OSP was assisted at the scene by Forest Grove Police, Forest Grove Fire Department, Metro West Ambulance and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

More information will be released as it becomes available.

This was a terrible tragedy, 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.

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.

Fatal Crash on Highway 26 North of Banks – Washington County

Photo Courtesy of Oregon State Police

On May 23, 2016 at about 6:44 a.m., Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a two vehicle crash on Highway 26 near milepost 49 (north of Banks).

Preliminary investigation revealed a 2003 Chevrolet pickup was traveling westbound on Highway 26 when it crossed over the centerline for unknown reasons. The Chevrolet collided head-on with an eastbound 1993 Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle towing a trailer loaded with logs.

The driver of the Chevrolet, Bradley Cole VANDEHEY, age 20, of Hillsboro, was pronounced deceased on scene by emergency personnel. The driver of the truck, Raymond Michael SCOTT, age 32, of Tillamook, was injured and transported to OHSU where he was treated and released.

Contributing factors to the crash are still under investigation.

Highway 26 was closed for over six hours with an established detour. OSP was assisted by the Oregon Department of Transportation, Banks Fire Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

More information will be released when it is available.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those involved in this accident. This was a terrible accident, and we hope everyone involved in the crash knows that there are thinking of their families and the life lost.

One of the most difficult parts of an accident like this is the fact that there will be immediate bills that will need to be taken care of in a timely manner. The period after an accident like this can be a very confusing and challenging time especially when friends and family may be involved. 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 and how mounting medical bills or a wrongful death can be addressed.

This is a sensitive time for all those involved but it is important to remember that the lives of those left behind must be protected to the fullest extent of the law.

Oregon wrongful death claims are allowed under ORS 30.020, but the law is much more complicated than a normal accident case. First of all, the statute of limitations (SOL)(time limit on filing a claim) is different. For most car accidents, the SOL is two years, but for wrongful death, the SOL is “three years after the injury causing the death . . . is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. . . .”

Additionally, there are limits on who can bring a wrongful death claim. The most common claimants are:

• Spouses
• Children (including stepchildren)
• Parents (including stepparents)

Less common claimants include:

• Grandchildren
• Siblings
• Grandparents

In a wrongful death case, you can ask for compensation for several types of damages such as:

• Charges for medical services;
• Charges for burial and memorial services;
• Compensation that the decedent would have been entitled to for disability, pain and suffering, and loss of income during the period between injury and death;
• Compensation for “pecuniary loss” to the decedent’s estate;
• Compensation for the loss of the decedent’s “society, companionship and services” to the decedent’s spouse, children, stepchildren, stepparents, and parents;

Punitive damages are allowed as well, but are rare in Oregon since the State takes 70% of punitive damages awarded. If you have lost a loved one, call a Portland wrongful death attorney for help in securing the compensation you deserve.