Category Archives: Car Accidents
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.
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:
- Get medical treatment. If you’ve been injured, waiting to seek medical treatment can greatly affect the value of your claim.
- Right after the accident, write down any details you remember.
- 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.
- Determine the amount of property damage done.
- Start keeping good records. Get the police report, copies of medical bills, pictures of your car before and after repairs, etc.
- If you are considering hiring a lawyer, talk to the lawyer before you talk to the other driver’s insurance company.
- Get all correspondence with both insurance companies in writing.
- Do not sign anything until you are done treating and are medically stationary.
- 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.
- 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.
Coos Bay Motorcyclist Killed In Highway 126 Crash – Lane County
On May 21, 2016 at about 4:45PM OSP Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a vehicle crash involving a motorcycle and passenger vehicle on Highway 126 near milepost 26 (7 miles west of Walton).
Preliminary investigation revealed a 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle was traveling eastbound on Highway 126 when it failed to negotiate a sweeping right curve. The motorcyclist crossed the centerline and into the path of a westbound 1992 Lexus sedan where a collision occurred. The motorcyclist was thrown from his motorcycle and landed on the highway. The motorcycle traveled off the roadway where it caught fire.
The motorcyclist, Khris M SACKET, age 59, of Coos Bay, was pronounced deceased on scene by emergency personnel. The driver of the Lexus, Toby Lee GRAY, age 45, of Florence, received minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to Peace Harbor Medical Center in Florence.
Highway 126 was closed for about an hour while the investigation was conducted. OSP was assisted by the Oregon Department of Transportation and Lane County Fire. More information will be released when it becomes available as this is an ongoing investigation.
Highway 97 Crash Takes Three Lives South Of Madras – Jefferson County
Photo Courtesy of Oregon State Police
On May 17, 2016 at about 2:09PM, OSP Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a multiple vehicle crash on Highway 97 near milepost 100 (intersection of Bear Lane, south of Madras).
Preliminary investigation revealed a 2003 Pontiac van was traveling northbound on Highway 97 when it stopped in the lane of travel in preparation to make a left turn onto Bear Lane (waiting for southbound traffic to pass).
While waiting to make a left turn, an unknown vehicle that had also been traveling northbound on Highway 97 almost rear-ended the Pontiac but passed it on the right shoulder. Another northbound vehicle, a 2015 Ford van, could not avoid the Pontiac and rear-ended it at highway speeds. This impact forced the Pontiac into the southbound lane of travel where it collided with a southbound 2008 Honda Accord.
The driver of the Pontiac, Anita J BEMROSE, age 49, of Madras was taken by air ambulance to Saint Charles Bend where she died from her injuries. A 10 year old male passenger was also taken to Saint Charles Bend for life threatening injuries. Two other passengers, a 12 year old male and 14 year old male, were pronounced deceased on scene. All passengers were sons to the deceased driver.
The driver of the Honda, Shirley AYRES, age 69, of Madras was transported to Saint Charles Madras for non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the Ford, Bryan MCDONALD, age 41, of Redmond, was taken to Saint Charles Redmond for non-life threatening injuries.
OSP is seeking the public’s assistance if anyone has knowledge identifying the operator of the unknown vehicle who nearly collided with the stopped Pontiac. Anyone will information is asked to call the Oregon State Police at 503-375-3555.
This is a preliminary release. 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.
Crash On Highway 20 Sends Three To Hospital West Of Sisters- Jefferson County
Photo Courtesy of Oregon State Police
On May 16, 2016 at about 6:54AM, OSP Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a two vehicle head-on crash on Highway 20 near milepost 83 (east of Santiam Summit).
Preliminary investigation revealed a 2005 Chevrolet Colorado was traveling eastbound on Highway 20 when it lost control while negotiating a corner on a wet roadway. The Chevrolet spun out and into the path of a westbound 2016 Kia sport utility. The Chevrolet struck the Kia nearly head-on and then rolled over after impact.
The driver of the Chevrolet, Fredi TORRES REYES, age 20, of Woodburn, was transported by ground ambulance to Saint Charles Bend for non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the Kia, Terje WALTHINSEN, age 71, and his passenger, Timothy J WALTHINSEN, age 38, (both of Redmond) were taken by ground ambulance to Sisters where they were transferred to air ambulance. Both currently are at Saint Charles Bend with life threatening injuries.
Speeding by TORRES REYES is being considered a contributing factor in the crash. It was also learned TORRES REYES has a suspended Oregon Driver’s License.
The westbound lanes of Highway 20 were closed for about five hours while the investigation was conducted. OSP was assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Black Butte Police Department, Black Butte Fire Department, Sisters – Camp Sherman Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
More information will be released when it becomes available as this is an ongoing investigation.
This is a very trying time for the person who is severely injured and his family too. We wish Terje Walthinsen and Timothy J Walthinsen a full recovery.
If you are involved in an accident and the other driver doesn’t have sufficient coverage, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP through your own auto insurance) still applies in this type of case, so use your own auto insurance to pay medical bills until you settle your claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance.
If you don’t have an auto insurance policy, then your health insurance will cover your medical bills. If you don’t have auto or health insurance, the at-fault driver’s PIP should cover your medical bills.
If you are interested in discussing whether you might have a pedestrian accident, call a Portland pedestrian accident attorney for help and a free consultation
Portland Accident News 