Rider Dies in Motorcycle Crash on Highway 234

Date: July 20, 2014
Location: Westbound lane, Milepost 9, Highway 234, near Gold Hill
Name: Nolan Rayce Ringulet

A motorcycle crash lead to the death of its rider on Sunday morning on Highway 234 near Gold Hill.

Nolan Rayce Ringulet, 31, died when he was thrown off the motorcycle he was riding on highway 234 near milepost 9, close to Gold Hill.

According to police reports, Ringulet was travelling with two other vehicles when he attempted to overtake a pickup at high speeds and move back to his lane. He lost control of the vehicle which skidded to the gravel shoulder and on to a field. Ringulet was found several hundred feet away from the motorcycle. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Oregon police have said that most motorcycle crashes are caused by speeding and overtaking.

We extend our sympathies to the family and friends of the dead man.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Ringulet’s family and friends in this time of sadness. We are painfully reminded by this incident of the extremely high fatality rate in motorcycle accidents, whether they are a single- or multiple-vehicle collisions. While we should always be aware and careful when driving a car, we must redouble our efforts when motorcycles are near, because hitting one can be disastrous.

Figuring out what to do after the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming. Determining if there are legal steps to be taken, or there is a claim to be filed can seem like an insurmountable task.

The first step in wrongful death claims (the legal term for fatal accident cases) is preserving evidence. If you feel you cannot face this, we suggest hiring an Oregon wrongful death attorney for help. Most will assist you in investigating the crash for free, until you are emotionally able to make a decision regarding representation.

An attorney would be able to discuss with you the particulars of the accident and possibility of bringing a wrongful death claim. This claim could help pay for any medical bills, funeral arrangements, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and offer compensation to their spouse or children.

Contact a Portland personal injury attorney as soon as possible to be sure that you can file your claim within the very strict time limits that apply to these types of claims, which can be as soon as one year for fatal accident cases. For more information about wrongful death claims, please order our free guide, Oregon Wrongful Deaths: A Family Guide to the Civil Justice System After the Death of a Loved One.