OSP Continuing Investigation After Triple Fatal Crash – Josephine County

Photo Courtesy of Oregon State Police

On Friday May 20th at about 7:30PM, a head-on crash occurred on O’Brien Road in Josephine County.

Preliminary information revealed a 1997 Subaru Legacy was eastbound on O’Brien Road from Highway 199 lost control on a corner and crossed the centerline (near Waldo Road). The Subaru struck an westbound Mazda Protégé head-on.

The driver of the Subaru, Tommy E DODSON, age 69, of Cave Junction was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Mazda, Michael T KENNEDY, age 62 and his passenger Tammy L BLIND, age 51 (both of O’Brien) were both pronounced deceased on scene. A dog in the Mazda was also killed.

Speed and alcohol consumption are being considered a contributing factor in the crash. Additionally it was discovered DODSON had a suspended Oregon driver’s license. The roadway was closed for about 3 hours as the Troopers from the Grants Pass Office conducted their investigation. OSP was assisted by Illinois Valley Fire. 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.

UPDATE: Speed Racing Suspected As Cause Of Crash That Killed McMinnville Man

Photo Courtesy Oregon State Police

On May 4, 2016 at about 8:50 PM, OSP Troopers responded to a collision involving two vehicles on Highway 99W near milepost 34 (north of McMinnville).

Initial investigation reveals that a 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer was traveling northbound on Highway 99W when it lost control and spun across the paved center median and struck a southbound 2004 Honda Odyssey van nearly head-on.

The driver of the Mitsubishi, Jeromy G HOPPER, age 24, of McMinnville, was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. HOPPER’s passenger, Natasha FISHER, age 18, of McMinnville was transported by air ambulance to a Portland hospital with critical injuries.

The driver of the Honda, Claudio MARTINEZ MARQUEZ, age 43, of McMinnville, was pronounced deceased at the scene. MARTINEZ MARQUEZ’s passenger, Bonifacio MARTINEZ GARCIA, age 33, of McMinnville was transported to the hospital with serious injuries.

The operator of a Silver 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer remained at the scene after the crash.

Speed racing is being investigated as a factor in the cause of this crash. Anybody with information regarding this crash should call the Oregon State Police at 503-472-2184.

HWY 99W was closed for approximately 8 hours. OSP was assisted by the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, McMinnville Police Department, Newberg Police Department ODOT, and McMinnville Fire Department.

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.

OSP Continuing Fatal Crash on I-84, Six Miles West of Arlington – Gilliam County

Photo Courtesy of Oregon State Police

On Sunday, May 1, 2016, at approximately 4:33 a.m., Oregon State Police (OSP) was notified of a single vehicle rollover crash which had occurred on Interstate 84 near milepost 132 westbound (six miles west of Arlington). Medical personnel from the Gilliam County Fire Department and Oregon State Police arrived and located two individuals who were both severely injured.

The driver was identified as Justin Matthew FLOWERS, age 24, from Portland, and the passenger, Hayden Michael SWANSON, age 23, from Portland. Life Flight transported FLOWERS to Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, Washington and SWANSON was transported by ground ambulance to Mid-Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles. During transport to the hospital, FLOWERS succumbed to his injuries. After arrival at the hospital in The Dalles, SWANSON was also transported by Life Flight to OHSU in Portland, where he is in critical but stable condition.

The investigation revealed the vehicle, a 1999 Chevy C15 SUV, had been westbound on the interstate in the early morning hours, when for an unknown reasons it left the roadway, crashed through the north side guardrail and rolled down a rock embankment, coming to rest approximately 150 feet from the roadway. Preliminary information indicates that both FLOWERS and SWANSON had not been using their seat belts at the time of the crash and were ejected from the vehicle. Speed and fatigue are being considered to be contributing factors for the crash.

Oregon State Police was assisted by Gilliam County Ambulance, Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Life flight, Richland Police Department and Benton County Washington Coroner’s Office.

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.

Driver Arrested for DUII After Crashing into a Pedestrian on 82nd Avenue Monday Night

On Monday evening, Portland Police officers arrested a 31-year-old man for DUII after he crashed into a pedestrian on Northeast 82nd Avenue, causing life-threatening injuries.

The investigation began on Monday April 18, 2016, at 10:39 p.m., when East Precinct and Traffic Division officers responded to Northeast 82nd Avenue and Davis Street on the report that a driver crashed into a pedestrian.

Officers and medical personnel arrived and located both parties. The pedestrian, 45-year-old Michael Joseph McBurney, suffering from traumatic injuries. He was transported by ambulance to a Portland hospital where he is being treated for life-threatening injuries.

The driver, 31-year-old Hugo Lopez-Aguilar, remained at the scene and was cooperative with investigators.

Due to McBurney’s injuries, the Traffic Division’s Major Crash Team responded.

Witnesses told police that McBurney was crossing 82nd Avenue westbound in the northside crosswalk, against the “Don’t Walk” signal. Lopez-Aguilar, driving a 1996 Nissan Maxima, was driving southbound on 82nd Avenue in the right line, with a green light to proceed.
While McBurney was in the crosswalk, nearly to the westside of the street, he was struck by Lopez-Aguilar.

Based on information learned at the scene, investigators arrested Lopez-Aguilar for impaired driving and believe that he may be under the influence of marijuana.

Lopez-Aguilar was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on charges of Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII). Additional charges may apply after the investigation is complete.

Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs injure and kill thousands of people every year. People consuming alcohol or drugs are urged not to get behind the wheel and should have a sober driver or utilize taxis, rideshare companies, or transit so everyone is safe on our streets.

The Portland Police Bureau is committed to working with our partners in government and the community to create safer streets and work towards reducing, and eventually eliminating, traffic fatalities as part of Vision Zero.

This is a very trying time for the person who is severely injured and his family too. We wish Michael Joseph McBurney a full recovery. In a pedestrian v. car accident, the pedestrian is often seriously injured. In cases where the driver is at fault, the driver’s auto insurance will ultimately compensate the injury victim.

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

Carson Foster Injured in Semi-Truck versus Passenger Vehicle Crash

(Photo: Courtesy Oregon State Police)

Date: March 15, 2016

Location: Highway 97 and Iris Lane near milepost 103 Jefferson County, Ore.

Victims: Carson Foster

Jefferson County, Ore. – Oregon State Police responded to a report of a semi-truck versus a passenger vehicle on Highway 97 and Iris Lane at about 3:30 a.m. on March 15, 2016.

According to the Oregon State Police’s preliminary investigation it showed that a 2008 Toyota Prius going eastbound on Iris Lane failed to obey the stop sign at Highway 97. The 16-year-old driver, from Culver, Oregon, continued through the stop sign at a high rate of speed and collided with a 2003 Peterbilt tractor trailer. The driver of the Peterbilt, Warren F. Ramey, 72 of Powell Butte, remained on scene and provided a statement that the Toyota was travelling at highway speeds when it ran through the stop making the collision unavoidable.

The massive impact caused the Toyota to roll multiple times, prior to coming to rest in a field. Both occupants of the Toyota had to be extracted from the vehicle. The vehicle’s driver, a 16 year old female resident of Culver , Oregon was taken to Saint Charles Medical Center in Redmond with non-life threatening injuries. Her passenger Carson Foster, 18 of Metolius, Oregon, was taken by air ambulance to St Charles Medical Center in Bend with life-threatening injuries.

Alcohol is being investigated as a contributing factor to the crash. The 16 year old driver was cited at the hospital for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Driving and Assault in the Second Degree.

Oregon State Police was assisted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Fire and Rescue and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

This is an ongoing investigation that highlights the multiple dangers that all drivers must realize can effect victims for the rest of their lives.

Our hearts go out Carson Foster and her family. 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. Two very young lives were impacted in many ways on the evening of March 15^th and it is very fortunate that the impact of this accident wasn’t of an even greater magnitude.

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 can be addressed.

As Portland car accident attorneys, we know that filing an insurance claim can be extremely complicated and stressful but it is important you get the help you need to heal. 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.

1 Dead, 4 injured in crash at the intersection of 157th & Halsey

Photo: 157th & Halsey Feb 13, 2016 (PF&R)

PORTLAND, Ore. – According to Portland Police, at 5:31 a.m. February 13^th David Saucedo hit another vehicle the impact killing Peter West Gefre, 26 who was a passenger in Saucedo’s car. The crash also injured the driver of the other vehicle. The accident occurred at the intersection of 157^th & Halsey. David Saucedo fled the scene of the fatal multi-car accident.

Investigators identified the fleeing driver as David Saucedo, 36. He was quickly identified through his driver’s license which was left at the scene of the accident. David Saucedo is currently wanted on felony hit and run charges. Peter West Gefre, 26 of Gresham was pronounced dead at the scene. The other 4 injured were 18-year-old Elizabeth Tate, 26-year-old Nicholas Bennett, 40-year-old Michael Genuine and 32-year-old Gabriel Mata.

According to investigators, David Saucedo was traveling northbound on 157^th and failed to stop for a stop sign and crashed into a pickup truck that was traveling eastbound on Halsey. Saucedo’s vehicle had four passengers one of which was killed in the accident. One other passenger attempted to flee the scene but was later found close by needing medical attention. The pickup truck driving eastbound on Halsey was occupied by only the driver who was also injured. In all one person died at the scene and four others were injured in this horrific accident.

The police are asking for anyone with information on this crash and David Saucedo’s whereabouts to please call (503) 823-3333.

We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Peter West Gefre.

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.