A man has been charged in connection with a fatal Oregon car accident, which occurred in March in which 37-year-old Gregory Muller, a commercial truck driver was killed. According to an Associated Press news report, the fatal accident occurred when several 1000-pound bales of hay fell from a rig driven by 43-year-old Bonnie Puckett on Oregon Highway 58. The bales struck Muller's big rig. The impact crushed the truck's cab and resulted in fatal injuries to Muller. The driver of the hay truck, Puckett, kept going. He was arrested and charged with criminally negligent homicide and felony failure to perform the duties of a driver involved in a crash.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Gregory Muller for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. I'm pleased to see that the driver of the hay rig has been apprehended.

Hit-and-Run Laws in Oregon

Under Oregon Vehicle Code section 811.705, failure to perform duties of a driver to injured persons or hit-and-run is a serious crime. Drivers involved in accidents are required to stop the vehicle immediately at the scene. They must remain at the scene of the accident, exchange important information with the other parties and obtain assistance for the injured victims.

Claim for Compensation

In this particular case, Puckett, the driver of the hay truck apparently failed to secure the loads of hay properly in this truck. When the bales fell and struck the victim, the driver of the hay truck fled the scene. In this case, both Puckett and his employer could be held civilly liable for Muller's wrongful death. Families of deceased victims in such cases can file wrongful death claims seeking compensation to cover funeral expenses, lost future earnings, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

Victims and their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced Oregon personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the case and make sure their legal rights and best interests are protected. In such cases, it would be in the family's interest not to sign papers or enter into any premature settlements without first talking to a knowledgeable accident lawyer. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

Have you or someone you know been struck by flying objects on the freeway as a result of unsecured truck loads?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.