Don Barton, 66, and his 62-year-old wife, Donna, of California, were killed in a car accident in Oregon, which officials say, was caused by a suspected drunk driver the night of September 2, 2010. According to a report in the Herald News, the fatal injury crash occurred when a 2009 Toyota Corolla driven by 22-year-old Carrie Ames crossed the centerline on the Southside Bypass in Klamath County and collided with the Bartons' 2000 Dodge Stratus.

The Bartons died at the scene of this horrific accident and their 6-year-old great-grandson, Daba Phillips, who was secured in a booster seat in the Dodge, was airlifted in critical condition to an area hospital. Ames' passenger, 18-year-old Jackie Mankins, sustained minor injuries. Ames has been charged with two counts of first-degree vehicular manslaughter, DUI, second-degree assault and third-degree assault.

DUI Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), out of the 416 fatal Oregon traffic accidents in 2008, 159 or 38 percent were DUI collisions. Also, out of the 159 alcohol-related collisions, 136 or 33 percent involved a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent.

Oregon DUI Law

Under the Oregon Vehicle Code Section 813.010: "A person commits the offense of driving while under the influence of intoxicants if the person drives a vehicle while the person: (a) Has 0.08 percent or more by weight of alcohol in the blood of the person as shown by chemical analysis of the breath or blood of the person made under ORS 813.100, 813.140 or 813.150; (b) Is under the influence of intoxicating liquor, a controlled substance or an inhalant; or (c) Is under the influence of any combination of intoxicating liquor, an inhalant and a controlled substance.

Liability Issues

Drunk drivers in Oregon face not only criminal charges, but they can also be held civilly liable for injuries, damages and losses caused. Families of deceased car accident victims can file a civil wrongful death claim seeking damages to cover medical and funeral costs, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages.

Injured victims or their families could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation and other related damages. An experienced Oregon personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families in such cases about their legal rights and options. For more information about the dangers of driving under the influence, please visit the Mothers Against Drunk Driving web site at www.madd.org.

Do you believe Oregon laws do enough to prevent drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel?

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.

California Couple Killed in Oregon Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

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.

Big Rig Driver Arrested in Fatal Oregon Hit-and-Run Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Jeffrey P. Waldrop, 54, was killed in a Portland car accident after he was hit by a vehicle at a city intersection. According to a news report in The Oregonian, Waldrop was struck near the corner of Southeast Foster Road and Southeast 65th Road the night of May 2, 2010. Portland police officials identified the driver as 30-year-old Nathan Russell Baxter. Waldrop died on the way to the hospital. An investigation is ongoing.

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My heart goes out to the family and friends of Jeffrey Waldrop for their tragic and devastating loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to them. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Pedestrian Accidents

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation's (ODOT) crash statistics, 11 fatalities and 154 injuries were reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in Portland, in 2007. During the same period in Portland, car accidents claimed 34 lives and caused 5,087 injuries.

Laws and Liability Issues

Under Oregon law, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Oregon law requires a driver to stop and stay stopped for a pedestrian in a marked or unmarked crosswalk (ORS 811.010). The driver cannot continue until the pedestrian is no longer in the lane in which the driver's vehicle is traveling or in a lane adjacent to the lane in which the driver's vehicle is traveling.

Based on this news report it is not entirely clear how or why this car accident occurred. There are still many questions here. We do not know where Waldrop was walking at the time? Was he in a marked or unmarked crosswalk? Was he crossing at the intersection? Was the driver, Baxter, under the influence, speeding, distracted or driving recklessly at the time of the collision? I trust officials are investigating these and other factors in determining who caused this fatal collision.

In such cases, injured victims' families would be well-advised to contact an experienced Oregon personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the official investigation and make sure that their legal rights are protected. A skilled car accident lawyer will also be able to determine whether a dangerous condition on the roadway caused or contributed to the collision. If that was the case, the city or governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway could also be held liable. In Oregon, any claim against a governmental entity must be filed within six months of the incident.

Which are the most dangerous intersections for pedestrians in your city?

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.

Pedestrian Killed in Portland Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Grace Snyder, 17, was injured in an Oregon car accident after she was struck by a vehicle while crossing an on ramp at the Garden Valley Interchange in Roseburg. According to a KPIC news report, the driver, 38-year-old Laroy Cobb, fled the scene of the accident that happened the evening of January 23, 2010. But officials were able to get a description of Cobb's vehicle out and the suspect was eventually stopped and arrested by Oregon State Patrol officials. Cobb is facing a number of criminal charges including failure to perform the duties of a driver, assault, reckless endangerment and failure to stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian. Snyder was transported to an area hospital for treatment of her injuries.

I sympathize deeply with this teenager who was injured in the collision. I'm glad to note that Grace did not sustain major or life-threatening injuries in this pedestrian accident. I wish her the very best for a physical and emotional recovery. She will be in my prayers.

Oregon Hit-and-Run Laws

According to Oregon Revised Statutes section 811.705, a person commits the offense of failure to perform the duties of a driver to injured persons if the driver fails to stop at the scene of the accident, remain at the scene, exchange information with the other parties and render any possible assistance to the injured parties. The motorist is required to remain on scene until law enforcement officials arrive on scene.

In this case, if the details of this news report are accurate, Cobb did none of the above. Instead, he apparently struck a teenager and drove away from the scene. It also appears that the pedestrian, Grace Snyder, had right-of-way to cross the street. It seems to me that Cobb failed to yield right-of-way to the pedestrian. If he is determined at-fault he could be held criminally and civilly liable for the accident and injuries.

Claim for Compensation

Snyder and her family would be well-advised to contact an experienced Oregon personal injury lawyer, who will make sure the victim receives fair compensation for her injuries. Also, the article states Cobb did not have car insurance. A knowledgeable injury lawyer will also be able to advise accident victims about how their own car insurance policy applies to an incident that involves a hit-and-run driver or a motorist who is uninsured or underinsured.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

Oregon Car Accident Injures Pedestrian is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Linda Marie Manery, 52, was seriously injured in a Portland car accident after she crossed into opposing traffic lanes and crashed into two vehicles on the Highway 212 the evening of January 18, 2010. According to a news report in The Gresham Outlook, Manery, who was driving a 1992 Oldsmobile west on Highway 212, crossed over to the eastbound lanes and crashed into a PGE service truck driven by 53-year-old Gerry Hillyard. A 2004 Honda Pilot driven by 72-year-old Barbara Ann Herget then crashed into the truck. Manery was seriously injured in the crash and transported to an area hospital. Hillyard complained of pain and Herget was uninjured.

Two Escape Serious Injuries

It's indeed a relief that Hillyard and Herget did not sustain catastrophic injuries in this horrific crash. I wish Manery the very best for a quick and complete recovery from her serious injuries. In such cases, it would be a good idea for victims to get checked by their doctor even if they feel no pain immediately after the accident. There are several injuries such as whiplash and other back injuries or in more serious cases, internal injuries, that surface hours or even a few days after a crash.

Car Accident Causes and Liability Issues

In this particular case, it is not clear what caused Manery's erratic driving. Eyewitnesses reported to authorities moments before this crash that Manery was having trouble sticking to her lane. Was Manery having medical issues? Was there a vehicle defect or a mechanical malfunction in her Oldsmobile that was causing her to lose control of her vehicle? Officials also say that she was traveling at 45 mph when the crash occurred. If I were one of her family members, I would definitely want some answers here.

In cases where there is negligence or wrongdoing involved, car accident victims may seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy and other damages. This would apply to Herget and Hillyard if they find out they did suffer injuries in this accident. If Manery lost control of her car due to an auto product defect, she can file an auto products liability claim against the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective auto product that caused her accident and injuries. An experienced Oregon personal injury lawyer will be able to better explain these and other claim-related issues to injured victims and their families.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

Portland Car Accident Causes Serious Injuries is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

A teenager sustained injuries in an Oregon car accident after she and another girl were hit by a car while walking home from school the afternoon of January 12, 2010. According to a KPIC news report, the girls were walking on the sidewalk of Highway 99, in Winston, when 47-year-old Noble Elliott turned right out of the parking lot and on to the roadway. He apparently stopped before making the turn, but failed to see the two girls. One girl escaped without injuries, but the other girl suffered a broken ankle. Police officials cited Elliott for failure to yield right-of-way to a pedestrian on a sidewalk.

I hope and pray that this teenager did not sustain serious injuries and wish her the very best for a quick and complete recovery. Please keep her in your prayers.

Oregon Accident Statistics

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), there was one fatality and five injuries in Winston involving pedestrian accidents in 2007. Also, during the same year in Douglas County, Oregon, there were 23 fatalities and 536 injuries due to traffic accidents.

Laws and Liability Issues

Failure to yield to a pedestrian on a sidewalk is a traffic violation under Oregon Statutes Section 811.025 (1), which states: "The driver of a vehicle commits the offense of failure to yield to a pedestrian on a sidewalk if the driver does not yield the right of way to any pedestrian on a sidewalk."

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver was not paying proper attention to his surroundings as he was pulling out of the driveway. Drivers must be aware of people not only walking beside them, but also those walking ahead of the vehicle. In such cases, it is also important to look into whether the driver was impaired or distracted at the time of the accident.

Victims or their families in such cases would be well-advised to consult an experienced Oregon personal injury lawyer who will analyze all aspects of the incident and make sure that the victims' rights are protected and that they receive fair compensation to cover their injuries and losses. If a dangerous or defective roadway condition caused or contributed to the accident, the governmental agency responsible for maintaining the roadway could also be held liable. In Oregon, any claim against a governmental entity must be filed within six months of the accident or injury.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

Oregon Car Accident Injures Pedestrian on Sidewalk is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Jesus Anibal Arriaga, 14, was seriously injured in a Portland car accident, after he and 14-year-old Dylan Arthur Granger were struck by a car while walking in a crosswalk. According to a report in the News Register, the pedestrian collision occurred the morning of December 11, 2009, when Scott Lee Albert, driving a 1981 Chevrolet Blazer, made a turn onto Southwest Agee Street in McMinnville. He struck both Arriaga and Granger who were in the crosswalk. Granger was not injured, but Arriaga was transported to an area trauma center for treatment of his injuries. Albert stopped at the scene, but he has not been cited or arrested pending an investigation.

My heart goes out to the family of young Jesus, who has apparently sustained serious injuries in this car accident. I truly hope his injuries were not catastrophic and that he has a speedy and complete recovery. He will certainly be in my prayers.

Car Accident Statistics and Crosswalk Law

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), there were 243 car accidents reported in McMinnville in 2007. Out of those accidents one involved a fatality and 99 involved injuries. Also, during the same year, six injury pedestrian accidents were reported in McMinnville.

Under Oregon law, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Oregon law requires a driver to stop and stay stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk -- whether it is marked or unmarked (ORS 811.010). The driver cannot continue until the pedestrian is no longer in the lane in which the driver's vehicle is traveling or in a lane adjacent to the lane in which the driver's vehicle is traveling.

An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

In this particular case, it is not clear why the driver, Albert, did not see the teens or stop for them. Was the driver under the influence? Was he distracted in some way? Was the driver speeding or otherwise negligent? The answers to these questions should help determine what exactly, happened here.

Jesus' family would be well-advised to consult with an experienced Oregon personal injury lawyer, who will keep up with the official investigation, and make sure they receive fair compensation to help cover medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, any rehabilitation or therapy expenses, or even the cost of long term care. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

Teenager Injured in Oregon Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

A couple was seriously injured in an Oregon car accident after a suspected drunk driver crashed into their vehicle head-on. According to a KVAL news report, Larry Gene Larson and his wife, Deborah Larson, both 63, sustained serious injuries in the car crash which occurred early morning on December 5, 2009. Oregon State Police said 47-year-old Richard Alfred Lopez was going east on Highway 126 near Florence, Oregon when his 1994 Ford Explorer crossed the centerline and slammed head-on into the couple's 2006 Subaru Forester. The couple's 21-year-old daughter, Anna Larson, was not injured. Lopez is facing several criminal charges including driving under the influence, reckless driving, assault in the second degree and recklessly endangering another person.

I sympathize with these injured victims and their family for what they are going through. I hope and pray that both recover quickly and completely from their serious injuries. Please keep them in your prayers.

Oregon Car Accident Statistics

According to Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), 40 deaths and 1,568 injuries were reported in Lane County, Oregon as a result of car accidents in 2007. Out of the 161 car accidents which were alcohol-related in Lane County, there were 14 fatalities and 97 injuries.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicants is against Oregon law. Oregon Vehicle Code Chapter 813.010 states: "A person commits the offense of driving while under the influence of intoxicants if the person drives a vehicle while the person: (a) Has 0.08 percent or more by weight of alcohol in the blood of the person as shown by chemical analysis of the breath or blood of the person made under ORS 813.100, 813.140 or 813.150; (b) Is under the influence of intoxicating liquor, a controlled substance or an inhalant; or (c) Is under the influence of any combination of intoxicating liquor, an inhalant and a controlled substance."

An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

If Lopez is found guilty of the criminal charges, he should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The Larsons would be well-advised to retain the services of a reputed Oregon personal injury lawyer, who has extensive experience and an excellent track record financially pursuing drunk and negligent drivers. In such cases, seriously injured victims would be entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings and other damages. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation to injured victims and their families.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.

Oregon Couple Seriously Injured in DUI Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

One cyclist was killed while another was injured in separate bicycle accidents in Portland last week. Both collisions occurred on Northeast 22nd Avenue.

The Oregonian reported that on August 26, Thursday, 52-year-old James Neal Wagner was killed after a hit and run accident with an unknown car. Wagner was biking in the area of Northeast 122nd and Fremont street when the car accident occurred. When the police arrived on the scene, Wagner had already succumbed to his injuries and the driver had already fled. Police are requesting any witnesses to come forward with information.

Meantime, on Friday, another cyclist was injured after he collided with a Kia Sportage. According to the Oregonian, the car accident occurred early afternoon at Northeast 122nd Avenue and Glisan Street. The unidentified cyclist suffered serious injuries and was taken to the hospital while the police have arrested the driver of the Sportage on the possibility that the collision was intentional.

Third Fatal Bicycle Accident This Year

According to bikeportland.org, Mr. Wagner's accident was the third fatal bicycle accident in Portland this year. I would like to send my sincere condolences to his family and friends and I also urge any witnesses to come forward and help with the investigation to identify the driver who so callously fled the scene without attempting to help Mr. Wagner.

I also hope that the unidentified cyclist in Friday's collision recovers soon from his injuries.

Statistics from the Oregon Department of Transportation show that there were 657 accidents involving bicycles in the state in 2007 which resulted in 15 fatalities and 634 injuries. In Portland alone, four people were killed while 168 others were injured in 186 bicycle accidents during the same time period.

Portland Car Accident Lawyer

While the details of each of the collisions are still unclear, it is quite disturbing that both crashes took place in the same area. While police are investigating whether the second collision was intentional, one wonders how safe the area really is for cyclists.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident, please consult a Portland car accident lawyer who will help you fight for your rights. Aside from finding out what really happened, car accident attorneys will help also help victims and their families get the compensation they are entitled to for funeral or medical expenses and other damages. While there are many personal injury lawyers and car accident lawyers out there, the most reputable attorneys will always offer a free initial consultation to accident victims and their families.

Cyclists Injured, Killed in Portland Car Collisions is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

A 53-year old man was killed in a Oregon car accident after the Ford Mustang he was riding in collided with a truck.

Newschannel 8 Portland reported that the car accident occurred on August 27 on Oregon 18 near North Bear Creek Road in Salem. According to the report, the Mustang driven by Shannon Iverson was turning to North Bear Creek Road when it was struck by a Peterbuilt flatbed truck. Her passenger, identified as Dwight Iverson was killed while she and the driver of the truck also suffered personal injury. Police closed the highway for four hours while they investigated the car crash.

Firstly, I'd like to express my sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Iverson. I also join in prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured victims of the tragic car accident.

According to statistics from the Oregon Department of Transportation, there were 44, 162 traffic crashes resulting in 27,849 injuries and 455 deaths in the state in 2007.

While it is still unclear what exactly happened, it appears that both Mr. Iverson and the driver of the truck were wearing their seatbelts. Sadly, sometimes safety features can fail to protect us or our loved ones on the road. Were there auto defects which led to the accident or contributed directly to Mr. Iverson's death? Were there appropriate signs on the intersection for drivers? Or did one of the drivers commit an error which led to the car collision?

Portland Car Accident Lawyer

A Portland car accident lawyer can help answer these questions and find out exactly what happened. A good car accident attorney will also stay on top of the investigation and work with insurance agencies to make sure that the victim's family's rights are protected. If proven that negligence or wrongdoing was involved, families of car accident victims are entitled to receive compensation to cover funeral or medical expenses, loss of earnings and companionship and other related damages. While there are many personal injury lawyers and car accident lawyers out there, the most reputable firms will always offer a free initial consultation to accident victims and their families.

Man Killed in Portland, Oregon Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal