Why You Need a Compassionate Lawyer After a Fatal Car Accident in Oregon

March 4, 2025
Ryan M. Johnson
Ryan Johnson

Losing a loved one in a fatal accident is devastating. Your entire world can be turned upside down in the blink of an eye, leaving you with unanswered questions and overwhelming grief. At Johnson and Taylor, our wrongful death attorneys in Salem, Oregon understand the grave emotional and financial costs of losing someone you love in a crash. We offer compassionate legal support and a shoulder to lean on as you navigate this difficult time.

Why Compassion Matters

At such a painful time, it can be daunting to consider taking legal action against someone who caused a loved one’s passing. You may also have children and other grieving loved ones who need your support during this challenging chapter of your lives. That’s why it’s vital to have an experienced, compassionate accident attorney offer guidance about what steps to take next. Our caring personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping families find the justice and compensation they deserve after losing a loved one. We listen to your story and determine whether a wrongful death claim is an appropriate legal remedy to help you hold responsible parties accountable.

Understanding Wrongful Death After a Car Accident in Oregon

When someone dies because of another person’s negligence or recklessness, it may be considered a wrongful death in Oregon. A wrongful death claim is a civil action that enables surviving family members to seek compensation for emotional, financial, and personal losses that result from a tragic and preventable death.

In Oregon, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. Typically, you have three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Oregon. Our attorneys can also help with estate matters and probate. During the probate process, a personal representative or executor is appointed who can make legal decisions for the estate. Give us a call to see how we can help.

Recovering Wrongful Death Damages in Oregon

We know that no amount of money can bring your loved one back or take away your pain, but monetary compensation can ease the financial strain you may be feeling and give you a sense of justice. Our car accident lawyers can help you pursue damages such as:

  • Medical expenses
  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Loss of income and benefits
  • Compensation for the deceased person’s pain and suffering before their death
  • Loss of companionship, comfort, care, and guidance
  • Financial losses to the deceased person’s estate

Our compassionate attorneys can help you honor your loved one’s memory, safeguard your family’s future, and help you find a path forward when everything feels hopeless.

How Our Wrongful Death Lawyers Can Help You Find Justice

We understand that navigating the legal system can be intimidating, especially when your family is trying to heal from a loss. Our attorneys provide straightforward legal advice you can trust and won’t waste your time with empty promises or unrealistic expectations. We explain the process in plain language and help you understand your rights and options with empathy and respect.

We Investigate Your Case So You Can Focus on Healing

A thorough investigation of any auto accident or other injury is vital. We know you have a lot of questions about what happened to your loved one, and we will work hard to find answers for you. We gather evidence such as police reports, camera footage, witness statements, and medical records to piece together how a death occurred and who was at fault. In many cases, we work closely with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and financial professionals to ensure we pursue compensation for the full scope of your losses.

Our Accident Attorneys Look Out for Your Best Interests

It’s unfortunate, but insurance companies are often callous and may try to settle your claim quickly by offering a minimal settlement. Even though they know you’re heartbroken and grieving, they hope that you’ll accept their offer before you realize the full emotional, practical, and financial impact of your loss.

Our caring wrongful death attorneys won’t let them take advantage of you at this vulnerable time. We handle all communications and negotiations with insurers and provide fierce legal advocacy for our clients. We fight to ensure any settlement you receive reflects the enormity of your loved one’s suffering and your losses. If a reasonable settlement can’t be reached, we will prepare your case for trial and take the battle to the courtroom.

We Stand by Your Side Every Step of the Way

Fatal accidents shatter families and create emotional wounds that last a lifetime. We want to understand how your loved one’s death has affected every aspect of your life, not only your finances. We strive to obtain a settlement or award that truly honors your loved one’s legacy because finding justice isn’t just about money—it’s about dignity, closure, and accountability.

We offer free consultations and take cases on contingency, which means you won’t pay attorneys’ fees unless you get paid. Our wrongful death lawyers serve clients in Salem, Eugene, Bend, the Oregon Coast, Medford, and throughout the state of Oregon. In addition to litigating personal injury and wrongful death claims, our attorneys handle cases involving estate planning and probate (statewide) and divorce and family law (Marion, Linn, and Polk counties). Our Spanish-speaking clients can count on us to provide quality legal representation they can trust.

Contact Our Wrongful Death Attorneys

If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal car accident or other accident in Oregon, our caring team at Johnson and Taylor is dedicated to helping your family move forward with compassion, dignity, and strength. To schedule a consultation with a lawyer in Salem, Oregon, contact us or call 503-990-6641 today.