Fatal Accident Claims in Oregon
Losing a loved one in a car accident is a life-altering experience. In addition to dealing with emotional upheaval and grief, loved ones may also worry about the financial impact such a loss may have on their family. At Johnson and Taylor, our fatal car accident lawyers in Oregon know how devastating it can be when a loved one is killed by another’s negligence or carelessness. Although no amount of money can bring someone back, bringing a wrongful death claim against responsible parties can help families find a sense of justice.
Causes of Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents
Head-on-collision, T-bone, and rollover accidents are the most common types of deadly crashes. Rear-end accidents can be fatal as well, especially when large trucks are involved. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists also face a higher risk of death because of the lack of protection surrounding them.
Some common factors involved in fatal accidents include:
Speeding — Vehicles traveling at high speeds can turn a fender-bender into a fatal crash.
Alcohol & drugs — Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can significantly impair your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, nearly half of all crashes resulting in serious injury or death each year involve DUI drivers.
Distracted driving — Texting, adjusting controls, eating, and dealing with pets or kids while driving are just a few distractions that can lead to fatal crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately nine people are killed in distracted driving accidents every day.
Aggressive driving — Aggressive driving is a serious problem on Oregon roadways and across the country. More than 11,000 people are killed in crashes caused by aggressive driving each year, according to NHTSA statistics. Speeding, swerving in and out of traffic, running red lights, and tailgating are some of the most common forms of aggressive driving.
Drowsy driving — Driver fatigue can be a major factor in fatal accidents, especially those involving big rigs and other commercial trucks. Due to their large size and weight, accidents involving tractor-trailers often result in catastrophic injury or death.
Defective parts or design — Malfunctioning auto parts, defective tires, and design defects, such as those that cause rollover accidents, can cause serious, fatal crashes.
Our wrongful death lawyers are experienced in handling all types of cases involving fatalities. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash, our vehicle accident lawyers can assist you with filing a personal injury lawsuit as well.
Recovering Damages in an Oregon Wrongful Death Accident Claim
It’s impossible to put a number on the value of a loved one’s life. However, our personal injury lawyers can help you recover compensation for your losses to protect your family’s financial future. You may be entitled to damages such as:
- Accident-related medical expenses
- Funeral and burial costs
- Past and future lost wages and benefits
- Compensation for the pain and suffering of the deceased
- Loss of care, companionship, comfort, and guidance
Our Salem wrongful death attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s accident. We know how to accurately value your claim and pursue every possible avenue of compensation.
Find a Fatal Car Accident Lawyer Who’s Right for You
After losing a loved one in an accident, finding the vehicle accident lawyer who’s right for you can be overwhelming. In many cases, people think that choosing a firm with lots of lawyers who offer large settlement promises is the best way to go. Our wrongful death lawyers believe it’s more important to find an attorney who’s realistic about your case and the potential compensation you may receive.
Our personal injury lawyers listen to your story, evaluate your case, and tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear. We won’t waste your time and money with bogus guarantees or work toward unrealistic goals. Our vehicle accident lawyers help you understand your options and efficiently fight for you while keeping you informed every step of the way.
Our team provides compassionate legal support that helps take some of the weight off your shoulders so your family can focus on healing. Your initial consultation is always free, even if we don’t proceed with your wrongful death claim or personal injury lawsuit. If we pursue your case, you won’t pay attorneys’ fees unless we help get you compensation. To find out if our wrongful death lawyers are right for you, check out our online reviews and give us a call.
Contact a Fatal Car Accident Lawyer in Oregon
If you’ve lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident, our personal injury lawyers at Johnson and Taylor can help. Our law practice handles wrongful death cases, personal injury claims, divorce and family law matters, and estate planning and probate cases. Contact us online or call 503-990-6641 to schedule a consultation. Members of our team are fluent in Spanish. Johnson and Taylor litigates personal injury, divorce and family law and estate planning and probate cases. Our personal injury and motor vehicle accident lawyers proudly serve clients in Salem, Eugene, Bend, the Oregon Coast, Medford, and throughout the entire state of Oregon.