Attorney Blog

Head-On Crash Kills One, Injures Five | Oregon Car Crash Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)27848 — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Date: February 18, 2010
Location: Highway 101 near Depoe Bay, Oregon
Names: Richard Wilson, William Wooley, Susan Louise Wilson, Luann C. Cleveland, Megan Flanagan, Anica Jameson

According to an Oregon State Police press release, a crash on Highway 101 near Depoe Bay, Oregon on February 18, 2010, killed one person and injured five others.

Oregon state troopers are continuing to investigate the fatal crash, which occurred around 9:30 AM when a car driven by William Wooley, 42, of Waldport, crossed the center line and crashed head-on into a car driven by Richard A. Wilson, 51, of Chehalis, Washington. Police do not know why Wooley’s car crossed the center line.

Wilson was taken to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His wife and passenger, Susan Louise Wilson, 53, was seriously injured. She was initially taken by ambulance to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital, then airlifted to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland.

Three other passengers in Wooley’s car were also injured. Luann C. Cleveland, 40, of Waldport, sustained critical injuries, and was flown by REACH Air Medical Services to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis. Megan Flanagan, 12, of Waldport, had minor injuries, and was taken by ambulance to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital. Anica Jameson, 12, of Florence, was seriously injured, and was transported by air ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center.

Richard and Susan Wilson were wearing safety restraints, and airbags in the car deployed. Police had not yet confirmed safety restraint use for the other car, but the airbags deployed

We would like to send our deepest sympathy to Wilson’s family, especially his wife, Susan, who is still recovering from this crash. We also send our wishes and thoughts to Wooley, Cleveland, Flanagan, and Jameson. We hope they all recover quickly, and we send special thoughts to Megan and Anica.

Any time someone is injured or killed in an accident, it is tragic. And sometimes, not even the police know exactly what happened. But your injuries are very real – and so are your medical bills.

If you have been injured in a car crash and are wondering how to find a good personal injury lawyer, we have information on choosing the right law firm for you, and rules to know when looking for an attorney. If you have any questions after an accident, contact us.

UPDATE: Bike Accident Ruled Homicide | Portland Oregon Bike Accident Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)27576 — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Date: February 18, 2010
Location: Portland, Oregon
Name: Kipp Crawford, Carlos Tyrone McCall, Felisa Washington-Berry, [Unknown]

Kipp Crawford’s death, which sent shock waves through Portland, Oregon’s biking community in November, has been ruled a homicide, and the Portland Police Bureau, in cooperation with Crime Stoppers, announced February 18, 2010, that they are offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case, according to reports from BikePortland.org.

Crawford, 32, died November 4, 2009, after he was discovered lying in the road next to his bicycle near the University of Portland. According to reports after the incident, Carlos Tyrone McCall and Felisa Washington-Berry were arrested for drunk driving. Washington-Berry was also accused of reckless driving.

Police are now apparently seeking a third individual, described as a white male in his 20s. According to a Portland Police Bureau Crime Stoppers alert, witnesses at the scene “both saw and heard an angry altercation between Crawford and the unknown suspect.”

Witnesses told police they saw the suspect standing over Crawford as he lay in the street. Police now believe Crawford was killed during an assault and robbery.

Kipp Crawford was a beloved local musician and bike enthusiast. He was a drummer in the bands Celilo and Thanks Kipp.

If you witnessed this altercation, or you have any information regarding this case, please call Crime Stoppers at 503-823-HELP (4357), leave a tip online at www.crimestoppersoforegon.com,
or text 823HELP plus your tip and send it to CRIMES (274697). Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for reported information that leads to an arrest. You may remain anonymous.

For further information, contact Det. Bryan Steed, Portland Police Bureau investigator, at 503-823-0395, or Brandi Gilbert, Crime Stoppers Coordinator, at 503-823-0830.

We hope that anyone who has information about this case will come forward as soon as possible. It’s not just about the money. It’s about getting justice for Kipp Crawford and bringing some peace of mind to the family. Please do the right thing and share whatever you might know, even if it seems insignificant. It could help the police find the person who left a young man to die alone on the cold pavement. Please do whatever you can to help.

And take a moment to remember Kipp.

Trailer Hitch Crashes Through Window, Missing Baby | Oregon Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)27571 — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Date: February 17, 2010
Location: Highway 99E near Canby, Oregon
Names: Eric J. Provost

A Milwaukie father and his 6-month-old son miraculously escaped death February 17, 2010, when a loose trailer hitch in the road came crashing through their car’s front windshield around 4:30 PM as they traveled on Highway 99E north of Canby, Oregon.

According to an Oregon State Police press release, Eric J. Provost, 29, of Milwaukie, received serious but non-life-threatening injuries in the freak accident, and he was airlifted to Oregon Health & Science University Hospital in Portland.

Thankfully, the projectile missed the young child.

The tow hitch came crashing through the windshield with such force that it bent the steering wheel. It slammed into Provost’s chest and forearm, then hit the roof of the car, before careening into the back seat, where it almost hit the little boy buckled into his car seat. Finally, the object came to rest in the back of the car.

Police are trying to figure out where the trailer hitch came from.

We are relieved and thankful that this horrifying accident was not a fatal one, and we are especially glad that Provost’s little boy was unhurt. We hope Provost is out of the hospital quickly, and we send our warmest thoughts to the family.

Without knowing more, there’s little help we can offer. But of course, recovering from serious injury is Priority 1. This can take some time. And after that, there is the issue of paying medical bills. But there are time limitations in Oregon to file a claim. For answers to this and other questions, read the FAQs on our website. Or contact us. We also have a book, 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case, that can help.

Four Cars Crash, Seriously Injuring Three | Oregon Personal Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)27079 — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Date: January 23, 2010
Location: Highway 20 near Suttle Lake, Grandview, Oregon
Names: Kim Barry, Mark White, Wayne Johnson, Cynthia Worfford, Nelty Burggraf, Doyle Foster, Dewayne Wafford

On January 23, 2010, a series of crashes on an icy stretch of Highway 20 near Suttle Lake in Grandview, Oregon, seriously injured three people. As of January 25, two of the victims had improved, but one was still in critical condition, according to KTVZ.com.

Dewayne Wafford, 60, of Eugene, and Doyle Foster, 48, of Veneta, were upgraded from serious to fair condition, but Nelty Burggraf, 36, also of Veneta, remained in critical condition. All three were passengers in cars involved in the crash.

Around 9:45 AM, Kim Barry, 48, of Sisters, attempted to negotiate a turn on the highway, when she lost control of her car. The car left the road and flipped onto its top. Luckily, Barry told KTVZ, that she walked away without a scratch.

Just moments later, an SUV driven by Mark White, 46, of Veneta, which was behind Barry’s car, also lost control, spinning into the opposite lane. Burggraf and Foster, who were injured, were passengers.

The Bronco was then hit on its passenger side by a Ford Explorer driven by Wayne Johnson, 81, of Eugene. Wafford, who was also injured, was a passenger in the car.

Last, a car driven by Cynthia Worfford, 53, of Corvallis, slammed into one of the other cars. Worfford was apparently uninjured.

We send our thoughts and wishes for recovery to Burggraf, Wafford, and Foster, as well as everyone else involved in the crash. We hope you’re out of the hospital and back with your families soon.

Springtime is ahead, but it’s not here yet, and all drivers should be careful of icy roads. The Oregon Department of Transportation, in “Winter Driving Can Be Tricky,” offers some tips for driving in winter weather:

•    In snow or fog, drive with your low beams on. And keep headlights clean – dirty headlights can cut visibility by half.
•    Keep a good grip on the steering wheel. Do not make sudden turns; if you skid, correct your car using a light touch.
•    Increase following distance, then increase it some more. ODOT recommends at least three times the normal following distance in snow or ice.
•    If you find yourself skidding, ease your foot off the accelerator. If you have a manual transmission, push in the clutch. While keeping your foot off the brake, steer the same direction your car’s rear end is skidding.

Good Samaritan Killed in Car Crash | Portland Car Crash Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)26784 — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Date: January 22, 2010
Location: Old Highway 47, near Forest Grove, Oregon
Names: Joshua Hieter

A Good Samaritan trying to help others after a car crash was killed the morning of January 22, 2010, on Old Highway 47, near Forest Grove, Oregon.

Responders to the scene found Joshua Hieter, 31, of Forest Grove, lying in the road. Authorities believe he died instantly.

Hieter had stopped to assist at the scene of a "very bad" crash when another car struck and killed him, Dave Nemeyer of Forest Grove Fire & Rescue told NWCN.com.

The tragedy started when a car and truck collided at Highway 47 and SW B Street. Five people were injured; three others in the vehicles were unhurt. Two of the people who were injured were taken to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, and three to Oregon Health & Science University Hospital. Authorities were not sure what caused the accident.

As OSP continued to investigate, Hieter's wife, April, remembered Joshua as a true Good Samaritan who often stopped to help those in need.

April Hieter told KGW.com that she is trying to be strong for their 3-year-old son, Wyatt. April described Joshua as "an excellent dad," and said Wyatt was "everything to him." Joshua was April's high school sweetheart, and April said that he was not just her husband, he was her best friend.

The tragedy has stunned the entire community. Local residents are calling Josh Hieter a hero who died trying to help others.

A memorial fund has been set up in Josh Hieter's name at West Coast Bank. For more information, call 1-800-895-3345.

We would like to add our prayers to those of all Josh's loved ones, including family, friends, community, and especially April and Wyatt. We believe Josh will be remembered as a model of kindness and caring, and others will be inspired by his selfless act. Please know we are thinking of you at this difficult time.

If it is discovered that the driver who hit Hieter was at fault, his family's own personal injury protection benefits, or PIP, will help pay toward funeral services. The other driver's insurance should pay the rest up to his or her limit.

Pedestrian Seriously Injured | Southeast Portland Personal Injury Lawyer

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)26577 — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Date: January 16, 2010
Location: U.S. 26 near Sandy, Oregon
Names: Alam Salois, Reginald Boyle

State police are looking for witnesses to a pedestrian accident that occurred January 16, 2010, in which a Southeast Portland man was seriously injured as he tried to cross Highway 26 on foot.

According to an OSP press release, Alam Salois, 31, was trying to cross the busy highway near Sandy, Oregon, around 7:50 PM. He was hit by a car driven by Reginald Boyle, 77, of Sandy. Salois was taken to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center with serious injuries. Boyle, who was using safety restraints, was not injured in the crash.

Police request that any witnesses to the accident, or anyone who saw the pedestrian before the crash, contact Trooper Reel at 503-731-3020 ext. 402.

We hope Salois recovers quickly, and we also hope that witnesses come forward to assist with the investigation.

Sometimes a personal injury case can rest on having a witness. Even with doctors and experts, it could come down to one expert's opinion over another's. That's why a witness is so important.

Pedestrians are the most "vulnerable users" on the roads and are at greater chance of being seriously injured. But when a pedestrian is injured, did you know that the driver is not always found at fault? If a pedestrian is hit in a crosswalk, it is generally considered the driver's fault. However, just like everything in the law, there are exceptions. If the pedestrian was drunk and wearing dark clothes, and it was dark, the driver can sometimes escape prosecution. Or if a pedestrian darts out unexpectedly into an intersection, the law may take the driver's side too. In most cases, however, the law will consider it to be the driver's fault, and the pedestrian or the pedestrian's family will be able to get legal compensation.

All cases are different, of course, so contact a knowledgeable lawyer if you have been seriously injured and have any questions about your case.

Car Crash Seriously Injures Pedestrian | Portland Personal Injury Lawyer

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)26456 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Date: January 16, 2010
Location: 4700 block of SW Taylors Ferry Road, Portland, Oregon
Names: Corbin Edwards

According to news reports by The Oregonian and KGW.com, Corbin Edwards, 21, was hit by a car and seriously injured January 16, 2010, around 11 PM, in the 4700 block of SW Taylors Ferry Road in Portland, Oregon.

Portland Police said Edwards was “stumbling” in the street before being hit and had been acting erratically before the crash. Police are trying to determine the reason for his behavior.

Edwards was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. The driver cooperated fully with police and was not cited. A passenger in the car was treated and released from an area hospital.

We would like to express our well wishes to Edwards and his family. We also send our best wishes to the driver, who, thankfully, was not injured and did what he was supposed to do after a pedestrian accident. This is a hard time for all involved, but it will be much easier to settle the details of the case because he did what was morally and legally right to do.

In a case like this, who is at fault? Typically, in Oregon, the courts will almost always side with the pedestrian, who is a “vulnerable user” on the road. But, just as there is in all law, there are exceptions.

In this example, especially, the pedestrian was said to have been stumbling. Most people would assume that he was drunk. If he was, then there’s a good chance he can be found at fault. But the investigation is still ongoing, and we could learn that there were other reasons for the pedestrian’s behavior.

And what about the driver of the car, who was not injured, but had a passenger who was, and a car that was probably damaged? Well, the first thing the driver needs to do is contact his or her insurance company. The car insurance should help cover the damages to the vehicle, and under Oregon law, the passenger as well. In Oregon, all insurance policies are required to have what is called personal injury protection benefits, or PIP. This covers the driver of the car, any passengers, and even a pedestrian that was hit by the car.

Now, whether that pedestrian will be entitled to the PIP benefits can certainly be argued in this car accident. That’s why car accident and personal injury cases can get so complex and confusing. That’s why it’s usually best to contact a personal injury lawyer after a car accident, whether you plan to settle or sue. A knowledgeable attorney will listen to your story and then will be able to ask the right questions and tell you what your best options are.

If you have been injured in a car accident in Oregon, you can call the office of Shulman DuBois at 503-222-4411 to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys. You can also download our book, 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case. It’s free for Oregon residents, or anyone who has been in a car accident in Oregon.

Underage Drunk Driver Causes Head-On Crash | Portland Personal Injury Lawyer

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)26101 — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Date: January 17, 2010
Location: Highway 126E near Vida, Oregon
Names: Candace Lee Chitty, Jacob A. Curtis

Candace Lee Chitty, 63, of Eugene, Oregon, was seriously injured in a head-on crash after a car driven by Jacob A. Curtis, 19, of Eugene, crossed the center line and hit another car on Highway 126E near Vida, Oregon, according to an OSP press release.

The crash occurred around 4:10 PM on January 17, 2010. Curtis was westbound on the highway near milepost 23 when his car crossed into the eastbound lane and slammed into Chitty’s car.

Chitty was transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend.

Curtis had minor injuries, which were treated at the same hospital. OSP then arrested Curtis and took him to Lane County Jail on multiple charges, including DUII, reckless driving, recklessly endangering another person, and assault in the third degree. He was also cited for having an open container of alcohol in the car and refusing a breath test.

We send our thoughts to Chitty as she recovers, and hope she is out of the hospital soon. This crash and injury never should have happened.

Underage drinking is a crime. It's reckless. It raises the stakes and probably the amount of money involved, if the injured parties decide to pursue justice.

We encourage people to educate themselves on the law of drunk driving in Oregon. And even though “sue” has become a dirty word, it’s there for a reason – especially one like this. You need to know your rights. When a drunk driver is involved, the law becomes very tricky, and an injured victim should contact an experienced Oregon injury attorney. To help you find the best lawyer for your needs, we offer guidelines and hard rules on choosing the best personal injury lawyer for you.

We would never try to talk someone into taking legal action. It is an individual decision that can only be made by an individual and his or her family. But if you have been in a drunk-driving crash and want to ask some questions, call us at 503-222-4411; we can answer many questions for free and help you decide the next step in a drunk-driving case.

Help Haiti Earthquake Victims | Portland Wrongful Death Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)26061 — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Living in Portland, Oregon, it's easy to see how lucky we are. But sometimes we lose sight, and a tragedy like the Haiti earthquake reminds us. As personal injury lawyers, we talk a lot of no-fault suits and wrongful deaths, but this is an example of this to the extreme.

This is an effort we believe is worthy of our time and money. Mercy Corps is local and it's doing amazing things on the global stage. We hope you will be able to help.

Just click on the image below to give today.

Nine Injured in Head-On Crash | Oregon Car Accident Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)26051 — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Date: January 16, 2010
Location: U.S. 101 near Florence, Oregon
Names: Han Kim, David Chai, Esther King, Bin Seo, Minhye Park, Brandon Schooley, Nicholas Torres, Samantha Frese, Felicia Baldwin

In a devastating head-on crash January 16, 2010, nine people in two cars were injured, three of them seriously, according to The Oregonian.

The crash took place around 3:40 PM on U.S. Highway 101 near Florence, Oregon, as Brandon Schooley, 19, of Eugene was driving north on the highway. As he attempted to negotiate a sharp turn, his car crossed the center line and crashed head-on into a car driven by Han Kim, 25, also of Eugene.

Kim was carrying four passengers. The driver, Kim, was treated and released from Peace Harbor Hospital in Florence. Three of Kim’s passengers were seriously injured. David Chai, 25, suffered critical injuries, and Esther King, 21, and Bin Seo, 19, had serious injuries. The fourth passenger, Minhye Park, 21, was treated and released with minor injuries.

Schooley was carrying three passengers, Nicholas Torres, 20, of Eugene; Samantha Frese, 17, of Cottage Grove; and Felicia Baldwin, 17, of Cottage Grove. All four were taken to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis with minor injuries. They were released after treatment.

We send our wishes to Chai, King, Seo, and everybody involved in this crash. We hope you are completely recovered soon, with no lasting injuries.

Determining who is at fault in a car accident falls in the center of most personal injury accident cases. We typically take accident cases of people who have been seriously injured by as a result of another driver’s bad, careless, or reckless driving.

Looking at this, one may assume that Schooley was driving too fast for the curve. Speeding is the No. 1 reason for traffic fatalities in Oregon. Did you know that speeding kills more people than alcohol in car accidents?

So what are the options for Kim and his passengers? First, they need to focus on recovering from their injuries. We hope everyone gets the medical attention they need and recovers fully. To pay for that, Oregon has what is called personal injury protection benefits, or PIP. Under PIP, a driver and the passengers are covered. It pays $15,000 for medical care or up to one year, whichever comes first.

But $15,000 doesn’t pay for much, and when there are so many injuries involved....

The months after an accident are important as well. There are time limits to filing a claim if you have been in an accident. And sometimes you can’t go back to work, so you start to worry about paying medical bills and wage loss. These are all stressful things, and it doesn’t help that the insurance company won’t leave you alone, but they won’t help you either. So please, do not hesitate to contact us with questions about your car accident case or request a free copy of our book, 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case. Our website has helpful advice, and what we don’t cover there, we will be more than happy to answer ourselves.

2-year-old boy killed in stroller | Oregon Car Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)26041 — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

We read about this accident involving a mother and her child and a commercial truck.

Please remember this family. Our thoughts are with you.

Oregon's Cell Phone Ban | Portland Personal Injury Lawyer

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)25986 — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Date: January 14, 2010
Location: Portland, Oregon

They still may be a few hang ups surrounding the new cell phone law in Oregon.

Portland police cracked down on drivers using cell phones two weeks after Oregon’s hands-free cell phone law went into effect. The new law bans talking or texting while behind the wheel.

Police handed out 55 tickets during the day and afternoon shifts, Portland police told The Oregonian.

Violating the new law can be expensive, with a ticket costing the driver $142.

The Oregonian said some drivers were involved in riskier situations than others, like the driver who was swerving through traffic, phone to ear. Police caught another driver texting at a stop light. But regardless of the situation, it’s all against the law.

Drivers should also be aware that dialing a cell phone is considered “texting.” Hands-free mobile phone operation is allowed for drivers 18 and older, but drivers under 18 are not allowed to use cell phones at all.

More of these so-called “education missions” are scheduled for the month of January.

This long-overdue law will make the roads safer by reducing the number of distracted drivers on Oregon roads, and, we hope, cut down on accidents.

If someone chooses to text while driving, they don't just endanger their own lives, they also endanger other drivers on the road who are being responsible. Just ask Peggy Tucker, whose daughter was killed when a driver talking on a cell phone hit her head-on. Peggy Tucker was in the Senate chamber when they were considering this legislation. When it passed, she thanked the bill's sponsor, Rep. Tomei.

Too many accidents are caused by the inattention of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Even if you’re not in a car, talking or texting on a cell phone can result in serious injury or death. Streets are not a good place to stop paying attention.

We hope that now that the “education” is over, police will start handing out the tickets. Maybe if the thought of hitting a pedestrian or cyclist doesn’t deter drivers, taking a hit to the wallet will.

UPDATE: Officer Won't Face Charges in Fatal Crash | Oregon Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)25983 — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Date: January 14, 2010
Location: Oakridge, Oregon
Names: Virginia Spalinger, Daniel Miller

According to KTVZ.com, a young Oakridge, Oregon, police officer was not at fault in the tragic crash that killed Virginia Spalinger, 91, on October 12, 2009.

Following OSP’s investigation, and a review by Lane County prosecutors, authorities decided that no charges will be filed against Officer Daniel Miller, 27.

Miller was pursuing a speeder, with his lights and siren on, when Spalinger drove her car into his path. The head-on crash at the only stoplight in town killed Spalinger and injured Miller.

Crash investigators were not able to estimate Miller’s speed at the time of the crash.

UPDATE: Second Pedestrian Dies after Southeast Portland Accident | Oregon Injury Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)25773 — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Almost three months after the accident on Foster Road in which two women, Jessica Finlay, 28, and Lindsay Leonard, 23, were hit by a car while crossing the street, Jessica Finlay has died. She had been in a coma since the accident on November 1, 2009. Lindsay Leonard died in the crash.

Our hearts go out to Finlay's family and friends. We at Shulman DuBois were very much affected when we first read about the accident - as were many others in Portland. A vigil was held and Mayor Sam Adams vowed to increase pedestrian safety. We hope, for the sake of all those who have been injured since this accident and who, we're sure, will be injured still, that he will.

Pedestrians are amazingly vulnerable on the streets, and no one seems to be taking care to watch for them. Around the holidays in December alone, there were at least three accidents in which pedestrians were injured or killed. And so many of them happen in crosswalks, where they are supposed to be protected. But impatient, distracted, or careless drivers ignore the laws and the well-being and safety of others.

One Oregon law specifically states that a driver cannot pass another car at a crosswalk. And of course, there's the very general yet very clear law that states that a driver must stop and stay stopped for a pedestrian.

Many of these accidents happen when it's dark out too. So don't wear dark clothing. And drivers be more vigilant than ever.

Please, everyone, be careful out there. And pedestrians especially, all the responsibility shouldn't be on you, but we seriously ask that you protect yourself and watch for cars, because despite their responsibility and duties as a motorist, they are probably not looking out for you.

UPDATE: Officer Won't Face Charges in Fatal Crash | Oregon Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)25744 — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Pedestrian Killed in Portland Crash | Oregon Car Accident Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)25743 — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Date: January 13, 2010
Location: Highway 30 near NW Harborton Drive, Portland, Oregon
Names: Zeken Barker

Zeken Barker, a 25-year-old from Portland, was walking on Highway 30 near NW Harborton Drive in Portland, Oregon, when he was hit by a car and killed around 5:15 AM, January 13, 2010, according to reports by KPTV.com.

Barker, died in the accident. Police did not name the driver; she was not injured and stayed at the accident until police arrived.

Portland police said Barker was hit in dark, rainy conditions. He was also wearing dark clothing.

Police do not believe alcohol or speeding was involved, and no citations were issued.

We send our wishes to Barker’s family after this tragic accident, and we hope they find strength and support in family, friends, and community. Our thoughts are also with the driver, who did not leave the accident, which could have turned this into an even more devastating ordeal.

In most cases, the driver would be found at fault in a pedestrian accident. However, this is one of those situations in which the pedestrian, not the driver, could have been found at fault. Even if a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, a court could side with a driver if the pedestrian was wearing dark clothing.

A commenter on KGW’s article posted the following request: “Hey KGW - How about a sidebar on how best to be seen in weather like this?” We hope the following information is helpful.

Pedestrian Safety Facts

According to a 2007 report from the NHTSA, a pedestrian is killed in a traffic crash, on average, every 113 minutes. In other words, there is a pedestrian death in the U.S. almost every two hours. And a pedestrian is injured in a crash every 8 minutes.

A total of 70,000 pedestrians died in traffic crashes in 2007. In Oregon, 48 pedestrians died in 2007.

The most dangerous time to cross the street, by far, is a weekend evening. Nearly one-half of all pedestrian deaths occurred on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. A total of 35 percent happened on a weekend between 8 PM and 11:59 PM.

The next riskiest time: weekday afternoons (between 4 PM and 7:59 PM), with 24 percent of deaths.

How to Stay Safe

·    Wear light, bright, or reflective clothing during poor weather and at night.
·    Increase your visibility at night by carrying a flashlight.
·    Walk on the sidewalk when possible. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
·    Cross at designated crosswalks when available.
·    Remember Mom’s advice: “Stop, look, and listen” before crossing. If a parked car is blocking your view of the street, stop at the edge of the vehicle and look around it before crossing the rest of the way.
·    Be especially careful at intersections. Failure to yield right of way often occurs when a driver is turning.

California Doctor Sentenced for Assaulting Bike Riders | Oregon Accident Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)25741 — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Date: January 8, 2010
Location: Los Angeles, California
Names: Christopher Thompson

On July 4, 2008, according to the Los Angeles Times, Brentwood physician Christopher Thompson was on his way to work when he found himself behind a pair of bicycles. First he honked his horn. Then he passed the bicycles, edging dangerously close to them. As soon as his car was in front of the bike riders, he slammed on the brakes.

After injuring both cyclists, the doctor showed little remorse, railing against disrespectful bike riders and saying his acts were to “teach them a lesson.”

One bike rider was flung face-first into the rear window of Thompson's car, breaking his front teeth and nose. The other cyclist was thrown to the sidewalk and suffered a separated shoulder.

On January 8, 2010, a Los Angeles County judge had the chance to teach Thompson a lesson of his own. Judge Scott T. Millington sentenced Thompson to five years in prison for charges including mayhem, assault with a deadly weapon (his car), battery with serious injury, and reckless driving causing injury. Before sentencing, a mollified Thompson apologized “deeply, profoundly” and quoted the Bible to urge others to settle their differences peacefully.

Judge Millington received more than 270 emails urging him to get tough with Thompson. He said the letters did not influence his ruling. But the judge took the opportunity to call on local government to provide more bike lanes, and he termed the case a “wake-up call” for both drivers and bicyclists.

Prosecutors said the incident was not Thompson’s first run-in with bike riders. Four months before the crash, two cyclists told police that Thompson tried to run them off the road, then moved in front of them and hit the brakes. No one was injured in that crash.

On January 8, the 60-year-old former emergency room physician, dressed in jail scrubs and handcuffed to his chair, openly wept in court.

As this case demonstrates, it is important for all of us to share the road - motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, motorcycle riders, and highway workers. Yes, bikers and pedestrians sometimes act disrespectfully. But drivers should remember how vulnerable they are. It is never okay to teach manners in a way that risks someone’s life.

Truck Crashes on U.S. 30, Injures Two | Oregon Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)25011 — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Date: December 28, 2009
Location: U.S. Highway 30, Astoria, Oregon
Names: Wesley James Garrett, Frank F. Boncz, Stanley C. Baller, Jr., Jamie Bryan Pellham

Icy roads may have contributed to a crash December 28, 2009, on U.S. Highway 30 near Svensen Junction, in Astoria, Oregon, in which two people were injured.

According to The Daily Astorian, the crash occurred around 6 AM when Stanley C. Baller, Jr., 38, of Clatskanie, attempted to pass a bus and lost control of his truck. The truck spun around, and its passenger side hit several large trees.

Two passengers seated on the right side of the truck, Wesley James Garrett, 19, of Rainier, and Frank F. Boncz, 51, of Clatskanie, suffered broken bones and other injuries. They were transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital in Astoria, then airlifted to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center for further treatment.

The driver, Baller, and a third passenger, Jamie Bryan Pellham, 33, of Rainier, were unhurt.

Oregon State Police, Knappa Fire District, and Clatsop County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene.

We send our personal wishes and thoughts to Garrett and Boncz. We hope your recovery is a quick one.

With the holidays just behind us, there could be snow ahead. It is always important to watch out for ice on the road. The Oregon Department of Transportation, in “Winter Driving Can Be Tricky,” warns that better cars, better roads, and better tires don’t take the place of careful driving.

Among ODOT’s tips:

•    In snow or fog, drive with your low beams on. And keep headlights clean – dirty headlights can cut visibility in half.
•    Keep a good grip on the steering wheel. Do not make sudden turns; if you skid, correct your car using a light touch.
•    Increase following distance, then increase it some more. ODOT recommends at least three times the normal following distance in snow or ice.
•    Plan ahead for intersections.
•    If you find yourself skidding, ease your foot off the accelerator. If you have a manual transmission, push in the clutch. While keeping your foot off the brake, steer the same direction your car’s rear end is skidding.
•    If you hit a patch of ice, ease up on the accelerator and let your car “roll” through.
•    Remember that posted speed limits are meant for dry conditions, not rain, snow, sleet, or ice. Slow down during winter weather.

What if, despite your careful driving, you – or someone you love – is injured in a car crash? You probably have lots of questions, and we can help you answer many questions at no charge. Or order our free book, 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case.

Providence Bus Driver Arrested | Portland Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)25010 — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Date: December 28, 2009
Location: SE 76th & Stark St., Portland, Oregon
Names: Dobrivoje Ivkovic

A bus driver for senior citizens attending Providence ElderPlace in Portland, Oregon, was arrested December 28, 2009, for drunk driving, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident after he crashed his empty bus at SE 76th and Stark Street, around 3:30 PM. Police caught up with Dobrivoje Ivkovic, 41, at Providence Portland Medical Center on NE 48th and Glisan.

KOINLocal6.com said police believe the bus was unoccupied at the time of the crash. There were no injuries.

Ivkovic was taken to Multnomah County Jail.

Gary Walker, director of public affairs for Providence Health & Services, told The Oregonian that Ivkovic’s bus was used to transport older adults to and from Providence ElderPlace, a health care and social services program with a location near the hospital, at 4540 NE Glisan.

Walker would not comment on the allegations against Ivkovic, saying it was a personnel matter.

We are grateful that no one was injured in this crash, but we can’t help but be shocked. This driver was entrusted with the safety of senior citizens. Hit-and-run is a serious crime, and so is drunk driving.

The hit-and-run driver must be held responsible for his actions. And if anyone is injured in a hit and run crash, civil penalties may apply as well. At Shulman DuBois, we believe that hit-and-run, and drunk driving, are simply unacceptable. If you have been injured in a hit-and-run or drunk driving crash, contact us.

Rollover Kills Man from Remote | Oregon Truck Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)24602 — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Date: December 24, 2009
Location: Highway 42, near Remote, Oregon
Names: Kenneth Michael Rasmussen

Kenneth Michael Rasmussen, 48, of Bakersfield, California, died December 24, 2009, in a single-vehicle truck crash on an icy bridge near the small town of Remote, Oregon, east of Myrtle Point in Coos County.

KPIC-TV reports that the crash occurred on Highway 42, about five miles east of Remote, as Rasmussen was driving west. Around 9:45 AM, Rasmussen lost control of his truck on an icy bridge. It started to fishtail, hit an embankment on the shoulder, and rolled twice before coming to rest on its top.

Despite using safety restraints, Rasmussen was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no passengers in the truck.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Coos Bay Area Command office are continuing to investigate.

We are so sorry to hear about this accident, and we send our thoughts and wishes to Rasmussen’s family.

An accident like this shows one of the big dangers of winter driving: running into a patch of ice.

It is extremely important to be aware of the risks of ice on the road as you drive this winter. The Oregon Department of Transportation, in “Winter Driving Can Be Tricky,” warns that better cars, better roads, and better tires don’t take the place of careful driving.

Tips for Winter Driving:

•    Keep a good grip on the steering wheel. Do not make sudden turns; if you skid, correct your car using a light touch.
•    If you find yourself skidding, ease your foot off the accelerator. If you have a manual transmission, push in the clutch. While keeping your foot off the brake, steer the same direction your car’s rear end is skidding.
•    If you hit a patch of ice, ease up on the accelerator and let your car “roll” through.
•    Remember that posted speed limits are meant for dry conditions, not rain, snow, sleet, or ice. Slow down during winter weather.

What to do now:

•    Be prepared. Take a moment today to double-check your owner’s manual for the best braking technique for your car. Also, stash an emergency kit in the trunk.
•    Read our tips on driving in the rain.
•    Always make sure you and your passengers are wearing safety restraints.

Did you know that single-car accidents are not always the driver’s fault? It can be caused by anything from weather, a wild animal crossing the road, to a city, county, or state agency not maintaining roads. If you or a family member has questions after a single-car crash, let us know, we’ll help you through the process.

Dallas Crash Seriously Injures Three | Oregon Car Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)24325 — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: December 19, 2009
Location: Highway 22 near Dallas, Oregon
Names: Roy Warner, Catherine Warner, Jerry Dean Weber

According to an Oregon State Police press release, a two-car crash seriously injured three people on December 19, 2009, around 2:20 PM on Highway 22, west of Dallas, Oregon.

Oregon State Police Sergeant Bob Charpentier said that a black Chevrolet SUV driven by Jerry Dean Weber, 48, of Sheridan, was traveling west on Highway 22 near milepost 10, when, for unknown reasons, the car crossed the center line.

The Chevrolet crashed head-on into an eastbound white Ford Escape SUV driven by Roy Warner, 61, of Alberta, Canada.

Weber was taken to a Portland hospital with critical injuries. Warner and his wife and passenger, Catherine Warner, 61, were seriously injured. Roy Warner was taken to Oregon Health & Science University Hospital and Catherine Warner was transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center.

All the victims were wearing safety restraints.

Responders included Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Dallas Fire Department, and Oregon Department of Transportation.

OSP troopers from the Salem Area Command office were continuing to investigate.

We send our thoughts to the Warners and Weber, and we hope they know there are many people who will be thinking of them and praying for them as they recover.

The moments and days after a crash are the most important. First, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you think your injuries are minor, you should have a record of anything after the accident in case the pains become more serious. Second, either you, a friend or family member, or a qualified attorney, should collect evidence from the accident scene. Evidence can disappear quickly, so doing this while your loved one is in the hospital is of extreme importance. We understand that you may not want to do this while you or your loved one is in the hospital, so you may want to ask an attorney to do it for you.

The months after an accident are important as well. There are time limits to filing a claim if you have been in an accident. And sometimes you can’t go back to work, so you start to worry about paying medical bills and wage loss. These are all stressful things, and it doesn’t help that the insurance company won’t leave you alone, but they won’t help you either. So please, do not hesitate to call us or request a free copy of our book, 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case. Our website has helpful advice, and what we don’t cover there, we will be more than happy to answer ourselves.

Man Killed in Single-Truck Crash | Oregon Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)24094 — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: December 14, 2009
Location: Highway 47 near Gaston, Oregon
Names: Alfred L. Spry

Oregon State Police reported in a press release that Alfred L. Spry, 62, of Gaston, Oregon, died December 14, 2009, after his truck went off the highway and into the side ditch around 11 PM.

The accident occurred during poor weather conditions. Oregon State Police said it was raining; The Oregonian said there was ice on the road.

Spry was driving a 2003 Ford F-150 pickup south on Highway 47, a little over a mile south of Gaston, when his truck traveled off the highway, continuing into the side ditch for around 250 feet. The truck rolled, coming to rest on the driver’s side.

Gaston Rural Fire District personnel extricated Spry. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

OSP did not know why the truck went off the road, but said neither speed nor alcohol appeared to be factors. Troopers from the McMinnville office were continuing to investigate.

Spry was not using a seat belt.

We send our wishes to Spry’s family after this unexplained tragedy. Please know we are thinking of you during this difficult time.

We also hope this convinces others to use their seat belts all the time. And even though many of the details are not known yet, we earnestly believe that the use of safety restraints in this situation could have saved a life.

As we move from the last days of December into the wet and wintry weather of January and February, remember these safe driving tips:

Be especially careful when it rains after a long dry period. That’s when the oil and grease builds up on the road, and the first rain releases it, creating slippery conditions.
Give yourself extra time to reach your destination, and drive at a slower pace than normal.
In snow or fog, drive with your low beams on. And keep headlights clean – dirty headlights can cut visibility in half.
Keep a good grip on the steering wheel. Do not make sudden turns; if you skid, correct your car using a light touch.
Increase following distance, then increase it some more. ODOT recommends at least three times the normal following distance in snow or ice.
Plan ahead for intersections.
If you find yourself skidding, ease your foot off the accelerator. If you have a manual transmission, push in the clutch. While keeping your foot off the brake, steer the same direction your car’s rear end is skidding.
If you hit a patch of ice, ease up on the accelerator and let your car “roll” through.
Remember that posted speed limits are meant for dry conditions, not rain, snow, sleet, or ice. Slow down during winter weather.

Did you know that single-car accidents are not always the driver’s fault? It can be caused by anything from weather, a wild animal crossing the road, to a city, county, or state agency not maintaining roads.

Hit-and-Run Kills One, Injures One | Oregon Truck Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)24093 — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: December 15, 2009
Location: I-84, Ontario, Oregon
Names: Milton Scot Belton, Miguel Victorio-Alvarez, Francisco Roberto Lecaro

The Oregonian reports that on December 15, 2009, around 8 AM, two truck drivers, who had pulled to the side of the road to put on chains, were hit by a commercial truck.

The accident, which occurred on an I-84 off-ramp near Ontario, Oregon, killed Milton Scot Belton, 49, of Colville, Washington, and injured Miguel Victorio-Alvarez, 45, of Nampa, Idaho. Victorio-Alvarez’s injuries were not life-threatening.

The driver of the truck that struck the men, Francisco Roberto Lecaro, 36, of Perris, California, left the scene of the crash. Ontario police found Lecaro at Love’s Travel Stop & Country Store.

Belton and Victorio-Alvarez wear wearing reflective vests. According to BakersfieldNow.com, it was snowing heavily when the men decided to apply chains, and KGW.com said several roads were closed in Eastern Oregon due to treacherous weather.

Oregon State Police troopers and a collision reconstructionist are continuing to investigate.

According to the Oregon DMV, hit-and-run is a serious crime, and conviction will result in your driving privileges being suspended or revoked. In any accident, you have the following obligations:

Stop at once. If anyone is killed or unconscious, you must stay at the scene until a police officer arrives.
Render aid. Do not move an injured person carelessly, but give reasonable aid
Exchange information with the other driver. Give them your name, address, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information. DMV offers a printable checklist you can download and keep in your car.
Report the accident to DMV.

We implore drivers in any accident situation to put the safety and welfare of others above their own interests, and always, always remain at the scene and make sure no one is hurt. We send our thoughts and prayers to Belton’s family, and best wishes to Victorio-Alvarez for a quick and complete recovery.

The hit-and-run driver must be held civilly and criminally responsible for his actions. And the Belton family may be well advised to contact a reputed personal injury attorney with experience in hit-and-run crashes who will fight for the justice and compensation that they deserve. At Shulman DuBois, we believe that what happened in this crash is simply unacceptable; we are committed to making sure that hit-and-run drivers are held accountable for their actions and that both victims and families receive the compensation they deserve.

Judge's decision in bike-car collision is reprehensible

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)23808 — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: December 21, 2009

BikePortland.org recently brought to our attention a court decision we find reprehensible. We believe that everyone - drivers, bikers, and walkers - share responsibility on the roads. But when a judge rules in favor of an absent-minded and reckless driver with the advantage of 2,000 pounds of machine behind her, when everyone else seemed to see that she was clearly in the wrong and violating a law, we remember that some have to be more responsible than others.

In this case, the driver should have been paying attention. No questions asked. A driver should assume someone is around every corner. At every intersection.

Unfortunately, because of this lack of protection - both in an accident and after one - reminds us that cyclists have to continue to look out for drivers. Never assume they see you. Never assume they will stop for you. And never assume they know the rules of the road.

Sharing the responsibility or not, we believe the laws are and should be in place for those who are more vulnerable. The cyclist, in this case, did not have that. As the cyclist said, "If I'd been in an automobile, [the driver] would have been at fault." True. And yet, so backward.

Maybe ORS 811.060 should be rewritten. But honestly, we think it's clear what the law says. We should be able to trust a judge to uphold it.

What do you think?

Looking out for pedestrians | Oregon Accident Attorney

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)23758 — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Just in the past week, we have read about at least three pedestrian accidents - two of which involved minors. In the other one, a man in a wheelchair was killed in Hermiston, Oregon.

It hit us that because of these accidents, people have lost loved ones during a time family and friends are most on our minds. And for those who are injured, they are forced to spend the holidays recovering, if they're lucky. Some of them lie in a hospital bed in a coma. Their families watching over them day and night. Waiting.

And while the holiday season should not be the only time we think about these things, we can't help but realize that this is a time almost everyone reserves for thinking about the things that have blessed our lives. We wish everyone could be home, warm and surrounded by the people they love.

We want to take this time to implore of everyone to be extra careful. The weather conditions make it hard to stop as quickly as it would be if the roads were dry. Plus, the sun goes down much sooner, which means more people are on the roads, in cars and on foot, during rush hour. People are holiday shopping, which also adds to foot traffic.

So please, please, everyone keep in mind these simple safety tips. And try to make this a joyful and safe holiday season. But this goes for all accidents as well.

Please be mindful of road conditions.
Pay attention to other drivers.
Slow down, even if you're late to a holiday party.
And always, ALWAYS wear your seat belts.

Be safe this holiday season.

McMinnville Teens Struck in Crosswalk | Oregon Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)23679 — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: December 11, 2009
Location: SW Agee St., McMinnville, Oregon
Names: Jesus Anibal Arriaga, Dylan Arthur Granger, Scott Lee Albert

Two teenage boys were hit by a car as they walked across SW Agee Street in McMinnville, Oregon, around 7:50 AM on December 11, 2009, according to a McMinnville Police Department press release.

Jesus Anibal Arriaga, 14, of McMinnville, was seriously injured in the crash. He was initially taken to Willamette Valley Medical Center, but was transferred to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center’s trauma center in Portland for further treatment.

The other pedestrian, Dylan Arthur Granger, 14, also of McMinnville, was unhurt in the accident.

NewsRegister.com reported that Scott Lee Albert, of McMinnville, was turning onto SW Agee Street in a 1981 Chevrolet Blazer. His car hit the two boys, both of whom were in the crosswalk.

Albert stopped immediately and was cooperating fully with the investigation, police said. Police were still investigating as of December 11, and no citations had been issued.

Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call Officer Steve Macartney, at (503) 434-7307, or Sgt. Tim Symons, at (503) 435-5614.

We send our prayers and thoughts to Arriaga and his family. It can be so hard to recover from a serious injury after a crash, and we hope he mends quickly and is home soon. We will be thinking of you.

If a pedestrian is hit in a crosswalk, it is generally considered the driver's fault. However, just like everything in the law, there are exceptions. If the pedestrian was drunk and wearing dark clothes, and it was dark, the driver can sometimes escape prosecution. Or if a pedestrian darts out unexpectedly into an intersection, the law may take the driver's side too. But in most cases, the law will consider it to be the driver's fault, and the pedestrian or the pedestrian's family will be able to get legal compensation. All cases are different, of course, so contact a knowledgeable lawyer if you have questions about your case.

When children are injured, the law can get complicated fast. For example, while the standard Oregon injury case must be filed within 2 years of the accident, the statute of limitations for children, on the other hand, is not so straightforward. ORS 12.160 steps you through the process for figuring out the statute of limitations. First, the regular statute of limitations applies. Second, it doesn't start running until the child turns 18 years old. But, third, the statute cannot be extended more than five years. And fourth, it cannot be extended beyond the child's 19th birthday. In addition to the statute of limitations, there's also the issue of money. Money recovered belongs to the injured child, not to his or her parents. In certain cases, a judge will need to oversee the situation to make sure this happens.

New Video and Testimonial Posted | Portland Accident Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)23595 — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

This satisfied client talks about post-traumatic stress after her car-bike accident. See what she says about how our personal injury attorney helped step her through the process and relieved the stress of an accident claim.

Get Unsafe Buses off the Road | Oregon Injury Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)23407 — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: December 8, 2009

This item comes from our “Better Late Than Never” file: The National Transportation Safety Board has called for procedures to remove unsafe buses from U.S. roads.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the NTSB wants agencies to identify companies that operate substandard buses, take the buses out of service, and force the companies to cease operations.

The NTSB issued their recommendations after investigating a January 2008 bus crash in Texas. The bus overturned, then was hit by a truck. One passenger was killed, 17 were seriously injured, and 29 people received minor injuries.

In the Texas crash, a driver with only three months of experience fell asleep on a trip from Monterey, Mexico, to Houston. The NTSB investigation into the accident uncovered numerous safety concerns.

In a report synopsis, the NTSB released their findings, including the following:

Weather, road defects, and mechanical problems were not factors. However, the bus did not meet federal safety standards.

The driver’s blood tests were negative for alcohol, but the bus company delayed testing and alcohol could not be ruled out.

International Charter Services, which leased the bus to Capricorn Bus Lines, failed to maintain operational control and safety oversight of Capricorn’s operations.

Although the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration was authorized to conduct a compliance review, they never did, and Capricorn did not receive an “at-risk” rating, despite serious safety violations.

FMCSA’s “tacit approval” of lease agreements gives a lower level of safety oversight to buses carrying live passengers than to buses hauling cargo.

During the accident investigation, FMCSA knew that International Charter Services was providing services outside the scope of its authority, but never took action.

A legal loophole allows unsafe bus companies to circumvent the law by transferring operating rights to newly formed companies, and current review processes do not identify unsafe buses and keep them from operating.

Capricorn lost its insurance in 2003 after a fatal accident in Mexico a year earlier, but avoided federal scrutiny because of its lease arrangement, receiving “tacit” approval from the FMCSA. Capricorn got a Texas license plate by having another company register the bus in California.

"I think that this accident is the mother of all shell games," the NTSB’s Robert Sumwalt told the Chicago Tribune.

Incredibly, according to the NTSB, Capricorn went out of business but is still operating, this time as Flores U.S. Bus Lines.

“The traveling public should expect that any motor coach they ride complies with all of the safety criteria imposed on every other commercial passenger vehicle within our borders,” said NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman in a press release.

We not only agree, we’re surprised it took this long. Bus riders have every right to expect that they’re riding in safe vehicles, and it’s too bad it took a death, and multiple injuries, to get the NTSB to act. But now that they’re on the case, we think their recommendations should be implemented sooner rather than later. Let’s not have another crash before we have top-notch safety standards that are carefully enforced, with no loopholes.

Head-on Crash Kills 2, Injures 3 | Oregon Car Accident Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)23406 — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: December 6, 2009
Location: Highway 223 near Dallas, Oregon
Names: Rebecca Dunaway, Damon Wachtler, Barrett Overhoff, Jennifer Dobbins

A 24-year-old Salem woman and teen were killed and 3 others were seriously injured in a head-on crash December 6, 2009, on Highway 223 near Dallas, Oregon, after a driver crossed the center line for unknown reasons, according to StatesmanJournal.com.

Rebecca Dunaway, 24, of Salem, died in the crash, which occurred around 8:35 PM. Damon Wachtler, 18, of Keizer, was critically injured and later died at the hospital.

According to Salem-News.com, a westbound 2002 Dodge Durango driven by Barrett Overhoff, 27, of Dallas, crossed the solid double center line and entered oncoming traffic, striking Dunaway’s 1994 Hyundai Excel.

Wachtler was flown by REACH Air Medical Services to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis.

Overhoff was seriously injured, and was taken by ambulance to Salem Hospital. Overhoff’s passengers, Jennifer Dobbins, 33, of Dallas, and a 3-year-old girl, whose name was not released, were also seriously hurt and taken to the same hospital.

Both cars’ occupants were wearing safety restraints, and the 3-year-old was in a child safety seat. The Dodge’s airbags deployed.

The crash is still under investigation as of December 7, but Oregon State Police told Salem-News.com that alcohol is not believed to be a factor.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Dallas Fire Department, Southwest Polk County Rural Fire District, and Oregon Department of Transportation assisted at the scene. The crash closed the highway for over three hours.

Our hearts go out to everyone involved in this tragic accident, the victims and their families. We send our condolences to those Dunaway and Wachtler left behind. And we pray that Overhoff, Dobbins, and the young child recover fully from their injuries. We know nothing can truly ease the pain of losing a loved one or change what happened, but please know we are thinking of you.

This crash still leaves many questions. And in the next months, the families will be looking for answers. Why did this happen? What do you do next? How will you pay for the medical bills? These are all questions that will come up, and we want you to know we are here to help. But first, please, to the injured victims: get better; to their families: help them and support them in their recovery. To those who lost their loved ones, please know our thoughts are with you, and we’re praying for you during this hard time.

Changes to Personal Injury Law in Oregon

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)23144 — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

New laws could affect your Oregon injury/accident case. Changes have been made to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and liability insurance laws in Oregon, starting January 1, 2010.

Click here and scroll down to "Personal Injury" to see what they are. Then contact us if you have any questions. Or read the 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case to increase your chances of winning your Oregon injury case.

Log Trucks Collide, Seriously Injure Veneta Man | Oregon Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)23113 — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: December 2, 2009
Location: Highway 226 between Lyons and Scio, Oregon
Names: Dennis D. Kloehn, Oscar Vasfaret

According to KVAL.com, two fully loaded log trucks crashed December 2, 2009, around 11:35 AM, on Highway 226 between Lyons and Scio, Oregon. The crash sent one driver to the hospital with serious injuries.

Dennis D. Kloehn, 67, of Veneta, was seriously injured after his truck tipped over on its side and crashed into another log truck driven by Oscar Vasfaret, 62, of Sweet Home. Vasfaret received non-life-threatening injuries in the crash.

Kloehn, a driver for Weyerhaeuser, was eastbound on Highway 226 when his truck tipped over on a right-hand curve in the road and hit the truck driven by Vasfaret.

Kloehn was pulled from the wreckage and taken to Oregon Health & Science University Hospital in Portland. As of December 3, his condition had been upgraded from critical to serious but stable.

Vasfaret, who was driving for Brian Miller Logging, was transported to Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The crash shut down Highway 226 for most of the day, as Oregon State Police conducted an investigation and the highway department arranged removal of the trucks and logs.

We hope Kloehn and Vasfaret recover quickly, and we send our best wishes their way.

Heavy vehicles, like loaded trucks, can cause more serious crashes than lighter ones, due to kinetic energy.

Oregon Celebrates Safest Thanksgiving Since 1978 | Portland Injury Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)22982 — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: November 30, 2009

Thanksgiving may be over, but we’re still counting blessings.

The Thanksgiving holidays, traditionally the most traveled and deadliest holiday period of the year, went by almost peacefully on Oregon roads this year. According to preliminary law enforcement information, the 2009 holiday was the safest it’s been since Oregon Department of Transportation started keeping track in 1978, with only one recorded traffic death.

According to Salem-News.com, the single death occurred the day after Thanksgiving, November 27, around 8:20 PM. A 60-year-old Milwaukie woman was killed after being hit by a van while crossing McLoughlin Boulevard outside of a crosswalk.

Also over Thanksgiving, OSP arrested 53 drunk drivers, issued more than 1,200 speed-related citations, responded to more than 135 crashes, and assisted 465 disabled motorists.

The Thanksgiving holiday reporting period runs from 6 PM, November 25, to 11:59 PM, November 29. At 102 total hours, it is the longest major holiday period of the year.

Before Thanksgiving, the National Safety Commission issued a traffic safety alert, warning that, for drivers, the most dangerous period of the year was approaching. More people travel than during any other holiday, and 90 percent of them do so by car. The NSC predicted, “If previous year statistics hold true, this Thanksgiving weekend will also be the deadliest holiday period of the year.”

We are very glad that, at least in Oregon, they were wrong.

We would like to thank Oregon State Police, which mounted enhanced enforcement efforts throughout the state, and we would like to commend all the Oregon drivers who made an extra effort to drive safely this year. Every one of you made a difference.

Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention | Oregon Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)22830 — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: November 30, 2009

Forget the “three R’s.” This year, it’s all about the three D’s.

By presidential proclamation, December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention, or 3D, Month. Every U.S. president since Ronald Reagan has affirmed his commitment to stop drunk driving with this annual observance.

As for us? We think it’s such a great idea that we’re lifting a glass – of sparkling water. OK, we may tip a glass of wine, but we won't be driving. We hope you’ll join us in making these holidays truly memorable by doing everything you can to prevent drunk and drugged driving this holiday, and in 2010.

The numbers behind drunk and drugged driving are staggering. Countless lives are lost, and even more people are seriously injured, sometimes permanently.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, every day in the U.S. 36 people die, and approximately 700 are injured, in car crashes involving an impaired driver. While some crashes might involve other factors as well, it’s probably safe to say that most of that death, and most of that pain, was entirely preventable.

Think about it: Getting behind the wheel when you’re impaired not only puts your life at risk, it risks the lives of so many others, even children.

There’s only one way to stop drunk driving, and that’s by each of us taking on the individual responsibility to not do it. Put down those keys. Designate a driver. Opt to walk. Whatever it takes. And let’s not rest until there are no more deaths from intoxicated drivers.

Pedestrian Killed Crossing McLoughlin Blvd. | Portland Car Accident Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)22829 — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: November 27, 2009
Location: SR 99E near Gladstone, Oregon
Names: Maria Isabel Cervantes-Gutierrez, Nathan Sheets

Maria Isabel Cervantes-Gutierrez, 60, of Milwaukie, Oregon, was killed November 27, 2009, around 8:20 PM, when she was struck by a van while crossing State Route 99E (McLoughlin Boulevard) near Gladstone. According to The Oregonian, Cervantes-Gutierrez was crossing the street from east to west when she was struck by a Chevrolet Astro van driven by Nathan Sheets, 24, of Milwaukie.

An Oregon State Police press release reports that Sheets stopped immediately, stayed at the scene until police and emergency personnel arrived, and cooperated fully in the investigation. OSP said it appeared Cervantes-Gutierrez was not in a marked crosswalk when she was hit.

The accident closed the road’s southbound lanes for about two hours while OSP’s collision reconstruction unit conducted an investigation. The investigation was continuing as of November 28, and no citations had been issued.

This is a tragic crash, and we are so sorry to hear that Cervantes-Gutierrez was killed. We send our wishes and prayers to her family. We would also like to send our condolences to Sheets, who must be reeling after such an accident, and add to it a sincere thank-you for stopping. We are glad this crash was not compounded by a hit-and-run driver leaving the scene. Sheets was responsible and performed his duties as a driver. That’s the right thing to do.

But we must stress how important it is for everyone to take extra care, especially now, when it’s colder, and it gets darker sooner. We recently posted a blog about the two women who were hit on Foster in Portland; one died and the other was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. It’s getting dark now during rush hour. And pedestrians are always looking for shortcuts, and maybe even more so with the colder weather. But please, please, obey the traffic laws, use caution, make yourself visible, and look out for anyone who could be on the roads.

One Dead, One Injured on Icy Road | Oregon Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)22726 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: November 20, 2009
Location: Highway 26, east of Prineville, Oregon
Names: Wayne L. Elliott, Robert C. Mair

A John Day, Oregon, man was killed November 20, 2009, when his car skidded out of control on icy roads and crashed into a truck on Highway 26, about 25 miles east of Prineville. The crash took place around 4:20 PM. Wayne L. Elliott, 55, of John Day, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the truck, Robert C. Mair, 68, of Mitchell, sustained unknown injuries.

Sgt. Don Wagner of the Oregon State Police told KTVZ.com that Elliott was driving a 2004 Chevrolet SUV west on the highway, near milepost 50, when he lost control on the ice. The car veered into the oncoming lane and crashed with a 1998 Dodge 3500 truck driven by Mair.

Mair was airlifted to St. Charles Medical Center - Bend. His condition was unavailable as of November 21, and a nursing supervisor at the hospital told KTVZ.com that Mair was not listed as a patient. The road was closed for about two hours after the crash.

According to KOIN.com, both men were wearing seat belts. OSP troopers are continuing to investigate.

As we move from November into the chilly days of December and January, it is ever more important to take extra care and watch out for ice on the road. The Oregon Department of Transportation, in “Winter Driving Can Be Tricky,” warns that better cars, better roads, and better tires don’t take the place of careful driving.

Among ODOT’s tips:

•    In snow or fog, drive with your low beams on. And keep headlights clean – dirty headlights can cut visibility in half.
•    Keep a good grip on the steering wheel. Do not make sudden turns; if you skid, correct your car using a light touch.
•    Increase following distance, then increase it some more. ODOT recommends at least three times the normal following distance in snow or ice.
•    Plan ahead for intersections.
•    If you find yourself skidding, ease your foot off the accelerator. If you have a manual transmission, push in the clutch. While keeping your foot off the brake, steer the same direction your car’s rear end is skidding.
•    If you hit a patch of ice, ease up on the accelerator and let your car “roll” through.
•    Remember that posted speed limits are meant for dry conditions, not rain, snow, sleet, or ice. Slow down during winter weather.

What to do now:

•    Be prepared. Take a moment today to double-check your owner’s manual for the best braking technique for your car. Then, stash an emergency kit in the trunk.
•    Read our tips on driving in the rain.
•    Always make sure you and your passengers are wearing safety restraints.

We send our heartfelt condolences to Elliott’s family after this sad crash, and we hope Mair is recovering from his injuries. This is not a cut-and-dried case; many factors besides icy weather could have played a role. Sometimes an experienced personal injury attorney can help victims find the answers they’re looking for. If you have any questions about finding a good personal injury lawyer, please let us know.

Teenage Girl Dies in Van-Truck Crash | Oregon Accident Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)22725 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: November 24, 2009
Location: Highway 18 & SE Ash Road, Dayton, Oregon
Names: Kalie Mosgrove, Connie Mosgrove, Jolan Miller

A 13-year-old girl died November 24, 2009, around 8:10 PM, when the van she was riding in was hit by a truck, reports The Oregonian. Kalie Mosgrove, 13, of Dayton, Oregon, was killed in the crash. Her mother, Connie Mosgrove, 47, who was driving, was seriously injured. The driver of the truck, Jolan Miller, 33, of Vancouver, was not hurt.

According to an Oregon State Police press release, Connie Mosgrove was driving a 1995 Plymouth Voyager van on SE Ash Street in Dayton, and attempted to cross Highway 18. The van was struck in the passenger side by an eastbound 1995 Ford AeroMax truck pulling an empty car transport trailer. After the crash, the van and truck came to rest on opposite sides of the highway.

Kalie Mosgrove was pronounced dead at the scene. Connie Mosgrove was airlifted by Life Flight to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, where, according to Oregon State Police, she was listed in critical condition.

Safety restraint use information was unavailable as of November 26, and Oregon State Police troopers were continuing to investigate.

We send our most heartfelt condolences to the Mosgrove family after this horrific crash. We hope they find support among friends, family, and the community as they grieve, and we add our prayers to all the others going out to them.

Car-truck crashes are always harder on the lighter vehicle. It is important to remember this when gauging when to cross a street or highway. Sometimes, it’s best not to take the chance if there’s any doubt you may make it across in time. And in this situation, traffic on the highway would likely have been going much faster than that on the intersecting street. In an accident like this one involving children or minors, it can be a good idea to contact a qualified personal injury attorney.

Woman Found Dead in Submerged Car | Oregon Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)22724 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: November 23, 2009
Location: Highway 38 near Drain, Oregon
Names: Darcie Kroh

According to The News-Review, divers found the body of Darcie Kroh, 32, of Coos Bay, Oregon, in a car that was upside down in Elk Creek, near the site of a crash on Highway 38, near Drain, Oregon. The horrifying discovery occurred around 1:30 PM on November 23, 2009. Local residents near the crash site reported a car submerged in the creek, which runs next to the highway, around 11:40 AM, and divers from Douglas County Search and Rescue searched for about two hours.

Kroh was found “basically where the driver would have been in the car,” Oregon State Police Lt. Doug Ladd told The News-Review. She was wearing a shoulder safety belt, but not a lap belt. Kroh was pronounced dead at the scene; the exact cause of death was still unknown as of November 23.

According to OSP’s initial investigation, speed was a factor in the crash, which apparently started while Kroh was driving a 1990 Toyota Corolla east on the freeway. State police believe her car veered to the right shoulder as she came around a corner. The car then traveled about 150 feet, hit a telephone pole, went down a 10- to 15-foot embankment, and tumbled into the creek.

The crash may have occurred hours earlier, about 2:30 AM, when witnesses heard a loud noise. That morning, they noticed part of the fence was down and saw the car in the water, and called police.

Along with OSP and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, responders included North Douglas Fire & EMS and Oregon Department of Transportation.

Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Kroh. You will be in our hearts this holiday season.

According to a 2009 ODOT fact sheet, speeding is the top contributor to traffic deaths and injuries in Oregon. Out of 416 total traffic deaths in 2008, over half (210) were speed-related, and speeding causes more traffic crashes than drunk driving. In addition, fatalities from speeding in rural areas are four times higher than deaths from speed-related crashes in the city.

Suspended Driver Arrested After Hitting Three Cars | Oregon Accident Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)22723 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: November 26, 2009
Location: I-5 north of Salem, Oregon
Names: Eric Ryan Witt

A Rainier, Oregon, man was arrested on multiple charges, including driving while suspended, after his car crashed into three other vehicles on I-5 north of Salem, November 26, 2009, around 11:50 AM. Eric Ryan Witt, 39, attempted to elude Oregon State Police after the crash, reaching speeds of up to 107 mph before he was finally stopped.

According to an Oregon State Police news release on KEZI.com, Oregon State Police responded to a call that Witt’s car was northbound on I-5 near milepost 268 and had crashed into two cars. The witness who called troopers followed Witt’s 1995 gold Honda Accord as it exited at Woodburn, drove through parking lots, then returned to the freeway.

Based on reports, police stationed themselves near the Donald/Aurora interchange, and caught sight of Witt’s car around 12:10 PM. Witt tried to elude troopers at high rates of speed, until heavy traffic forced him to slow down to about 60 mph. Witt was forced to slow even more as he continued to flee, ending up driving less than 30 mph on the right northbound shoulder near milepost 286.

Police were finally able to force Witt to stop, and took him into custody without further incident at 12:19 PM. None of the drivers involved in the crash was injured, and there was no damage to the trooper’s patrol car. Witt’s car was slightly damaged.

Witt was held at Marion County Jail on charges of felony attempt to elude; misdemeanor hit and run; reckless driving; and recklessly endangering another person. He was also cited for multiple traffic violations, including driving while suspended.

OSP troopers deployed traffic vehicle intervention (TVI) techniques to get the fleeing suspect to pull over. TVI, sometimes known as Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT), has been used on the West Coast for two decades. The technique has been refined over the years so it does not involve ramming.

State police have asked the drivers of the other two cars involved to call OSP Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888. If you saw what happened, come forward and assist the police. This will not only help state troopers as they investigate, it will be a huge help to the drivers involved. If you have any information, even if it seems insignificant, contact Oregon State Police.

We are glad there were no immediate injuries from a crash that never should have happened. However, sometimes an injury is not apparent immediately. If you are in a crash, think you’re fine, and go home, but then develop lingering pain or other effects, see your doctor and consult an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Woman Killed, Man Critically Injured after Bridge Crash | Oregon Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)22721 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: November 17, 2009
Location: Astoria-Megler Bridge, Astoria, Oregon
Names: Herbert Goebel, Kathleen Ann Brock

A head-on collision on the Astoria-Megler Bridge in Astoria, Oregon, killed a 51-year-old Long Beach, Washington, woman and critically injured a Vancouver man, the morning of November 17, 2009. The crash, which took place on a bridge crossing the Columbia River, killed Kathleen Ann Brock, after her rental car crashed into a truck driven by Herbert Goebel.

According to The Olympian, Brock’s car was southbound on the bridge, traveling at a high rate of speed, when she attempted to pass Goebel’s truck and the vehicles collided.

The Oregonian reports that Brock was driving a rented four-door 2008 Saturn car, and Goebel was driving a 2004 Dodge Dakota pickup truck.

Goebel was initially transported by ambulance to Columbia Memorial Hospital in Astoria, then transferred to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland by Life Flight helicopter. He was listed in critical condition. Brock, who was not wearing a seat belt, died in the crash.

Brock’s older sister posted a poignant comment November 21 on KGW.com, offering sympathy and sorrow for Goebel’s pain and suffering. In her post, Brock’s sister, Laura DeNuccio, said they were trying to locate the Goebel family to personally express their sincere and deep apologies, and added that her family, mourning Brock’s loss, was praying for Goebel.

Then, in a stirring development three days later, Goebel’s nephew posted a reply. He said his uncle, a school bus driver, remained in critical condition, but was “still hanging in there” while the family prays for him.

We are moved by these two families reaching out to one another while in the midst of terrible tragedy and pain, and we hope they will continue to support one another during this difficult time. We add our prayers and thoughts to those of both families, and send our wishes to Goebel for a recovery to full health.

Truck Drivers Injured in Head-On Crash | Oregon Accident Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)22718 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: November 17, 2009
Location: Highway 138, Sutherlin, Oregon
Names: William Nye, Jason Marlin

Two unloaded logging trucks crashed into each other head on, November 17, 2009, around 1 PM, on Highway 138 in Sutherlin, Oregon, and Oregon State Police troopers told KPIC.com that the drivers were lucky to be alive.

"If they had both been loaded up with logs, the impact would have been much more severe and a lot less likely that the people would have survived," said Senior Trooper Mark Moore.

The crash occurred after one of the trucks, driven by Jason Marlin, 32, of Myrtle Creek, veered into oncoming traffic in the wrong lane. Another truck driver, William Nye, 45, also of Myrtle Creek, tried to drive out of the way, onto the side ditch, but was unable to avoid the vehicle, and the two trucks crashed on the driver’s side.

Marlin was trapped in his truck. After being extricated, he was taken to a Portland hospital with serious injuries.

Oregon Department of Transportation and towing crews spent over an hour trying to clear diesel fuel and debris from the road, during which the east- and westbound lanes of the highway were closed. Hazmat crews were called to remove hazardous fuel from the ditch and creek next to the highway.

Moore explained to KPIC.com that heavy vehicles, like loaded trucks, can cause more serious crashes than lighter ones. "One of the factors of the crash is kinetic energy, which deals with the mass of a vehicle and its speed,” said Moore. “These calculated together come up with kinetic energy. The lighter the vehicle is, the less kinetic energy it's going to have for a given speed.” Moore added that when a truck and a car crash, it is much more severe for the car.

These sorts of accidents are terrible. Some of the examples include an October 23, 2009 crash where an SUV driver was seriously injured after hitting a semi truck. The truck driver in this crash was not injured. And on October 17, a car swerved into a truck’s path. The driver of the car was killed; the truck driver was injured, but survived. Still another example: on October 2, a car crashed into a truck, seriously injuring the car’s driver. The truck driver was unhurt.

While we are thankful every time a truck driver escapes death or serious injury in a crash, the outcome is often so much worse for the car’s driver. We ask our readers to take special care when driving near any truck or heavier vehicle.

In this case, the crash could have been much worse if either, or both, of the trucks had been loaded, and we are glad it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. Still, one of the drivers was seriously injured. Our hearts and prayers go out to Marlin. We hope he recovers soon.

Strange But True Thanksgiving Traffic Facts | Portland Car Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)22409 — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: November 24, 2009

Each year, Americans eat 45 million turkeys at Thanksgiving. And that’s not the only weird fact you can chew on this Turkey Day.

Here are a few pre-Thanksgiving leftovers from the “you can’t make this stuff up” file, courtesy of Tom Vanderbilt, author of the new book, Traffic: Why We Drive the Way We Do (And What It Says About Us), and GreatFacts.com:

People with short fingers are safer drivers.

A traffic conviction helps lower your crash risk.

At least 50 people annually are killed by cars in driveways.

Drivers honk less on weekends.

More people are killed crossing the street legally than jaywalking.

Half of all traffic fatalities happen at impact speeds of less than 35 mph.

Every year, 350 people die entering the freeway the wrong way.

“Children at Play” signs do not reduce speed or accidents.

Car drivers follow cyclists with helmets more closely - but drive further away from those who appear to be female.

People who do best on their driver’s tests get into more crashes.

The worst traffic on a single road in a single hour is in Honolulu.

Los Angeles highways are so congested that the average commuter sits in traffic for 82 hours a year. (For those of us in Portland, a reason to give thanks!)

Shulman DuBois, LLC wishes you and your family a happy – and safe – Thanksgiving.

OSP investigate Sam Barlow coach in hit-and-run | Oregon Injury Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)22310 — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: October 31, 2009
Location: Oregon 99E near South Lone Elder Road, Aurora, Oregon
Names: Benjamin Story, Larry Scott Vang

The Oregonian reports that Oregon State Police have identified a Sam Barlow High School assistant football coach as a suspect in a hit-and-run crash that seriously injured Benjamin Story, 23, of Aurora, on October 31, 2009. Larry Scott Vang, 46, of Salem, had not been charged with a crime as of November 5, and the investigation is ongoing.

According to AOL Video, Story admits he was drunk while walking along 99E, but he said that doesn’t give anyone an excuse to hit him and leave him lying in the road.

Around 1 AM, police received several calls about a man walking in the middle of Oregon 99E near South Lone Elder Road, north of the Clackamas-Marion county line. When they arrived at the scene, they found Story lying on the south side of the highway, with serious but not life-threatening injuries. He was flown to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center by Life Flight helicopter and has since been released.

Police begin searching for a Toyota SUV with front-end and hood damage. Soon after, they learned that Vang had called 9-1-1 to report that he might have struck something on Oregon 99E. Vang was driving a white 2007 Toyota RAV sport utility vehicle.

Investigators confirmed to The Oregonian that Vang’s car struck Story.

Vang has been coaching football at Barlow for seven years; before that, he was varsity girls softball coach for 14 years. In his current position, he coached varsity and junior varsity running backs and special teams.
Anyone with information regarding the investigation is asked to call OSP Senior Trooper Jason Lindland at (503) 731-3020 ext. 457.

Hit-and-run is a serious crime, and conviction will result in driving privileges being suspended or revoked. In any accident, you have the following obligations:

Stop at once. If anyone is killed or unconscious, you must stay at the scene until a police officer arrives.

Render aid. Do not move an injured person carelessly, but give reasonable aid to the victim.

Exchange information with the other driver. Give them your name, address, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information. DMV offers a printable checklist you can download and keep in your car.

Report the accident to DMV.

There is never an excuse to leave the scene of an accident, and it is the moral and legal responsibility of every driver to stop. We implore drivers in any accident situation to put the safety and welfare of others above their own interests, and always, always remain at the scene and make sure no one is hurt. We send our best wishes to Story for a quick and complete recovery.

Hit-and-run is a serious violation of Oregon Vehicle Code 811.705. The hit-and-run driver must be held civilly and criminally responsible for his actions. Our website is filled with what to do if you have been a victim of a hit-and-run accident. And if you can’t find the information you’re looking for there, please don’t hesitate to contact us and ask us any questions you might have. We take a very hard line against hit-and-run drivers.

UPDATE: Community holds benefit for hit-and-run victim; driver still not found | Portland Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)22094 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Gresham Outlook posted this story about the community of family, friends, and neighbors that is pulling for hit-and-run victim Jerome Calcagno. Calcagno was hit while crossing the road in October. To our knowledge, the driver never stopped.

Let's grow this already large community to include those who are concerned about tragedy, and let's find the person who did this. Hit-and-run accidents are inexcusable. Accidents happen, but this is all the more unfortunate because Calcagno was a pedestrian and had no source of protection from the impact. And no matter what the excuse may be, there is absolutely NEVER a reason to leave the scene after an accident.

Please, if you know anything, contact the police at 503-618-2719.

One Pedestrian Killed, One Injured in Crash | Portland Accident Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)21979 — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: November 1, 2009
Location: SE 80th Avenue & Foster Road, Portland, Oregon
Names: Lindsay A. Leonard, Jessica Finlay

Two women walking home from a nearby Fred Meyer store were hit by a car November 1, 2009, around 7:30 PM, as they crossed a marked but poorly lit intersection at SE 80th Avenue and Foster Road. Lindsay A. Leonard, 23, of Southeast Portland, was killed in the crash. Her roommate, Jessica Finlay, 28, was injured and taken to a local hospital in critical condition.

Leonard was walking in or very near a marked pedestrian crosswalk when she was killed. Police said the driver, who was not identified, did not appear to be impaired. The driver stopped at the crash site and is cooperating with the police investigation.

Neighbors told KATU.com that the crosswalk is often dimly lit. It was dark when the two women were hit, and the streetlight was not working. A witness told KATU that he did not think the driver and the pedestrians saw each other.

“Hopefully this will be a wake-up call for the city to do something more about lighting and control in this intersection,” local resident Sean Burr told NorthWest Cable News. “This is the third time in five years that something has happened here.”

KGW reports that three years ago two blocks west of the crash scene, two girls, ages, 5 and 3, were hit by a car while they crossed the street with their mother. The younger girl died. And in 2006, a few blocks away, a man in his 20s was hit by a car and killed.

Leonard and Finlay lived just a half block from the accident site.

Our hearts go out to Leonard’s family as they try to come to grips with this terrible tragedy. We are reminded of the preciousness and fragility of each life, and we hope that this will indeed be a wake-up call for the city to make this intersection safer. Our thoughts also go out to Finlay as she recovers in the hospital and tries to make some sort of sense out of what happened. Words are not enough, but please know we are thinking of you. We will also be thinking of the driver, who must be going through a horrible ordeal right now as well. This is a difficult time for everyone involved, and we hope all of us, as a community, will be able to learn from this accident and help in the healing and work to help ensure something like this never happens again.

In addition to grief and regret, we also get angry at cases like this. There is no excuse for a crosswalk that is “often dimly lit.” We agree with Sean Burr’s hope that this will prompt the City into action – as well as the community. And while the community can plead and picket, it is our experience that it can often take a lawsuit to open the City’s eyes.

The people involved should be aware that there is a very strict 180-day limit for suing a City or County in Oregon. We got a call just last week from a woman who wanted to sue a state hospital, and since the injury was about 220 days earlier, we had to tell her she had no recourse whatsoever.

Car Crash Injures Pedestrian in Parking Lot | Portland Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)21977 — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: October 29, 2009
Location: Sunset Esplanade, Hillsboro, Oregon
Names: Angela Walters, Jeffrey Kenney

Angela Walters, 29, of Hillsboro, Oregon, had just gotten off a bus and was hurrying through the Sunset Esplanade parking lot October 29, 2009, around 4:15 PM, when she was struck by a car, according to The Hillsboro Argus. Police said Walters didn’t see the car driven by Jeffrey Kenney, 40, also of Hillsboro, and that Kenney did not see Walters either. Walters’s back was broken in the sudden, shocking accident, but, fortunately, doctors said she was not paralyzed.

Walters had spotted another car and made eye contact with the driver, but did not see the second car, driven by Kenney. Kenney’s car and Walters collided. She rolled onto the hood and into the windshield.

Walters was initially transported to Tuality Healthcare, but was transferred to Oregon Health & Science University Hospital after doctors discovered her back was broken. A nurse at OHSU told The Hillsboro Argus that Walters was “doing good.” She was not in a critical care unit.

Kenney was driving at a very slow speed, between 5 and 10 mph, at the time of the crash. No alcohol or drugs were involved, and no citations were issued.

According to FamilyCar.com, parking lots are the scene of innumerable fender benders, and pedestrians are especially at risk. Most parking lots do not have pedestrian walks, so those on foot must walk through a maze of parked and moving vehicles. In addition, drivers are often focused on claiming a parking spot, instead of worrying about safety. Some drivers believe that, since they are on private property, Stop and Yield signs are optional. Other drivers ignore traffic lanes and cut through the lot diagonally. The most dangerous parking lots? Post offices, because they have such a high turnover, with cars often parking for less than five minutes.

Always drive slowly in parking lots. Obey the signs, stay in traffic lanes, and be aware of what’s going on around you – in front, to both sides, and in back. Remember that parked cars can obscure vision and that many pedestrians have small children in tow.

We send our wishes to Walters. This could have been a lot worse, and we are grateful there wasn’t more damage. We hope Walters makes a full recovery.

State Police Seek Vehicle of Interest After Fatal Pedestrian Crash | Oregon Injury Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)21380 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: October 24, 2009
Location: Hwy. 34 west of I-5, Linn County, Oregon
Names: Mary Ann Bradford, William Blake

According to an Oregon State Police press release, Mary Ann Bradford, 42, whose last known residence was in Klawock, Alaska, died after she ran out onto Highway 34, about 100 yards west of I-5, in Linn County, Oregon, and was hit by a truck. Braddock may have been running from a disturbance at a nearby gas station when she ran into the highway around 6:05 AM, October 24, 2009. The driver of the truck, William Blake, 68, of Lebanon, was not injured.

Oregon State Police said troopers were called to a disturbance at a gas station near the crash site before 6 AM. Preliminary reports indicated that an unknown male in a blue 1995 Mercury four-door was involved in an altercation with a female. Shortly thereafter, state police received a report of an injury crash involving a pickup truck and a female pedestrian. Police and fire personnel found Bradford in the highway, critically injured. She was rushed by ambulance to Samaritan Albany General Hospital, where she died about two hours later.

Bradford’s next of kin were located in the St. Helens area. She was apparently in the area for about a week, accompanied by a male, on the way to an unknown destination in Alaska.

The blue car at the gas station, a 1995 Mercury Mystique with Nevada license plates 280 VTX, is being sought as a vehicle of interest.

State police are continuing to investigate, with the help of Linn County Sheriff’s Office. Police ask that anyone who witnessed the gas station disturbance, who has information about the vehicle of interest, or who has any information that might be of assistance, call the OSP Northern Command Center dispatch at (800) 452-7888.

Our hearts go out to Bradford’s family after this tragic crash, and we hope that they find some answers about this event that, right now, is so difficult to understand. We also send our thoughts to Blake, who must be suffering in the aftermath of this accident. We hope that both Blake and the Bradford family eventually find some peace and healing.

New Video Posted on How to Buy Car Insurance | Oregon Accident Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)21266 — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

We posted a new video that may help you as you shop for car insurance. When you buy auto insurance, you're not just buying it for you, you're buying it for you, your family, the people who are in the car with you, and the people who are in the other car that might be involved in the crash. Check out this short video and then call your insurance agent right away.

Ford Recall Alert: Faulty Switch Can Spark Fires | Oregon Injury Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)21213 — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: November 4, 2009

A McMinnville, Oregon man whose SUV exploded into flames on October 27, 2009, told KPTV.com that he was never notified about a Ford Motor Company recall on the vehicle. Robert Howard said he found the information online, after his vehicle spontaneously caught fire in his driveway. He was shocked to discover that Ford knew the 2000 Expedition had a faulty cruise control switch that could overheat and burst into flames.

The same thing happened to Carisha Gilmore of Indianapolis, Indiana. She was only alerted to a possible defect when a fire inspector told her to contact Ford. When she went online, she found a YouTube page showing a Ford truck on fire. Gilmore told WISHTV.com, “My truck burned exactly like that truck.” She then found her 1997 Expedition on the Ford recall list.

In the Oregon fire, Howard was awakened October 27 by a loud explosion in his driveway, where his SUV had been parked for eight hours. He ran outside and was stunned to see his truck engulfed in flames. The fire was so hot it melted the hood, and completely destroyed the vehicle.

A McMinnville firefighter told KPTV.com that the fire was not due to arson, foul play, or any type of human involvement. According to KPTV.com, Howard is grateful that none of his family was in the vehicle. He is also thankful his house didn’t catch fire. But he wonders why he was never told of a recall.

Howard’s parents, who sold him the vehicle, also said they had no idea there was a recall.

Representatives from Ford said they typically go beyond notification requirements, and said owners can find recall information on their website. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Ford was adding 4.5 million older-model vehicles to a series of recalls related to faulty cruise control deactivation switches, affecting 16 million Ford vehicles in all.

According to the NHTSA, the switch can leak hydraulic fluid, overheat, and catch fire. Fixing the switch takes only a few minutes and costs about $20.

“I urge consumers to pay attention to this warning and bring the affected models in to have them repaired as soon as possible,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said.

The new recall affects Ford vehicles from model years 1992-2003, including:

1995-2003 model year Ford Windstar
2000-2003 Ford Excursion diesels
1993-1997 and 1999-2003 Ford F-Super Duty diesel
1992-2003 Ford Econoline
1995-2002 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer
1995-1997 and 2001-2003 Ford Ranger
1994 Ford F53 Motor home vehicles equipped with the Texas Instruments speed control deactivation.

To check for recalls, go to Ford’s Recall Information website or search the Office of Defects Investigation’s database.

Car Swerves into Truck's Path, Killing Driver | Oregon Car Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)21132 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: October 17, 2009
Location: 5995 Hazelgreen Road NE, Silverton, Oregon
Names: Reynaldo Velazquez-Celestino, Mark Zank

Marion County Sheriff's deputies are trying to figure out why a car crossed the center line and hit a truck head-on. The crash occurred at 5995 Hazelgreen Road NE in Silverton, Oregon, October 17, 2009, at around 6:50 AM. The car's driver, Reynaldo Velazquez-Celestino, 40, of Salem, was killed in the crash, and the driver of the truck, Mark Zank, 31, of Silverton, was injured.

According to Salem-News.com, Zank was driving his 2000 Dodge Ram pickup westbound on Hazelgreen, when he noticed Velazquez-Celestino's blue 1985 Honda Prelude traveling eastbound toward him. It swerved as it came around the corner, but returned to its own lane and appeared to be under control. Then the car crossed the center line again, striking the truck head-on.

Velazquez-Celestino was extricated from his car and pronounced dead at the scene. Zank was taken to Silverton Hospital with minor injuries. The cause of the crash was still under investigation as of October 19.

When an accident occurs, it can leave many questions. In this crash, even sheriff's deputies are asking, "Why?" What happened to cause a driver to swerve into oncoming traffic? Perhaps we will never know all the details, but if you are in a crash where the details are unclear, it is important to find a good personal injury attorney who can conduct a thorough investigation. No matter which attorney you choose, please browse our website for informative FAQs, traffic safety tips, and our free book, 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case.

Truck crash in Vida, Oregon seriously injures driver | Oregon Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)21125 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: October 19, 2009
Location: Highway 126E, Vida, Oregon
Names: Forrest D. King

Forrest D. King, 21, of Vida, Oregon, was seriously injured around 2:40 AM, October 19, 2009, when he lost control of his 1993 Subaru truck on Highway 126E.

According to an Oregon State Police press release, the truck was westbound when it hit an embankment on the north side of the highway. King was ejected from the truck, and pinned underneath.

Oregon State Police troopers and paramedics arrived at the crash site, and King was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend in Springfield.

McKenzie Fire and Rescue assisted at the scene. As of October 20, police were continuing to investigate, and it was not known whether King was wearing a seat belt.

We send our thoughts to King as he recovers. It can be difficult to get over an accident, but we hope he heals swiftly and easily.

Gresham Police seek witnesses to hit-and-run | Oregon Hit and Run Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)20860 — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: October 29, 2009
Location: NE 201st Ave. & Sandy Blvd.
Names: Jerome Calcagno

Gresham police need help finding the driver who was involved in a hit-and-run accident involving a pedestrian on October 29, 2009. Jerome Calcagno, 79, of Gresham, was crossing the street at NE 201st Avenue & Sandy Boulevard when a vehicle struck him, police say.

Calcagno was in serious condition at Legacy Emanuel Hospital as of October 30.

If you saw the collision, call the police tip line at 503-618-2719.

Our thoughts and prayers go out Calcagno and his family and friends. We wish him a full and fast recovery. Unfortunately, his and his family's problems have only just begun. First, they have to focus on him getting better. Then there will be the medical bills and the insurance to worry about. Second, they still have to find the person responsible for this accident. And they have to decide whether to pursue legal action. However, the two go hand in hand; both depend on a witness stepping forward with information, or the driver turning himself in.

As personal injury attorneys who want to see a swift and total resolution to this accident, we earnestly call for anyone who knows anything to come forward. There is a man's life, and a family's peace of mind, to think of.

11-Year-Old Boy Takes Coleman to Court | Portland Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)20783 — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: 10/29/09
Names: Trevor Dennis, Alysha Reed

In an example of how the American justice system should work, 11-year-old Trevor Dennis and his mother, Alysha Reed, are going to trial in a defective product case against The Coleman Co.

Trevor suffered from serious burns after a ProCat heater caught fire in the family’s camping equipment trailer. Reports show that Coleman had received complaints and warranty claims and knew about other fires, but continued to put the product on retail shelves anyway.

The best Orange County personal injury lawyers we know, and in fact, two of the best injury lawyers in California John Bisnar and Brian Chase, of Bisnar | Chase, are representing the boy. Trevor and his mother hope to be compensated for his horrific suffering, as well as ongoing medical treatment and potential loss of earning capacity in his adult life.

In a case like this, we hope to see a verdict that will represent what the American judicial system is set in place for: justice for all. That includes everyone, not just large corporations that can afford even larger law firms. As Oregon personal injury attorneys, we strive for this sort of justice every day. We commend our colleagues in California for pursuing Coleman and doing what it takes to get justice for this little boy. And we further commend them because we know that they will take this case as far as it needs to go in order to get justice.

Here's How to Keep Your Kids Safe On Halloween | Oregon Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)20656 — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: October 27, 2009

What's the biggest danger to children on Halloween? Not ghouls or goblins, but traffic accidents. Read our new article for the surprising statistics, plus tips on keeping your kids safe.

Car Hits Two Women Waiting for Highway Help | Portland Car Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)20601 — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: October 21, 2009
Location: Highway 26, Vista Ridge Tunnel, Portland Oregon
Names: Caprice Miller, Jessica Kvidera, Fabian Fertig

According to KPTV.com, two women who had crashed their truck and were waiting for help on Highway 26 in Portland, Oregon, were struck by a car that lost control as it exited the Vista Ridge Tunnel, October 21, 2009.

Caprice Miller, 20, and Jessica Kvidera, 19, were heading to the Oregon Zoo when their truck crashed into a barrier near the tunnel. They steered to the right shoulder and called for help.

As the pair waited by the highway, Fabian Fertig, 26, exited the tunnel and lost control of his car. He crashed into them at around 10:30 AM.

Both women were injured, and they were transported to Oregon Health & Science University Hospital for treatment.

Fettig was charged with careless driving.

According to the Oregon Driver Manual 2007-2009, a person commits the offense of careless driving if he or she causes serious injury or death to a “vulnerable” person on a roadway, such as a pedestrian, bicyclist, or highway worker. We all share the road, and it is important to treat everyone with respect – but especially those who do not have the protection of being inside a car.

We send our thoughts to Miller and Kvidera and hope your recovery will be quick and easy, and that you will get to enjoy their day at the zoo very soon. For now, you should concentrate on getting better, but when it comes time to pay the medical bills, you may need some guidance. Do not give a statement to the insurance company until you've visited our website; it's free and full of helpful tips. We are not ambulance chasers, we just want you to get the information you need, like how to win your case without an attorney. You can also request a free copy of our book 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case. And if you ever have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Springfield Accident Kills Pedestrian | Oregon Personal Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)20600 — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: October 17, 2009
Location: Main Street & Bob Straub Parkway, Springfield, Oregon
Names: Harold Leroy Singleton, Angelo Manuel Segarra

On a dangerous stretch of road in Springfield, Oregon, at the intersection of two high-speed roads, a 49-year-old transient died October 17, 2009, when he walked out into traffic and was hit by a car. According to The Register-Guard, Harold Leroy Singleton appeared intoxicated when he crossed Main Street east of the intersection with Bob Straub Parkway at 10:23 PM. He was hit by a car driven by Angelo Manuel Segarra, 78.

The Register-Guard reports that, over the last 12 years, at least eight pedestrians have been killed and 40 injured on Main Street, and the Oregon Department of Transportation began investigating the dangerous pedestrian corridor in June 2009. ODOT started the investigation to see why the rate of serious-injury and fatal crashes on that area of Main Street was 97% higher than Oregon’s average for similar roads.

Although ODOT is still conducting their study, a pedestrian crossing island is planned for Main at 51st Street.

Even on a dangerous road, though, police said the October 17 accident may have been the pedestrian’s fault. Springfield police Sgt. Tom Borchers told The Register-Guard that Singleton walked right out into traffic, adding, “It’s not real complicated. He was crossing the roadway in the wrong place at the wrong time. He wasn’t paying attention to what he was doing, I guess.”

A comment posted on KEZI.com said that although Singleton was homeless, his positive attitude and perseverance touched many people.

Segarra was not cited. As of October 19, toxicology tests for Singleton were pending.

A crash like this points out the need for more safeguards along Main Street, and we are hopeful that ODOT’s investigation will result in changes that save lives. This event also reminds us of the worth and dignity of every human being, no matter what economic class they are in. Singleton’s life had value; he obviously touched others in the community, and we agree with the individual who posted on KEZI.com when he said, “Rest in peace.”

Driver Killed in Truck Crash | Portland Oregon Accident Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)20597 — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: October 15, 2009
Location: SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway, Oregon
Names: Ronald Earley

(Photo courtesy Portland Police Bureau)

According to The Portland Tribune, alcohol and speeding were factors in an early-morning truck crash October 15, 2009, that killed a 24-year-old man. The fatal accident occurred around 2:50 AM, as Ronald Earley, of Portland, Oregon, was driving a Ford Ranger pickup truck east in the 4500 block of the Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway. Earley’s truck left the road and slammed into a steel column, seriously injuring him; he died at a local hospital.

A major crash team from the Portland Police Bureau was investigating the crash as of October 15. Detectives told The Oregonian that excessive speed and drunk driving contributed to the fatal collision.

Some drivers may not know that “speeding” can mean either driving in excess of the posted limit, or driving too fast for conditions. In fact, a driver can be within the speed limit and still be speeding, depending on the roadway, weather, or other conditions.

A fact sheet from the Oregon Department of Transportation points out that speeding is the top contributor to deaths and injuries in Oregon, accounting, on average, for half of all traffic fatalities. In fact, speeders kill more innocent Oregonians than drunk drivers. In 2008, among crashes caused by excessive speed, 40% of deaths were passengers or other innocent victims, not the speeding drivers themselves.

Late for work or an appointment? Don’t take a deadly chance by speeding. The time you save, if any, will be negligible, especially compared with the risk. It is far, far better to be a few minutes late than never to arrive at all – or to risk the same on someone else.

We encourage people to educate themselves on the law of drunk driving in Oregon, and we provide free information to help you settle your lawsuit without an attorney. But when a drunk driver is involved, the law becomes very tricky, and you should contact an experienced Oregon injury attorney.

Police Seek Driver Who Crashed Stolen Truck | Oregon Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)20416 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: October 15, 2009
Location: Oregon Highway 370 (O’Neil Highway), Prineville, Oregon
Names: [Unknown]

(Photo: KOHD.com)

Oregon State Police are asking the public’s help in finding the person who stole a pickup truck, crashed it into a guardrail west of Prineville, Oregon, and fled the scene, leaving the truck partly submerged in an irrigation canal.

A 48-year-old Prineville woman reported that her truck had been stolen sometime late on October 14, 2009. The next morning, according to KOHD.com, state troopers responded to a single-car crash on Highway 370, also known as O’Neil Highway, and discovered the vehicle abandoned and partially sunk in a shallow canal.

Preliminary investigation by state police revealed that the red 1993 Ford Ranger truck struck a guardrail while traveling east on the highway, left the road, and finally came to rest on its side in the canal. As of October 20, the unidentified driver had not been found.

Police are asking anyone who has information on the incident to contact Senior Trooper Russo at 541-388-6213, ext. 545.

Cannon Beach Crash Kills 1, Injures 4 | Oregon Car Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)20365 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: October 14, 2009
Location: Highway 101 near Arch Cape tunnel, Cannon Beach, Oregon
Names: Charles E. Nilson, Carol Nilson, Debra Nilson, Tom Watson, Sydnee Watson

A two-car, head-on crash on Highway 101 near the Arch Cape Tunnel, in Cannon Beach, Oregon, killed Charles E. Nilson, 83, and seriously injured his wife, Carol, 79, and daughter, Debra, 53. A couple, Tom Watson, 64, and his wife, Sydnee, 62, both of Walla Walla, who were in the truck he collided with, was also injured in the accident.

According to an Oregon State Police press release, the accident occurred October 14, 2009, at around 7:30 PM, as Nilson, of Lake Forest, Washington, was driving his 1994 Volvo north on a straight stretch of highway. Nilson lost control of his car and veered into oncoming traffic, crashing into a southbound 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche pickup truck. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nilson’s wife and daughter sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken by ambulance to Providence Seaside Hospital.

The Watsons were transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital in Astoria. Tom Watson suffered serious injuries; Sydnee Watson had non-life-threatening injuries.

Highway 101 was closed until approximately 12:30 AM. Responders included Oregon State Police, Cannon Beach Fire & Rescue, and the Cannon Beach Police Department, assisted by Medix Ambulance and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Oregon State Police troopers were still investigating the crash as of October 15, and it was not yet known whether any of the victims were wearing safety restraints.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of all the victims. We especially want to give our condolences to the Nilsons, who, even as they heal from their own injuries, must deal with the loss of someone so dear. This is exactly the kind of accident we hate to see and hope to prevent. We also would like to wish the Watsons a very speedy recovery, both physically and emotionally. A car accident is always a difficult thing to go through, and one that involves a death can be even worse.

Many questions arise out of a car crash. And unfortunately, our minds don’t often focus on recovering; they usually go directly to the financial – medical bills, insurance policies, lost wages. How will you and your family get through it? Fortunately, victims have resources. That’s why we’re here. As personal injury attorneys, we are not ambulance chasers; we honestly started this firm to help. And the first thing you should do after getting the medical help you need is to go to our website – not to give us your business, but to read our tips, download helpful documents, and request a free copy of our book. And if that’s not enough, please contact us to ask us any questions.

Man Beaten, Robbed, Killed in Rollover Crash | Portland Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)20332 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: October 14, 2009
Location: SE 257th Avenue & Stark Street, Gresham, Oregon
Names: Danial Eugene Rupp

(Photo: KATU.com)

The last night of Danial Eugene Rupp’s short life consisted of disaster piling onto disaster. The horrifying story started in the early morning hours of October 14, 2009, when Rupp was attacked and robbed as he left the 505 Club in Gresham, Oregon. It ended around 3:30 AM when he was killed in a fiery rollover crash.

According to KOINLocal6.com, Rupp, 25, of Troutdale, had called the police around 2:45 AM to report that his wallet had been taken. Officers believed he was okay to drive, but paramedics offered him a ride to the hospital. Unfortunately, Rupp refused, saying he would have someone drive him home.

Sadly, Rupp ended up driving home on his own. As he headed east on SE Stark, near 257th Avenue, his car left the road, struck a tree, and rolled at least once, landing on its roof. A passing driver noticed flames coming from the car and called 911. Emergency crews found Rupp dead at the scene.

Rupp’s sister, April, told KPTV.com that her brother asked police for a ride, and she wishes they had simply taken him home. "They told him not to drive, that's understandable, but the fact is he asked them for a ride home. It was 3 something in the morning. He just had [been attacked] where an ambulance had to be called. He said 'I'm on my way,' and I said, 'No, just wait, Danny,' and he decided to drive anyway."

The Oregonian reports that speed and wet road conditions were probably factors in the accident, according to investigators. As of October 16, it had not been determined whether drugs or alcohol were involved.

Many questions still surround this accident. What could have caused it? Poor road conditions may have caused this single-car crash. Such a lawsuit would allow the injured person to receive compensation and hopefully prevent future accidents on that stretch of road. Maybe the car was recently brought in for a tune-up, and the mechanic replaced the steering mechanism carelessly, and the car lost steering. These things do happen, and when someone is seriously injured, a competent Oregon personal injury attorney can investigate and find out what truly happened. Usually at no cost. For more information on what to do in the case of an Oregon accident, contact our office or read 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case.

Garbage Truck Runs Over, Kills Woman, 62 | Oregon Accident Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)20270 — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: October 12, 2009
Location: Forest Court, Veneta, Oregon
Names: Anna Baker

In a devastatingly bizarre accident, a Lane County, Oregon, woman died October 12, 2009, after being run over by a garbage truck. Anna Baker, 62, of Veneta, was killed in the nightmarish event that left her unnoticed in the road until a neighbor saw her and called paramedics.

According to KMTR.com, deputies believe a County Transfer recycling truck ran over Baker, on Forest Court in Veneta, sometime during the morning of October 12.

The neighbor who found her was on his way to the store when he noticed something in the road. Initially, he thought it was a pile of rags, but as he drew nearer, he realized it was a badly injured woman. Baker was still alive, but died shortly after paramedics reached the scene.

Baker was known as a friendly woman who often came out to talk to garbage employees. Lieutenant Byron Trapp told KMTR.com, “They do say she frequently comes out and says hi and visits and chats with them.”

County Transfer is cooperating with the investigation.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office asks that anyone with information on the case contact them at 541-682-4141.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the friends and family of Anna Baker, and the community she seemed to have loved being a part of. This is an unbelievable and heartbreaking story. We realize how horrible this must be for everyone who knew her, and for the workers who talked to her almost every day. Our condolences fail in a situation like this, but know that you are in our thoughts.

Prineville Rollover Crash Seriously Injures Passenger | Oregon Truck Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)20090 — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: October 10, 2009
Location: Mill Creek Road & Hwy. 26E, Prineville, Oregon
Names: Donald Ray Carter

(Photo: KTVZ.com)

Police say alcohol and speed were factors in an October 10, 2009, single-vehicle rollover crash that threw a passenger, Donald Ray Carter, 24, of Prineville, Oregon, from a truck, seriously injuring him.

According to KTVZ.com, a male juvenile from Prineville, Oregon, was driving a 1991 Chevy truck on Mill Creek Road, just north of Hwy. 26E, east of Prineville, around 11:30 PM, when he lost control of the vehicle. The truck slid across both lanes and rolled at least twice, landing about 60 feet away from the road. Carter was thrown from the cab of the truck.

When Crook County Sheriff’s deputies arrived, Carter was behind the truck, complaining of injuries. He was transported by ambulance to Pioneer Memorial Hospital in Prineville, then flown by AirLink helicopter to St. Charles Medical Center - Bend, where he was listed in critical condition. The juvenile driver received minor injuries.

Neither the driver, whose name was not released, nor Carter, was wearing a seatbelt. KTVZ.com reports that, according to authorities, alcohol and speed were apparent factors in the crash. As of October 11, no citations had been issued, and authorities continued to investigate.

Along with the Crook County Sheriff's Office, the Oregon State Police and Crook County Fire and Rescue responded to the accident.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are up to 36 deaths and 700 injuries every day in the U.S. due to motor vehicle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. The CDC reports that in 2006, 13,470 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes. This comes to almost one-third of all U.S. traffic deaths. And in 2007, more than 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence – but this is less than 1% of persons who admit to driving impaired each year. Male drivers and young people are especially likely to be involved.

It is important to understand what to do after you’ve been involved in a crash where alcohol is a factor. We hope you will never need this information, of course, but you may want to check out our fact sheet or this informative video. We encourage people to educate themselves on the law of drunk driving in Oregon, and we provide free information to help you settle your lawsuit without an attorney. But when a drunk driver is involved, the law becomes very tricky, and you should contact an experienced Oregon injury attorney.

Motorcyclist Injured in Crash with Suspended Driver | Oregon Accident Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)20089 — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: October 9, 2009
Location: Hwy. 140 & S 6th Street, Klamath Falls, Oregon
Names: Dwight Gobble, Eric Stowers

(Photo: Oregon State Police)

Dwight Gobble, 41, of Malin, Oregon, was seriously injured October 9, 2009, while riding his motorcycle in Klamath Falls, Oregon, when Eric Stowers, 26, steered his truck into the motorcycle’s path.

The accident occurred near the intersection of Highway 140 and S 6th Street in Klamath Falls. According to the Herald and News, Gobble was riding his 2000 Harley-Davidson motorcycle south on 6th Street, when Stowers drove out of a parking lot and turned his truck north, directly into Gobble’s path. Gobble’s motorcycle crashed into the left side of the truck’s bed.

Gobble was seriously injured in the crash, and was transported by ambulance to Sky Lakes Medical Center. It is unclear whether he was wearing a helmet. Stowers was not hurt in the crash. According to a press release by the Oregon State Police, Stowers failed to yield to the motorcycle; he was cited for driving while suspended and reckless driving.

Oregon State Police troopers at the scene were assisted by Klamath County Sheriff's deputies and Klamath County Fire District No. 1.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s For Car Drivers offers a list of “Ten Things All Car & Truck Drivers Should Know About Motorcycles.” According to the MSF, more than half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve a motor vehicle.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Gobble, and we wish him a full and fast recovery. Anytime a motorcycle accident occurs, we are reminded of the high injury and death rates for motorcycle riders. Several factors contribute to the potential risk, but probably none more so than motorists’ seeming inability to see riders. Certainly skill can come into play, and we absolutely welcome the new Oregon law requiring motorcycle skills training. However, no matter how safely a person rides, a car driver who isn't looking will remain a danger to a motorcyclist.

Also in play in this accident is the man who was driving with a suspended license. There is no excuse for this blatant disregard for the law – and others’ lives and well-being.

Girl Traumatized after Being Dragged by Bus | Oregon Injury Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)20035 — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: September 24, 2009
Location: Sherwood, Oregon
Names: Withheld

A 5-year-old Sherwood, Oregon, girl who was dragged about 30 feet by a school bus has returned to her kindergarten class at J. Clyde Hopkins Elementary School, but her father says she will be haunted by the experience for the rest of her life.

The child, whose name is being kept private, got her backpack caught in the doors of the school bus on September 24, 2009, and was dragged alongside the moving vehicle. Her father, Carlos, who declined to make his last name public, told KATU.com that the driver never got out of the bus to see if the girl was injured.

A surveillance camera at a nearby landscaping business recorded the shocking event, showing the girl being dragged by the bus and her older sister running to help. Finally a child inside the bus ran to the driver, crying. It was only then that the bus driver stopped.

Although the youngster, thankfully, escaped serious injury, she was taken to the hospital and may have suffered a back injury. In addition, according to her father, the little girl was so shaken by the incident that may never ride another bus. He is considering filing a lawsuit.

Erin Prince, assistant superintendent for Sherwood Schools, told The Oregonian, "She was certainly scared. We're very, very relieved there were no serious injuries." The school district arranged for the principal and a counselor to visit the girl at her home the day after. Prince also said the bus driver, whose name has not been released, was fired.

When children are injured, the law can get complicated fast. For example, while the standard Oregon injury case must be filed within 2 years of the accident, the statute of limitations for children, on the other hand, is not so straightforward. ORS 12.160 steps you through the process for figuring out the statute of limitations. First, the regular statute of limitations applies. Second, it doesn't start running until the child turns 18 years old. But, third, the statute cannot be extended more than five years, and fourth, it cannot be extended beyond the child's 19th birthday.

Motorcycle Crash Kills Eagle Point Man | Oregon Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)20025 — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: September 25, 2009
Location: U.S. 199, north of Grants Pass
Names: Harrel Eugene Neal

(Photo: KOINLocal6.com)

An Eagle Point motorcyclist died about 2:20 PM on September 25, 2009, after his motorcycle swerved onto the shoulder of U.S. 199 near Grants Pass, hitting a guardrail. Harrel Eugene Neal, 51, was thrown off his 2005 Honda motorcycle, Oregon State Police told The Oregonian. Neal was wearing a helmet. An ambulance crew, which happened to be nearby, was able to reach the scene in minutes, but they were unable to revive Neal.

Responders included the Oregon Department of Transportation and Josephine County Sheriff’s Office deputies. State police are continuing to investigate.

Our hearts go out to Neal's family during this difficult time. Anytime a motorcycle fatality occurs, we are reminded of the high injury and death rates for motorcycle riders. Several factors contribute to the potential risk: a motorcycle itself is more difficult to handle than a car, and two-wheeled vehicles are less stable than those with four wheels. Adding to the danger, some car drivers may find motorcyclists hard to see, or just aren’t watchful of them. And a substantial factor in many crashes is inexperience. This is why we welcome the new Oregon law requiring motorcycle skills training, and we are optimistic that this will make the roads safer for all.

Several factors could have contributed to this accident. Poor road conditions, faulty mechanics, distracted driver. That’s why, when someone is seriously injured, a competent Oregon personal injury attorney can investigate and find out what truly happened. Usually at no cost. For more information on what to do in the case of an Oregon accident, contact our office or read our book, 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case.

Motorcycle-Truck Crash Seriously Injures Alaska Man | Oregon Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)19933 — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: October 6, 2009
Location: S Partlow Road & S Central Point Road, Oregon City, Oregon
Names: Michael Lawrence

Michael Lawrence, 38, of Anchor Point, Alaska, was seriously injured October 6, 2009, when his motorcycle hit a truck in Oregon City, Oregon, according to The Oregonian. The collision occurred around 9 PM as Lawrence rode east on S Partlow Road; the truck, carrying three occupants, was southbound on S Central Point Road.

Lawrence was wearing a helmet, but sustained serious head injuries in the crash. Rescuers transported Lawrence to John McLoughlin Elementary School, where a Life Flight helicopter could land. From there, Lawrence was airlifted to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland. As of October 7, he was listed in critical condition.

None of the truck’s occupants was hurt in the crash, and Oregon City Police personnel were continuing to investigate.

Our hearts go out to Lawrence and his family during this difficult time, and we wish for him a fast and full recovery. Anytime a motorcycle accident occurs, we are reminded of the high injury and death rates for motorcycle riders. Several factors contribute to the potential risk, but probably none more so than motorists’ seeming inability to see motorcycles. Certainly rider skill can come into play, and we absolutely welcome the new Oregon law requiring motorcycle skills training. However, no matter how safely a person rides, a car driver who isn't looking will remain a danger to a motorcyclist.

Several factors could have contributed to this accident. Poor road conditions, faulty mechanics. That’s why, when someone is seriously injured, a competent Oregon personal injury attorney can investigate and find out what truly happened. Usually at no cost. For more information on what to do in the case of an Oregon accident, contact our office or read 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case.

Appeals Court Rules Implied Consent Is Coercion | Oregon Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)19873 — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: September 30, 2009

In a September 30, 2009, Oregon Court of Appeals ruling, the court equated implied consent laws with coercion, calling into question the constitutionality of state rules mandating consent to intoxicant testing as a condition for obtaining a license.

Oregon’s implied consent law says anyone licensed to drive is considered to have consented in advance to any future breath, blood, or urine testing, should they ever be arrested for driving under the influence of intoxicants. It also states that if a driver tries to revoke that consent by refusing the tests, this refusal may be used as evidence in court.

Indeed, refusing consent carries harsher penalties than driving drunk. A breath test showing .08 or higher typically results in a 90-day suspension, but refusing the test in the first place can stretch the suspension to a year. The law was designed to help police get drunk drivers off the streets.

But for now, things may change.

In the appellate case, State of Oregon v. Machuca (A133362), Thomas Machuca was accused of driving impaired. He did, in fact, consent to a blood test. Before he agreed, however, the arresting officer read him the penalties for refusing the test – a requirement under Oregon law. And this, the court said in a 6-4 decision, rendered the blood test involuntary; because Machuca was under pressure to consent, the results should have been suppressed. The court further noted that police should have obtained a search warrant before administering the test.

While defense lawyers hailed the decision as a groundbreaking affirmation of personal liberties, in particular the constitutional guarantee against self-incrimination, prosecutors expressed concern and vowed to appeal.

Clatsop County District Attorney Josh Marquis told The Oregonian that the ruling “could pose an enormous challenge to DUII prosecution. The whole concept of the implied consent law is that driving is a privilege, not a right." And Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Adam Gibbs added, in comments to Willamette Week, “We potentially lost the blood alcohol content in every single open DUI [case].”

But defense attorney John Henry Hingson III supports the decision, telling KATU.com, “There is no drunk driving exception to the Constitution.” Hingson, author of an out-of-print book titled How to Defend a Drunk Driving Case: A Guide to Practical, Procedural and Legal Aspects, added that the case “is a reaffirmation of the strength of the Constitution of the State of Oregon and the Constitution of the United States.”

Willamette Week reports that State Attorney General John Kroger plans to petition the Oregon Supreme Court for review. A spokesman for the attorney general confirmed, "Given the significant on-the-ground impact of the ruling, we are working quickly on getting our appeal together."

Portland police vow to continue arresting drunk drivers. But one of the dissenting judges, Appellate Judge Rick T. Haselton, cited the Catch-22 for police: if an officer goes by the statute, it’s "coercive,” but if they don't, they're violating the law.

We at Shulman DuBois LLC, however, have faith that the decision will be overturned in the Supreme Court. Until then, we believe the police will continue to do their job to arrest the suspect, get a warrant, and then perform a breathalyzer or blood test.

The coda to the story comes with a horrifying twist: the appellant, according to wweek.com, Machuca, didn’t even wait for the ruling before getting behind the wheel drunk yet again. In an appalling footnote to this case, Machuca was charged with another DUII September 19. He has pleaded not guilty.

Rainy Weather Driving Tips | Oregon Car & Truck Accident Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)19868 — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: September 30, 2009

“Expect rain, overcast skies through the weekend,” reads the headline of a September 30, 2009, article in The Oregonian. Locals may be so used to similar weather predictions that the standard reaction might be, “More rain? What else is new?”

But a late-September downpour demonstrated that rain can cause serious traffic hazards. During the morning rush hour, heavy rains created slippery conditions that resulted in eight crashes, as well as a number of fender-benders and innumerable close calls. Portlanders on their way to work found themselves sitting in stalled traffic while the wrecks were cleared.

Those who know traffic best also know that rain can cause serious accidents. Commenting to The Oregonian, Christina Miles of the Oregon Department of Transportation said, “This happens every year at this time – more wrecks. People need to slow down and relearn how to drive in the rain.”

But what’s so difficult about driving in a little rain, anyway?

As it turns out, plenty. One problem is that the first rainstorms of the season tend to pull motor oil, grease, and dirt from where it has accumulated on the road. This makes the road slick, not just wet. In addition, water on top of asphalt can cause tires to lose traction. To top it off, rain decreases a driver’s ability to see clearly, reducing visibility through its effect on windshields and headlights.

So what do you do to stay safe on soggy Portland days?

1.    Slow down.
2.    Be aware.
3.    Brake early.
4.    Did we mention slow down?

And if things go from bad to worse, pull over until the storm blows through.

For more information about driving in wet conditions, check out these websites:
Tips for Driving In Rain (SmartMotorist.com)
Weatherize Your Passenger Car for Rain (Weather.com)
Tips and Techniques for Driving in Rain (Edmunds.com)

Portland Police Bicycle Enforcement Video | Portland Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)19827 — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

We just posted the Portland Police Bureau's Bicycle Enforcement video. It includes facts about the law and how to ride. But it also shows how bicyclists can protect themselves from other drivers who may not know the rules. Check it out here. It's good for cyclists, and everyone who shares the road with them. That means everybody should watch this.

Oregon Attorney Killed in Head-On Crash | Car Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)19668 — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: September 30, 2009
Location: U.S. Highway 20 near Buchanan, Oregon
Names: Charles Simmons, Sterling Wilson, Pamela Wilson

Charles Simmons, 32, an attorney from Nyssa, Oregon, was killed around 7:20 AM, September 30, 2009, in a head-on collision while on his way to Harney County Circuit Court in Burns for a hearing.

The Argus Observer reports that Simmons was westbound on U.S. Highway 20 near Buchanan, east of Burns, when his car crossed the center line and hit a truck going in the opposite direction. The driver of the truck, Sterling Wilson, 51, and his wife, Pamela Wilson, 51, both of Burns, received minor injuries and were taken by ambulance to Harney District Hospital.

The wreckage caused traffic in both directions to grind to a halt, as Simmons’s car came to rest on the westbound shoulder, while the pickup, along with the livestock trailer it was pulling, blocked both lanes of the highway.

Simmons, who was an attorney with the Ontario, Oregon, law firm of Stunz, Fonda, Kiyuna & Horton LLP, was pronounced dead at the scene. All three people involved were wearing seat belts, and the airbags deployed in both the truck and Simmons’s car.

The highway remained closed for about two hours as Oregon State Police troopers investigated, with assistance from the Harney County Sheriff’s Office. Also responding to the crash were the Burns Fire Department, the Hines Fire Department, Harney EMS, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

According to Martindale.com, Stunz, Fonda, Kiyuna & Horton LLP handles cases in a wide variety of areas, including estate planning, probate, litigation, agriculture, labor relations, bankruptcy, criminal, personal injury, and workers’ compensation law. The Oregon State Bar lists Simmons as an active member who was admitted in 2002.

As personal injury attorneys – and especially as fellow lawyers – we are sad to hear about the loss of Simmons. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and colleagues at Stunz et al. This is exactly the kind of accident we hate to see and are working to prevent. We also would like to wish the Wilsons a very speedy recovery, both physically and emotionally. A car accident is always a difficult thing to go through, and one that involves a death can be even worse. We give our sympathies to everyone involved.

Man Arrested for Drunk Driving Had Record | Oregon Hit and Run Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)19666 — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: September 21, 2009
Location: 26745 SW Farmington Road, Hillsboro, Oregon
Names: Andrew Johnston

(Photo: Washington County Sheriff's Office)

According to OregonLive.com, 25-year-old Andrew Johnston, of Forest Grove, was arrested September 21, 2009, for driving while drunk in an accident in which, fortunately, nobody was seriously injured. But it wasn’t the first time he had been charged. Johnston had at least two previous drunken driving arrests, including a crash five years ago that left a friend paralyzed.

Police say Johnston was driving while intoxicated at about 2:39 AM when he was involved in a single-car crash at 26745 SW Farmington Road in Hillsboro. Johnston had no passengers in his vehicle at the time of the accident. After the crash, Johnston left the scene and was located by police dogs, who found him in a field near the crash site. Police were responding to a 9-1-1 call reporting the accident.

Sgt. David Thompson of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office told The Oregonian that deputies found Johnston’s 1994 Oldsmobile Bravada upside down in a ditch. Johnston, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, was treated at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. He has been charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants, hit-and-run driving, second-degree criminal mischief and reckless driving.

In 2004, Johnston was arrested after a crash that left one of his passengers, then 19 years old, paralyzed after being thrown from the vehicle.

Johnston was convicted in 2005 of third-degree assault and driving under the influence and sentenced to three years’ probation, which he had completed.

This arrest serves as a grim reminder of the results of driving while intoxicated. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, someone is killed by a drunken driver every 45 minutes, and last year an estimated 11,773 people died in alcohol-related crashes. The 2008 numbers, however, reflect a decline of 9.8 percent from the 13,041 fatalities recorded in 2007.

Johnston’s history of repeated offenses is not unique. MADD reports that even among drunk drivers whose licenses are suspended, 50 to 75 percent continue to drive.

This crash could have been much worse, and could have caused major injuries. We are thankful no one was seriously hurt or killed in this accident. Laws have been written to try to stop this sort of thing from happening, but as we can see, the law can do only so much. As personal injury attorneys, this is a case we do NOT want to see happen to anyone. Please, drive responsibly, and always designate a sober driver.

Man Seriously Injured in Crash with Truck | Oregon Accident Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)19664 — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: October 2, 2009
Location: Highway 99E, Brooks, Oregon
Names: Abimeal Jaime, Dvane H. Wood

According to The Oregonian, Abimeal Jaime, 27, of Keizer, Oregon, was seriously injured in a collision with a truck driven by Dvane H. Wood, 45, of Damascus, Oregon. The accident occurred October 2, 2009, around 3:30 AM.

Jaime was traveling north on Highway 99E, in Brooks, Oregon, when his 1999 Honda Civic veered into southbound traffic and crashed into a Freightliner truck driven by Wood. An ambulance transported Jaime to Salem Hospital. Wood, who was wearing a seat belt, was not hurt in the wreck; it was not known whether Jaime was using passenger restraints.

According to KeizerTimes.com, the Oregon State Police are investigating the possibility that alcohol was a factor in the wreck.

Responding to the crash were state police officials, the Marion County Fire District, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. The accident closed down the highway for about three hours.

Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Jaime and Wood during this difficult time. This was a tragedy that never should have happened.

Shulman DuBois LLC is located in Portland, Oregon, and serves clients in all Oregon cities and counties, including: Portland, Beaverton, Multnomah County, Hillsboro, Gresham, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Tualatin, Troutdale, Sellwood, Corvallis, Salem, Eugene, and Albany.

Rollover Kills Medford Man, Injures Girl | Oregon Car & Truck Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)19613 — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: September 27, 2009
Location: I-5 between Glendale, Oregon, and Roseburg, Oregon
Names: Sheldon Masterson, Mikaela Masterson

According to The News-Review, Sheldon Masterson, 52, of Medford, was killed September 27, 2009 near Glendale, when his Ford pickup blew a tire, veered off the road, and rolled several times. Mikaela Masterson, 14, also of Medford, who was a passenger in the vehicle, sustained non-life threatening injuries and was taken to Three Rivers Community Hospital in Grants Pass for treatment.

The single-vehicle crash occurred just after 2:30 PM on September 27 while Sheldon Masterson was driving south on Interstate 5, near mile marker 83, about midway between Glendale and Roseburg. Both Sheldon and Mikaela Masterson were wearing safety restraints.

One lane of the highway was closed for four hours during the Oregon State Police investigation. Responders to the crash included the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Azalea Rural Fire District, Glendale Ambulance District, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. The investigation was continuing as of September 28.

While accidents like this one can seem black or white, a closer investigation will sometimes turn up a surprise. Many will assume that the driver fell asleep at the wheel, or stopped paying attention for some other reason. And perhaps that is exactly what happened. But there are many other possibilities as well. Poor road conditions may have caused this wreck - for all we know, there may have been a large pothole that has already caused three prior accidents, or maybe there's a blind curve with a missing warning sign. If that is the case, there may be a lawsuit available against the city/county/state.

It's certainly possible that Masterson did not change his tires when he should have; but it's also possible that a mechanic put the tire on wrong, or that a company produced a faulty tire. The only way to determine what really happened is to investigate. Most experienced Oregon injury attorneys will coordinate such an investigation without charge.

Such a lawsuit could allow the family of the deceased person to receive compensation and hopefully prevent future accidents on that stretch of road. These things do happen, and when someone is seriously injured or killed, a competent Oregon personal injury attorney can investigate and find out what truly happened. Usually at no cost. For more information on what to do in the case of an Oregon accident, contact our office or ask for our book, 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case.

'COPS' Crew Seriously Injured in Portland | Oregon Car Crash Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)19521 — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: September 29, 2009
Location: SE 136th Avenue and Stark Street, Portland
Names: Jeffrey Ruppel, Robert King

Alcohol may have been a factor in a head-on collision that seriously injured a member of the film crew for the reality television show COPS, which was filming in Portland. On September 29, 2009, at about 9 PM, a police car driven by East Precinct Officer Jeffrey Ruppel was hit head-on by a vehicle, driven by Robert King, 53, that had veered into the wrong lane. According to The Oregonian, police suspect King of driving under the influence of alcohol, but he had not yet been cited. One of the passengers in the police car sustained serious head injuries; he remained hospitalized as of September 30.

The accident occurred near the intersection of SE 136th Avenue and Stark Street. Ruppel, a five-year veteran with the Portland police, was on routine patrol while being filmed for the long-running reality TV show “COPS,” and two members of the film crew were riding in his back seat.

King was also hospitalized. Ruppel and another passenger were not seriously injured, and were treated at a local hospital and released. The names of the two film crew members are being withheld pending notification of their families.

Iesha Ash, who lives nearby, described the crash to LivePDX.com as “very bad.” She continued, “If you get on the other side, the cop car is all smashed up." Ash said crashes in the area are common.

An investigation is continuing.

We encourage people to educate themselves on the law of drunk driving in Oregon, and we provide free information to help you settle your lawsuit without an attorney. But when a drunk driver is involved, the law becomes very tricky, and you should contact the best Oregon injury attorney.

"Phantom" Vehicle Sought in Fatal Rollover | Oregon Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)19489 — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: September 29, 2009
Location: Highway 26 and SW Dover Lane, Madras
Names: Richard Wayne Breese, Ronald Dale Calkins, Carol Calkins, Dottie Breese

(Photo: Oregon State Police)

The Oregon State Police have issued a press release requesting the public’s help in finding a "phantom" vehicle that played a role in an accident near Madras. A 74-year-old man died in the crash.

At about 5 PM on September 29, Ronald Dale Calkins, 70, of Pendleton, was driving east on Highway 26, approaching an intersection at SW Dover Lane near Madras, when he and an independent witness both saw a white vehicle enter the intersection. The vehicle was headed right for Calkins, who attempted to steer his 2001 Ford Explorer out of its path, but veered off the highway. The Explorer rolled at least once before coming to rest upside down by the side of the road.

One of Calkins’s passengers, Richard Wayne Breese, 74, of Pendleton, was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from the car. He died in an ambulance on the way to Mountain View Hospital.

Two other passengers, Carol Calkins, 77, and Dottie Breese, 74, were both using safety restraints. Both sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the accident and were also taken to Mountain View Hospital. Later, an air ambulance transported Carol Calkins to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend.

The mystery vehicle, possibly a white sport utility vehicle or a four-door sedan, is being sought by state police. Anyone with information that might assist in tracking down the vehicle, and its driver, is asked to call OSP’s Northern Command Center dispatch at 1-800-452-7888.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the Calkinses and Breeses in this difficult time. It’s hard enough dealing with the loss of a loved one or good friend. It’s even harder to have questions in the back of your head: Who did this? Why did it happen? Some victims never get to learn the details that could help settle the mind, if not heal the heart. Even if a lawsuit isn’t filed, knowing what happened and who was involved can be the start to dealing with an accident.

If you crash because of a car that never touches you, it's called a "phantom vehicle." Most insurance policies' uninsured motorist coverage will only pay for these accidents if there was an independent witness to the phantom vehicle. We would like to make a plea to the person who was driving the vehicle to think about the people whose lives have been affected, and to come forward and take responsibility. And if anyone at all has any information about what occurred, please, come forward. The time is now.

Shulman DuBois LLC is located in Portland, Oregon, and serves clients in all Oregon cities and counties, including: Portland, Beaverton, Multnomah County, Hillsboro, Gresham, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Tualatin, Troutdale, Sellwood, Corvallis, Salem, Eugene, and Albany.

Distracted Driving Summit revs up in Washington D.C. | Portland Oregon Car Accident Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)19272 — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Oregon recently passed a new law that bans texting while driving, and now Washington, D.C., has joined in the discussion, kicking off a two-day summit. Portland, Oregon, of course, has also jumped on the debate and started pedaling. BikePortland.org has blogged about it and offers a link to tune in to the event live.

Inattentive drivers are blamed for 4% of accidents in Oregon alone - and that is likely a low estimate.

Family Members Sought after Fatal Motorcycle Crash | Oregon Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)19165 — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: September 25, 2009
Location: U.S. Highway 20 east of Bend
Names: Michael William Cleary

In a press release, the Oregon State Police have requested the public’s help in locating the family of Michael William Cleary, a 61-year-old motorcyclist who was killed in a single-vehicle crash near Bend. The accident occurred around 12:30 AM, September 25, 2009, near milepost 28 on U.S. Highway 20.

Oregon State Police reported that Cleary was eastbound on the highway when he tried to execute a left-hand curve and drove onto the south shoulder of the road, striking a fog marker. Cleary, who was wearing a helmet, died at the scene.

Bend Fire Department’s medical team responded and, shortly after arriving, canceled a call for an AirLink helicopter.

The crash was still under investigation as of September 28, but according to OSP, speed may have been a contributing factor.

Troopers have not been able to locate any of Cleary’s family members to notify them of his passing, nor have they determined where he lived. It is believed that Cleary may have frequented the Bend area, as well as Elko, Rome, and Incline Village in Nevada.

Anyone with information that might assist in locating Cleary’s relatives is asked to contact the OSP’s Northern Command Dispatch Center at 503-375-3555.

Our hearts go out to Cleary’s family during this difficult time, wherever they may be. Anytime a motorcycle fatality occurs, we are reminded of the high injury and death rates for motorcycle riders. Several factors contribute to the potential risk: a motorcycle itself is more difficult to handle than a car, and two-wheeled vehicles are more unstable than those with four wheels. Adding to the danger, some motorists may find motorcyclists harder to see, or just aren’t watchful of them. And a substantial factor in many crashes is inexperience. This is why we welcome the new Oregon law requiring motorcycle skills training, and we are optimistic that this will make the roads safer for all.

Speed Reportedly a Factor in Motorcyclist's Death | Portland Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)19163 — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: September 24, 2009
Location: NE 148th Avenue near Glisan Street, Portland
Name: Curtis Rhodes

OregonLive.com reported that Curtis Rhodes, 42, of Portland, died September 24, 2009, after a single-vehicle crash in Northeast Portland. The accident occurred around 11 AM when Rhodes lost control of his motorcycle. No one else was injured.

The 42-year-old man crashed his motorcycle while southbound on N.E. 148th Avenue near Glisan Street. When police arrived at the scene, they found the man seriously injured. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died. Police believe speed was a factor in the crash.

Our hearts go out to Rhodes’ family during this difficult time. Anytime a motorcycle fatality occurs, we are reminded of the high injury and death rates for motorcycle riders. Several factors contribute to the potential risk: a motorcycle itself is more difficult to handle than a car, and two-wheeled vehicles are more unstable than those with four wheels. Adding to the danger, some motorists may find motorcyclists harder to see, or just aren’t watchful of them. And a substantial factor in many crashes is inexperience. This is why we welcome the new Oregon law requiring motorcycle skills training, and we are optimistic that this will make the roads safer for all.

According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, during 2005, motorcycles accounted for 0.4 percent of all vehicle miles traveled, but riders were 37 times more likely to die in a crash, and eight times more likely to be injured.

Nationally, an estimated 137,000 motorcyclists died between 1966 (when the Highway Safety and National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act was passed) and 2005. And locally, just last year, the Oregon Department of Transportation reports that 1,363 motorcycle riders were injured, and 66 died.

Canadian Bicyclist Killed after Falling into Traffic | Bicycle Accident Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)19100 — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: September 20, 2009
Location: U.S. Highway 101 near Northeast 10th Street, Lincoln City, Oregon
Names: Kit Yang Charlene Pun, Doral E. Bray
Type: Bicycle-Car Accident

A Calgary, Alberta, woman was killed around 6 PM, September 20, 2009, when she fell off her bicycle on Highway 101 in Lincoln City and was struck by a car. According to OregonLive.com, Kit Yang Charlene Pun, 26, was in the center turn lane when she suddenly fell off her bicycle into the southbound lane, directly in front of a car driven by Doral E. Bray, 86, of Otis, Oregon.

Despite sustained efforts at performing CPR, first by two passersby, then by rescue crews, Pun was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death was severe head trauma.

The motorist, Bray, who was unharmed, stayed at the scene and is cooperating fully with the investigation. Police have reportedly ruled out speed and alcohol as factors in the crash, and Bray was not cited.

Pun was biking through Oregon with two friends, neither of whom was injured. She was wearing a helmet, but, according to Lincoln City Police Sgt. Jeffrey G. Winn, her bicycling cleats may have contributed to the tragic fall when they caught on the pedals, throwing her off balance. Biking cleats lock onto the pedals of a bicycle.

Members of North Lincoln Fire & Rescue, Pacific West Ambulance, Newport Police Department, Oregon Department of Transportation, and the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office assisted the Lincoln City Police at the scene.

Highway 101 was closed for approximately three hours while the crash was being investigated. Both northbound and southbound traffic was diverted to side streets.

As the community joins together in mourning for Pun, we send our heartfelt wishes to her family, and to her two cycling companions, as they move through this shocking and unfortunate tragedy.

In the aftermath of an inexpressibly sad event like this, when it seems as if events were almost random, many in the community will be asking, “Why?” Perhaps this accident resulted from a series of random misfortunes. However, perhaps there were factors, as yet unknown, that contributed to the tragic outcome. In a situation where there is fault, a skilled personal injury attorney is vital. With experience and knowledge in this particular area of law, a personal injury lawyer’s diligent inquiry can sometimes lead to the answers we all long for.

Shulman Dubois, LLC, is located in Portland, Oregon, and serves clients in all Oregon cities and counties, including: Portland, Beaverton, Multnomah County, Hillsboro, Gresham, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Tualatin, Troutdale, Sellwood, Corvallis, Salem, Eugene, and Albany.

Portland's personal injury law firm Shulman DuBois featured on JD Supra

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)18923 — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

We were thrilled to learn that one of our articles was featured on JD Supra, a website dedicated to distributing what lawyers have to say about the law. Sounds boring, right? Well, check it out if you'd like. There's plenty of great information on there. And not just by us. There's First Amendment rights, workers' compensation tips, and more.

You might want to read some of our other work too. Our website has lots of information, from how to handle insurance adjusters to what you need to know before, during, and after an Oregon car accident.

JD Scoop highlights work from new contributors every day. But we hope this will not be the last time you read what we have to say. For more information on personal injury cases and other updates, please visit the rest of our website, pdxinjurylaw.com. And please, if you have been in a crash, don't hesitate to contact us. We may not be able to take you as a client, but the consultation immediately after a life-changing accident can change your case.

Driver Who Backed Into Cyclist Charged with Assault I | Portland Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)18851 — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: August 31, 2009
Location: NE 122nd Avenue and Glisan Street, Portland
Names: Michael F. Luther, Wayne Conrad Thompson

(Photo: Courtesy of family of Mike Luther)

(Photo: KATU News)

According to OregonLive.com, a cyclist is recovering and a man is charged with assault after backing into him in a collision in Northeast Portland on Monday, August 31. Reports said the driver, Wayne Conrad Thompson, 35, of Portland, was going 40 mph when he backed into Michael F. Luther, 52, of Portland. The accident occurred at approximately 2 PM in a parking lot at NE 122nd and Glisan Street in Portland.

Observers at the scene told The Oregonian they heard arguing before Thompson shifted into reverse and backed his white 1997 Kia Sportage SUV “as fast as it possibly could go” into Luther. Observers described the impact as seeming to pin Luther to the rear of Thompson’s vehicle. The driver was going so fast that his vehicle ran through a planter box and dislodged a 100-pound boulder.

Thompson, initially listed in critical condition at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, had improved to fair condition by that evening, but later reports indicated he was still hospitalized as of September 5 – the day after his 53rd birthday – and his prognosis remained “unclear.” KATU quotes his sister as saying he has suffered serious brain injuries. "He can talk and he knows that we're there," she said. "And for that we're incredibly grateful, but there's a long road to go."

Thompson has been arrested and charged with first-degree assault, a Class A felony and Measure 11 offense. An Assault I charge refers to causing serious physical injury to another by means of a deadly or dangerous weapon.

This is deeply disturbing, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim and his family. This case is still under investigation. And while it may seem black and white, it never truly is.

As Luther recovers, he or his family may wish to consider their legal options, including a consultation with a personal injury attorney. In a situation like this, there are actually two separate and distinct cases. One is the criminal action, and the other is the civil action. Civil and criminal law are quite different; there are differing standards of proof, different procedural rules, and different purposes (for a criminal action, the purpose is punishing the offender, while for a civil action, the purpose is compensating the victim). During the criminal case, Thompson will be represented by a lawyer specializing in criminal law, and the people will be represented by the district attorney. Then, after the criminal case has been resolved, Luther should look for a skilled personal injury attorney to pursue a civil case for damages he suffered.

Shulman DuBois LLC is located in Portland, Oregon, and serves clients in all Oregon cities and counties, including: Portland, Beaverton, Multnomah County, Hillsboro, Gresham, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Tualatin, Troutdale, Sellwood, Corvallis, Salem, Eugene, and Albany.

Morning Crash Closes U.S. 30 Temporarily | Portland Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)17480 — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: August 25, 2009
Location: U.S. 30, near Portland
Names: Joseph McMahon, Elliott Schwartzkopf

The Oregonian reports an accident that occurred this morning, August 25, 25 miles outside of Portland on U.S. 30.

The accident happened at approximately 5:45 AM, when Joseph McMahon crossed the center line of U.S. 30, near milepost 33, 25 miles outside of Portland. After crossing the line, the 19-year-old's SUV collided into the left side of a semi-truck driven by Elliott Schwartzkopf, 43, of Hillsboro. Schwartzkopf was uninjured. His semi incurred a few damages including the removal of one of his side tires. The accident caused McMahon's SUV to crumple, and the roof of the vehicle to peel back, forcing the Columbia River Fire & Rescue teams to extricate the driver using the "jaws of life". Upon removal, McMahon was transported by lifeflight to Legacy Emanuel Hospital & Health Center, where he is currently listed in fair condition. Both drivers were wearing seat belts.

We are glad to know that Elliott Schwartzkopf did not suffer any injuries as a result of what may be another driver's inattentiveness. We hope the few repairs needed on his semi-truck will not take much time or money, and that Elliott can go back to his working and living a normal life.

This is a crash that will take some time and effort to understand exactly what happened. Some, after reading about this accident, will assume that the McMahon was fatigued and fell asleep momentarily, and that certainly is the most likely explanation. On the other hand, The article describes that a light rain had started to fall prior to the accident. It is possible that the rain added to the overall slickness of the road, making it harder for the driver to maintain control of his vehicle.

As Portland injury attorneys who want to help out in this difficult situation, but without being ambulance chasers, we would like to offer a complimentary copy of our book to Elliott Schwartzkopf and the other drive. This book, 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case will help you in your dealings with the legal side of things, without having to get a lawyer involved before you want to.

Fatal Accident In Lake County | Portland Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)17375 — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: August 24, 2009
Location: U.S. 395, near Abert Lake
Names: Lauren Julia Allison, Michael Todd Bymoen

The Oregonian reports the death of an 18 year old woman after an accident that occurred near Abert Lake in Lake County this afternoon, August 24.

The accident happened when driver Michael Todd Bymoen, 22, of Scottsdale, Arizona, lost control of his vehicle on Highway 395. After over-correcting, his SUV rolled over and rested on the northbound shoulder. He was seriously injured, and taken to Lake District Hospital for care. He is listed as wearing a seat belt. His passenger, Lauren Julia Allison, 18, of Hines died at the scene. She was not using a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle.

This is a truly heartbreaking event. Please keep Lauren's family in your prayers. We pray that her family will be able to stick together and support each other through this horrible time.

While accidents like this one can seem black or white, a closer investigation will sometimes turn up a surprise. Many will assume that Bymoen fell asleep at the wheel, or stopped paying attention for some other reason. And perhaps that is exactly what happened. But there are many other possibilities as well. Poor road conditions may have caused this wreck - for all we know, there may have been a large pothole that has already caused three prior accidents, or maybe there's a blind curve with a missing warning sign. If that is the case, there may be a lawsuit available against the city/county/state. Such a lawsuit would allow the injured person to receive compensation and hopefully prevent future accidents on that stretch of road. Maybe the car was recently brought in for a tune-up, and the mechanic replaced the steering mechanism carelessly, and the car lost steering.

As Portland injury attorneys who want to help out in this difficult situation, but without being ambulance chasers, we would like to offer a complimentary copy of our book to the families of Ms. Allison and Mr. Bymoen. This book, 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case will help you in your dealings with the legal side of things, without having to get a lawyer involved before you want to.

Follow Up: Teens Death Pulls Ridgefield Community Together | Portland Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)17325 — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: August 10, 2009
Location: U.S. 30, near Clatskanie
Names: Richard Michael Araiza, Jason Cary Carter, Aja L. Gerrity, Ki Young Kim, Dustin Evan Leitzell, Amanda Williams

The Oregonian reports a memorial and celebration of four teens who lost their lives in a accident that occurred earlier this month on U.S. 30.

Hundreds of people gathered together at Ridgefield High School stadium on Thursday, August 20, to celebrate the lives of Richard Michael "Ritchie" Araiza, 18; Jason Cary Carter, 18; Aja Leigh Gerrity, 17; Amanda Nicole Williams, 18.

It was an emotional event, one that highlighted the individual specialness of each teen. Three of the victims engaged passionately in student life, as members of the cheerleading team and drama club. The fourth, Ritchie Araiza, was known for his spirit and genuine nature that affected many.

The four teens were on their way to the coast on U.S. 30 near Clatskanie, for a post-graduation get-together when driver Aja L. Gerrity of Ridgefield attempted to pass another car. She lost control of the vehicle and slid broadside across the highway, eventually colliding with a van driven by Ki Young Kim, 55, of Vancouver. Gerrity, Amanda Williams, Richard Michael Araiza, all of Ridgefield, and Jason Cary Carter of Vancouver were pronounced dead at the scene. A fifth passenger of of the vehicle containing the teens, Dustin Evan Leitzell, of Ridgefield was taken by lifeflight with critical injuries to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. Kim was reportedly taken to St. John Medical Center in Longview, Washington, and is listed in stable condition. Three of the five teens were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident, it is still under investigation if the other two were not.

As parents, we can barely fathom the great heartache the mothers, fathers and grandparents of Aja, Ritchie, Jason and Amanda are experiencing right now. Friends and family may want to turn back time and help the teens make better decisions. We hope that instead, such loved ones turn toward the future to promote driving safety not only amongst teens, but within themselves. We also hope that through this experience, students who are able to drive at Ridgefield High School and the surrounding areas take a second, third or fourth look at how they manuever their vehicle in town and on the highway. Awareness is one of many building blocks of safe driving.

Two Fatalities in Northwest Portland Collision | Portland Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)17249 — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: August 20, 2009
Location: Northwest Portland, near Northwest 185th Avenue and Kaiser Road
Names: Belinda Lopez, Thai Huong-Williams

The Oregonian reports the death of two individuals that occurred in Northwest Portland this evening.

An investigation into the crash has started, but what is readily apparent is that the collision occurred when Belinda Lopez, 47, of Washington county crossed the center line of Northwest 185th Avenue and Kaiser Road around 5:45 PM. She then collided into a 2003 minivan driven by Thai Hoang-Williams, 34, of Vancouver, causing the vehicle to drive into a nearby ditch. A team of good Samaritans pulled Huong-Williams from his vehicle, but the driver, along with Lopez were found dead at the scene. Investigators are looking into whether speed was a factor in the crash.

When our attentions are compromised on the road, even for a moment, accidents can happen, and lives can be lost. Our hearts go out to both the Lopez and Huong-Williams families. This unfortunate event will affect Thai and Belinda's loved ones for time to come. Keep your positive thoughts with these families in their time of need.

Many people speed to get somewhere quicker. What most drivers don't consider is that shaving off a few minutes from their trip is not worth the risk of losing their life or another’s.

The Oregon Transportation Department of Safety reports that in 2008 alone, speed related accidents killed 216 Oregonians, that number far exceeds the amount of drunk-driving fatalities! Luckily, law enforcement treats speeding as seriously as driving under the influence, and those who get caught may lose their license or pay a steep fine. For those who even casually speed, consider the risks you are imposing on your mobility and well-being along with the safety of other pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. It's not worth it.

Drunk Driving. Over the limit. Under Arrest: DUII Enforcement 8/21-9/7 | Portland Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)17230 — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Kuik.com reports that this weekend starts "Drunk Driving. Over the limit. Under Arrest.", an event organized by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

In conjunction with the nation-wide effort, the Oregon Governors Advisory Committee on DUII, the Oregon State Police, the Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, the Oregon State Sheriff's Association, and the Oregon Department of Transportation will perform impairment-awareness demonstrations at the Portland Police Bureau's Southeast Precinct. In addition to the precinct's event, multiple, state-wide agencies are preparing high-levels of enforcement for one of the summer's deadliest holidays.

Next to speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol kills more people in Oregon than any other type of accident (such as texting while driving), and as of 2008, 136 people died as a result of intoxicated driving. According to Oregon's Department of Transportation's (ODOT) Fatality Analysis Reporting System, Labor Day weekend in Oregon is historically high in fatalities, with nine reported last year.

The crackdown starts tonight, and will include the comprehensive efforts of state troopers, county deputies, and city officers from the Clackamas County area as they team up to stop drunk driving between August 21-September 7.

At Shulman DuBois we know the first step to decreasing impaired driving fatalities starts with awareness, not only of the legal consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but the life-threatening risks that one takes when they decide to hit the road instead of a motel or friends house. For those reading this, take heed this Labor Day weekend: drive smart, defensively, and if you've had a few drinks, wait it out until you sober up.

Fatal Accident on Oregon 126 | Portland Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)17064 — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: August 15, 2009
Location: Oregon 126
Names: Sarah Elizabeth Dain, Craig Q. Watkins, Michael Huber, Carolyn Huber

The Oregonian reports the death of one woman and the injuries of four others in an accident that occurred Sunday morning, August 15th, 2009.

The accident happened as driver Sarah Elizabeth Dain, 58, of Florence was traveling westbound when her car crossed the center line of Oregon 126, sideswiping an eastbound truck driven by Craig Q. Watkins, 44, of Twin Falls, Idaho. Continuing to drive west in the eastbound lane, Dain collided head-on with a car driven by Michael W. Huber, 42, of Veneta. The car also contained Huber's wife Carolyn and their two sons, aged 2 and 7. Members of the family were transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend. They did not recieve any life-threatening injuries. Sarah Dain was pronounced dead at the scene.

This is a hard time for Sarah's family, and we're sure that questions regarding the accident are forming as we speak. We hope that any further investigation proves helpful in shedding light on Sarah's last minutes. In the meantime, we hope that her loved ones come together over what is undoubtedly a hard time. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

We also hope Craig Watkins and the Huber family have time to fully recover from the emotional shock of being in an accident, but oftentimes insurance companies are often in a hurry to start legal proceedings, turning to the victims for statements to collect every detail available. We hope that this won't be the case for the Dains, Craig Watkin's or Dennis and Carolyn Huber, but all too often it is. To help in situations like these, we offer a free, informational book that can be accessed here, and that may be a great ally to the Dains during this time.

UPDATE: Driver in Bicyclist Dragging Incident May Have More Blame Than Previously Thought | Portland Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)16965 — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: August 16, 2009
Location: Northeast Portland
Names: Kevin Stevenson, Kate Darnall

The Oregonian reports that Portland police have new information regarding an incident that occurred in Northeast Portland between bicyclist Kevin Stevenson and an unknown driver this Thursday, August 13th.

It is now believed that the driver of the vehicle, who is still unknown, shares more responsibility than previously suspected. Police reports directly after the accident reflect opposing statements, both from Stevenson and his girlfriend Kate Darnall. One account reflects that Stevenson grabbed the driver of the vehicle, while Darnall reports that the driver backed up and grabbed the cyclist. After re-interviewing both parties, police detective Mary Wheat believes that the driver, or another passenger of the vehicle grabbed and continued to drag Stevenson. Wheat has yet to release details about the vehicle, stating nothing more than "The vehicle is not from Oregon."

Stevenson is still listed in serious condition as of Friday, with injuries to his shoulders, back, heels, legs and knees. We continue to pray for his recover and hope the driver involved in this accident comes forward.

Cyclist Dragged 150 Feet in Road Rage Incident | Portland Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)16945 — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: August 13, 2009
Location: Northeast Couch Street and Sandy Boulevard
Names: Kevin Stevenson, Kate Darnell

The Oregonian reported yesterday that a cyclist was seriously injured after being dragged 150 feet by an automobile driver.

The details of the incident are still forming, with varying viewpoints of what happened, but the Oregonian reports that at approximately 1 AM, cyclist Kevin Stevenson, 31, of Portland, along with his girlfriend Kate Darnell, 26, also of Portland and her family were biking near East Burnside near Sandy Boulevard when an unknown driver began to tailgate them. As the driver pulled around the cyclists, Stevenson began to yell at the driver. Darnell reports that Stevenson then approached the vehicle's driver's side window, and attempted to grab the driver, upset that the vehicle was too close to the cyclists. Conflicting accounts also indicate that Stevenson yelled at the driver and the driver backed up, grabbed Stevenson and continued to drag him for 150 feet. Stevenson was taken to Legacy Emanuel's burn center for serious injuries to his back, shoulder, heels and legs.

Regardless of who is to blame, we find it irresponsible and cruel that the driver involved in this incident did not have the decency to stay after inflicting such serious injuries. We hope that Kevin recovers quickly from this hit and run accident, and that his family and friends can get past the shock of what has happened to their loved one. We hope that the driver in question will be found and face the consequences of their actions.

U.S. 30 Crash Kills Four Teens | Portland Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)16805 — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: August 10, 2009
Location: U.S. 30, near Clatskanie
Names: Aja L. Gerrity, Amanda Williams, Richard Michael Araiza, Jason Cary Carter, Dustin Evan Leitzell, Ki Young Kim

Oregonlive.com reports the death of four teens Aja Gerrity, Amanda Williams, Richard Michael Araiza, Jason Cary Carter, and Dustin Evan Leitzell as seriously injured in an accident that occurred Monday, August 10.

The four teens, aged 17 and 18 were on their way to the coast on U.S. 30 near Clatskanie, for a post-graduation get-together when driver Aja L. Gerrity of Ridgefield attempted to pass another car. She lost control of the vehicle and slid broadside across the highway, eventually hit by another van driven by Ki Young Kim, 55, of Vancouver. Gerrity, Amanda Williams, Richard Michael Araiza, all of Ridgefield, and Jason Cary Carter of Vancouver were pronounced dead at the scene. A fifth passenger of of the vehicle containing the teens, Dustin Evan Leitzell, of Ridgefield was taken by lifeflight with critical injuries to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. Kim was reportedly taken to St. John Medical Center in Longview, Washington, and is listed in stable condition. Three of the five teens were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident, it is still under investigation if the other two were not.

As parents, this tragedy deeply affects us. The horror of losing one's child is unthinkable. We hope the families of these five teens can come together and look to each other for strength and hope in this heartbreaking period. This fatal accident has left many unanswered questions, creating unnecessary complexity to an already stressful time. It is essential that the Gerrity, Williams, Araiza, Carter families take this time to mourn and recover.

With this in mind, it is important to note that evidence regarding the accident may disappear fast. Insurance companies know this and will take advantage of the situation, honing legal action around an accident's victims and their families. If either of the families impacted by this tragedy is seeking legal counsel, but is understandably waiting to call an experienced Oregon injury attorney, I would like to extend a copy of our free book, that provides simple, easy to read information that will help.

Fatal Crash at SE Waybill Dr & Orient Dr, Boring, OR | Portland Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)16666 — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Names: Marco Antonio Guerrero, Austin Guerrero, Jeffrey Wayne Hunt Jr., Daniel Herrington, Melissa Kay Davis
Location: SE Waybill Drive & Orient Drive, Boring, OR
Date: August 8, 2009

Marco Antonio Guerrero was killed in a tragic collision at about 9:40 p.m. yesterday, August 8, 2009, according to the Outlook Online.

There were actually two collisions. It all began when Jeffrey Wayne Hunt Jr., of Gresham, who appears to have been traveling way too fast headed north on Orient Drive, lost control of his 2002 Volkswagen Passat on the Waybill Drive curve. His car skidded into the oncoming lane, colliding with the 2008 Ford Escape being driven by Marco Antonio Guerrero.

This collision left Mr. Hunt's Passat sitting in the middle of the road. Melissa Kay Davis, traveling north on Orient Drive, then ran into the Passat.

Mr. Guerrero's Escape flipped over, and Mr. Guerrero appears to have been trapped inside. He suffered severe injuries, which proved in the end to be life-ending. Mr. Guerrero's 14 year old son, Austin Guerrero, was in the passenger seat, and was also injured. Although his physical injuries were not severe (he was released from OHSU later in "Fair" condition), his emotional injuries will be horrific and lifelong.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of the Guerreros for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved Mr. Guerrero, and I hope that Austin is able to get through this horrible event and eventually go on to live a life that would have made his father proud. It will not be easy, and my prayers are with the Guerreros.

Mr. Hunt also had a passenger in his car, 21-year-old Daniel Herrington of Gresham. Mr. Herrington suffered severe injuries, including broken legs, but is reported to be in stable condition at Legacy Emanuel.

Oregon Car Accidents

According to the Oregon Transportation Department of Safety, speed related accidents killed 216 Oregonians in 2008. Speeding kills far more Oregonians on our highways than drunk driving. It is both dangerous, and depressingly common.

In this crash, all persons involved appear to have been wearing seat belts. This was not enough to save Mr. Guerrero, but it may well have prevented further deaths.

Getting Legal Advice From An Experienced Portland Injury Attorney

I would like to advise the injured victims and their families to take this time to mourn, to heal, and to recover what they can. I would like to advise them not to worry about legalities, but to focus on their lives.

However, it is an unfortunate truth that evidence can fade quickly, and that insurance companies can use this time to take advantage of injured people - and even people who have been killed - and their families. If anyone is considering seeking justice for the senseless pain caused by Mr. Hunt's careless speeding, but is rightfully hesitant to call a good Portland injury attorney so soon after the accident, I would like to offer a free copy of our book that will give good, free information about dealing with Oregon injury accidents.

Order the free book - it will help in dealing with the insurance companies in the aftermath of this tragedy - and then take your time in deciding whether or not to look for an attorney.

Medford Man Dies in Single-Car Accident | Portland Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)16391 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: August 3, 2009
Location: Oregon 62, near Jackson County
Name: Kristopher D. Carey

Oregonlive.com reports the death of a man after an accident that happened Monday afternoon.

The accident happened when driver Kristopher D. Carey, 20, of Medford attempted to turn off of Oregon 62, near northern Jackson County, onto federal Bureau of Land Management road when he apparently lost control of his pick-up truck. The truck flipped twice and landed upside down in the westbound lane. Carey's truck did not have seatbelts. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

We're sure those who loved Kristopher are still in a state of shock. There is nothing more traumatic than losing a son, brother or best friend. Please keep the Carey family in your thoughts and prayers in the upcoming months. This is a hard time, that will take a while to heal.

While accidents like this one can seem black or white, a closer investigation will sometimes turn up a surprise. Some may assume that Carey fell asleep at the wheel, or stopped paying attention for some other reason. And perhaps that is exactly what happened. But there are many other possibilities as well. Poor road conditions may have caused this wreck - for all we know, there may have been a large pothole that has already caused three prior accidents, or maybe there's a blind curve with a missing warning sign. If that is the case, there may be a lawsuit available against the city/county/state. Such a lawsuit would allow the injured person or their family to receive compensation and hopefully prevent future accidents on that stretch of road. Maybe the car was recently brought in for a tune-up, and the mechanic replaced the steering mechanism carelessly, and the car lost steering. These things do happen, and when someone is seriously injured, a competent Oregon personal injury attorney can investigate and find out what truly happened. Usually at no cost. For more information on what to do in the case of an Oregon accident, contact our office or read 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case.

One Man Dead In Milo McIver State Park Crash | Portland Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)16255 — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: August 1, 2009
Location: Milo McIver State Park
Names: Katie Erin Warren, Chester Raimer Jr.

Oregonlive.com reports the death of one man after an accident that occurred Saturday evening.

The accident occurred around 8:30 pm, within Milo McIver State Park when driver Katie Erin Warren, 21, was driving through the park and drove her car off the road, eventually colliding with several trees. Warren’s rear seat passenger, Chester Raimer Jr., 48, of Milwaukie was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Warren is being charged with second-degree manslaughter, reckless driving and driving while intoxicated. The driver’s four other passengers only sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Warren was taken to OHSU prior to being arrested.

Drunk driving is a reprehensible act that in this case cost the life of Chester Raimer Jr. This man has a family and friends who will miss him considerably. An early evening thrill was not worth this great loss of life. We hope that those who knew and loved Chester can come together for strength and hope.

When a drunk driver causes an injury accident in Oregon, there is a possibility of suing the person or bar who served the alcohol. This must be done correctly, and quickly. There are strict time limits for filing a lawsuit in Oregon, and where alcohol is involved, the limits get even stricter. A Dram Shop Notice must be sent to the server within 180 days of the incident, pursuant to ORS 471.565.

Why sue a bar for serving a person alcohol? Well, the bar must have done something wrong. Bars are regulated strictly by the OLCC, and if they serve to minors, or serve to a person who was visibly intoxicated, they have violated regulations and they should be held responsible for that. They also have a duty to perform certain checks before serving. They are not allowed to avoid the regulation by closing their eyes to what is going on in their own pub.

We also give absolutely free, no-obligation experienced personal injury legal advice to families who have been injured or lost a loved one to drunk driving.

Three Men Rescue One Woman After Accident | Portland Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)16226 — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: July 31, 2009
Location: Interstate 5, milepost 230, near Eugene
Names: Beatriz Mendoza Olvera, Jay Burris, Paul Peterson, Jon Silbernagel

Oregonlive.com reports an accident in which three men saved a driver from drowning after she drove her car into shallow water.

The accident happened at approximately 7 AM when driver Beatriz Mendoza Olvera, 44, of Milwaukie was driving south on Interstate 5 near milepost 230. She accelerated and struck the back of a semi-trailer, then slid into the center median, continuing for hundreds of feet before driving over a 40-foot embankment and landing upside down in Oak Creek. Oregon State Police report that three men, Jay Burris, Paul Peterson and Jon Silbernagel stopped their vehicles to rescue Olvera. She was taken to Corvallis Hospital for injuries and cited for not using a seatbelt and driving without a license. The driver of the semi, Jason K. Beck, 37, of St. Helens was uninjured.

We are proud of Burris, Peterson and Silbernagel for their courage and selflessness, and hope they provide an example and stand as a testament to the goodness of human nature. It is unfortunate that this happened, but we are happy that noone was majorly wounded.

While accidents like this one can seem black or white, a closer investigation will sometimes turn up a surprise. Some may assume that Olvera fell asleep at the wheel, or stopped paying attention for some other reason. And perhaps that is exactly what happened. But there are many other possibilities as well. Poor road conditions may have caused this wreck - for all we know, there may have been a large pothole that has already caused three prior accidents, or maybe there's a blind curve with a missing warning sign. If that is the case, there may be a lawsuit available against the city/county/state. Such a lawsuit would allow the injured person to receive compensation and hopefully prevent future accidents on that stretch of road. Maybe the car was recently brought in for a tune-up, and the mechanic replaced the steering mechanism carelessly, and the car lost steering. These things do happen, and when someone is seriously injured, a competent Oregon personal injury attorney can investigate and find out what truly happened. Usually at no cost. For more information on what to do in the case of an Oregon accident, contact our office or read 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case.

Wheelchair Bound Portland Resident Dies in Southeast Portland Accident | Portland Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)16209 — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: July 29, 2009
Location: Southeast Division and 168th Avenue, Portland
Names: Richard Nordby, Victor M. Arechiga Coronado

Oregonlive.com reports the death of a wheelchair-bound man in an accident that occurred Wednesday evening in Southeast Portland.

The accident happened around 9:30 PM, when driver Victor M. Arechiga Coronado, 23, of Portland struck and killed Richard Nordby, 67, of Portland as he was crossing Southeast Division and 168th Avenue. The police have determined that Nordby crossed the street against the walk signal, and that Coronado had the right of way.

We extend our sincerest condolences to all who knew and loved Richard Nordby. The shock of losing a loved one can be overwhelming, and we wish them solace in the weeks and months to come.

If the family is thinking about hiring a lawyer, or is being hassled by the insurance company, we would like to offer them a free copy of our book, which will help them navigate the difficult legal terrain they may face. In addition to our book, we welcome the Nordby family to contact us with general questions, if we are unable to help, we can find someone who can.

Sunriver Woman Killed In Head-On Collison | Portland Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)16091 — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: July 27, 2009
Location: Sweet Home, U.S. 20
Names: Ethel Hopkins, Craig Hopkins, Billy Floyd, Matthew Dizick

KTVZ.com and Oregonlive.com report the death of a Sunriver-area 63-year-old woman in an accident that occurred Monday afternoon.

The accident happened near Sweet Home, when a semi driven by Billy Wayne Floyd, 28, of Las Vegas swerved into the eastbound lane on U.S. 20, colliding with a Dodge pick-up truck driven by Craig Scott Hopkins, 66. Driver Billy Wayne Floyd and his passenger Matthew Aaron Dizick, 20, of Cottage Grove were not injured. Craig Hopkins was taken to St. Charles Medical Center and is listed in fair condition. Craig's passenger and wife, Ethel was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Floyd was arrested on charges of second-degree manslaughter. Speculations over whether or not Floyd was speeding have yet to be confirmed.

From the KTVZ.com article it is easy to see that Ethel Hopkins was well-thought of and loved by her community. We are saddened by their and Craig's loss and hope that through memorimum Ethel can be remembered for the kind, loving woman that she was.

Speeding to shave a few minutes off your trip is not worth the risk of killing another innocent person. Speeding lead to the careless mistake that cost Ethel Hopkins's life.

The Oregon Transportation Department of Safety reports that in 2008 alone, speed related accidents killed 216 people, that number far exceeds the amount of drunk-driving fatalities in Oregon! But, as always law enforcement is in full effect, and the Oregon State Police are continually looking for ways to both protect the innocent and punish those who endanger lives. If caught, you could lose your license, receive an expensive ticket or go to jail.

Here at Shulman DuBois we know the risk is too great—lives can be lost as well as licenses and the ability to operate your own vehicle. It’s not worth it.

New Library Article: Study Shows: Texting While Driving Is Dangerous | Portland Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)16063 — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Portland, Oregon personal injury attorneys Shulman DuBois LLC's latest library article 'Study Shows: Texting While Driving Is Dangerous' gives a direct link to Virginia Tech's recent study on the subject. Read about the Institute's research methods and find out just how risky texting while driving can be.

New Library Article: How The Virginia Tech Study Was Conducted | Portland Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)16062 — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Portland, Oregon personal injury attorneys Shulman DuBois LLC's latest library article 'How The Virginia Tech Study Was Conducted' highlights the Institute's methods for discovering the connection between texting while driving and car crashes. Virginia Tech studied over 200 long-haul truck drivers by video surveillance to discover that the risk of crashing while text-messaging increases twenty-fold.

New Library Article: Research Concludes Texting While Driving Is Dangerous | Portland Injury Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)16061 — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Portland, Oregon personal injury attorneys Shulman DuBois LLC's latest library article 'Research Concludes: Texting While Driving Is Dangerous' covers a recent study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute to discover the affects of cell-phone usage and driving. The study was conducted over a period of three years, and focused on the ability of long-haul truck drivers to text and drive at the same time, with illuminating and startling results.

Critical Injury in Highway 26 Accident | Oregon Injury Attorney

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)15332 — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: July 14, 2009
Location: Highway 26, near Sandy
Names: Unknown

Salem-news.com reports that one person was critically injured as a result of an accident that occurred Tuesday afternoon on Highway 26 near Sandy.

The accident happened at approximately 4:50 PM when an unnamed driver was seen speeding at a rate of 107 mph, as determined by the Oregon State Police sargeant on traffic safety duty. As the sargeant turned, the driver collided into the rear-end of a Suburu station wagon. The initial impact forced the Suburu to crash head-on into a full-size pick-up truck traveling westbound. The male speeding driver was listed in critical condition and was taken by Lightflight to OHSU. The occupants of the Suburu station wagon, one adult male driver and young female occupants were taken to an unknown facility for examination. The investigation into why the driver was speeding is underway.

While the offending driver was cited for speeding, it is unclear from this report whether or not there were other factors involved that may have made him lose control of his vehicle. In any case, the driver and passengers of the Suburu station wagon would be well advised to get in touch with a well-recommended Oregon personal injury attorney who will thoroughly investigate the details of the crash and help them get the compensation they deserve. The best Oregon personal injury attorneys will give a comprehensive consultation to injured victims about their case absolutely free of charge. For more informationon what to expect from an experience and competent Oregon personal injury attorney, be sure to read our book 7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case.

Couple Severely Injured in Coos Bay Accident

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)15234 — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: July 11, 2009
Location: Highway 101, near Coos Bay
Names: Shirely Campbell, Bernard D. Campbell

Two people were injured in an accident Saturday on Highway 101, near Coos Bay.

Oregon State Police believe the driver may have been asleep at the wheel as the car travelled northbound and veered right off the highway, down an embankment, eventually colliding head-on into a tree. The driver Shirely Campbell, 74, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and her passenger, Bernard D. Campbell, 77 were seriously injured, and were removed from their vehicle by the Millington Fire District and Green Acres Fire District emergency team. Both are listed in stable condition.

While accidents like this one can seem black or white, a closer investigation will sometimes turn up a surprise. Many will assume that Shirely fell asleep at the wheel, or stopped paying attention for some other reason. And perhaps that is exactly what happened. But there are many other possibilities as well. Poor road conditions may have caused this wreck - for all we know, there may have been a large pothole that has already caused three prior accidents, or maybe there's a blind curve with a missing warning sign. If that is the case, there may be a lawsuit available against the city/county/state. Such a lawsuit would allow the injured person to receive compensation and hopefully prevent future accidents on that stretch of road. Maybe the car was recently brought in for a tune-up, and the mechanic replaced the steering mechanism carelessly, and the car lost steering. These things do happen, and when someone is seriously injured, a competent Oregon personal injury attorney can investigate and find out what truly happened. Usually at no cost. For more information on what to do in the case of an Oregon accident, contact our office or read 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case.

Highway 18 Crash Leaves Seven Injured | Oregon Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)14827 — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: July 4, 2009
Location: Highway 18, near Lincoln City
Names: David Carl Josephson, Melanie Marie Josephson, Richard Wayne Ohnstad, Khamsone Bandasith, Gerald Gene Holsler, and eight other unnamed passengers

A four car crash occurred yesterday on highway 18, near Lincoln City, leaving several people injured, two of which were serious.

The accident happened at approximately 12:20 PM, when David Carl Josephson, 44, of Yacolt stopped his motorcycle for accident-related, westbound traffic, after which Richard Wayne Ohnstad, 67, of Dallas neglected to stop and crashed into both Josephson and his spouse, Melanie Marie Josephson. Both persons were injured after falling from their motorcycle. The impact drove the motorcycle into a Chrysler van occupied by five people. This accident resulted in another crash with a Honda Accord with five passengers as well. The couple were eventually transported to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. Both were wearing helmets and are listed in stable condition. Ohnstad and his passenger were free of injuries. Driver Khamsone Bandasith, 50, of Portland and his four unidentified passengers were taken to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital with only minor injuries. The Honda driver Gerald Gene Holsler, 68, of Canby and his passengers were not injured.

We are elated that Melanie and David Josephson practiced safe cycling by wearing their helmets. This story may have had a different result if they had not. We hope that everyone who reads this story drives safely and remembers to share the road. Oregon has a universal helmet law that works to protect cyclists much like the seat belt does for car-drivers.

All parties must be careful with how they proceed after this accident. Even submitting a recorded statement to one’s insurance company can be a risky endeavor. To reduce the amount of compensation you get, your or the other persons involved in the accident’s insurance companies may potentially use any statements you provide them for evidence against you. For all of those involved in this accident, it may be wise to contact an experienced Oregon injury attorney, who can help them navigate through the right and wrong ways to approach the finer points of their case. To read more about how to find a good Oregon personal injury lawyer, read 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case.

Woman Arrested After I-5 Crash | Oregon Collision Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)14489 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: June 28, 2009
Location: I-5, near Salem
Names: Azucona Garza, Jose Zendejas

31-year-old Azucona Garza of Salem was taken into custody yesterday on charges of assault, reckless driving and driving under the influence of intoxicants.

Garza is accused of hitting another vehicle with her van on Sunday, causing the vehicle to roll across Interstate 5. The car’s occupant has been identified as Jose Zendejas, 26, of Salem. He is in critical condition. After striking the car, Garza fled on foot. The unoccupied van was then hit by another vehicle.

Regardless of who is to blame, the injuries suffered from this unnecessary accident will remain in Jose Zendejas life for some time. It will be painful to move on physically and emotionally and we wish him and his family the strength to persevere.

Finding an Oregon accident attorney after such an event may help greatly. A good Oregon personal injury lawyer will focus entirely on you. They will be able to educate you about the process of pursuing your case, as well as listen to your needs, addressing every issue and collecting every detail. A hardworking attorney will attend the scene of the accident, documenting every aspect thoroughly. They will take extensive photographs and speak with witnesses. A competent accident attorney may be a helpful in the event of a traumatic loss.

Confessions of a Former Insurance Defense Lawyer

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)14354 — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Just posted a very interesting article about insurance defence tactics to the library. It's worth a read for insight into how an insurance company works to deny your claim.

New Law Prohibits Talking On Cell Phone or Texting While Driving

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)14267 — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Oregon Legislature has passed a bill to outlaw talking on your cell phone or texting while driving.

It is scheduled to go into effect Jan 1, 2010. Gov. Kulongoski has not signed it yet, but his office says he will.

For more info, check out our recent library article and our letter to Rep. Tomei about her bill making it illegal to talk on a cell phone or text while driving.

I-5 Accident Leaves Junction City Man in Critical Condition | Oregon Collision Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)14161 — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: June 21, 2009
Location: Interstate 5, between Portland and Salem
Type: Car Accident
Outcome: 1 Minor Injury, 1 Critical Condition
Names: William Brown, Martin Landeros, Daniel Swift

KMTR.com reports that a Junction city man is left in critical condition today after an accident on I-5, between Portland and Salem on early Sunday.

65-year-old passenger Daniel Swift was critically injured when the car he was riding in collided with the semi-truck. Upon impact, the driver, 32 year old William Brown lost control of the 2005 Toyota Camry, and the car crossed three lanes of traffic before hitting the median and flipping upside down.

The driver of the semi-truck, 41-year-old Martin Landeros of Salinas, California is said to be unharmed. He is cited by a police officer on speed enforcement duty for making an unsafe lane change. The officer’s witness of the lane change will be a significant contribution to Swift and Brown’s case, if they chose to proceed with an injury claim.

We are relieved to know that both drivers, William Brown and Martin Landeros suffered no major injuries, and are saddened but hopeful that passenger Daniel Swift will pull through this tough time. We send our positive thoughts, and pray that his recovery is quick and seamless.

An accident of such traumatic proportions can have a regrettable impact on an individual’s life. Injuries resulting from an accident can affect one’s livelihood and ability to maintain a secure financial foundation. Such accidents can result in massive debt, which more than likely will include medical bills. (Read more about ways to pay your medical bills as a result of a personal injury.) With an experienced Oregon collision attorney, injured car accident victims gain an ally who will can help them navigate their claim. This help may include determining whether a client can rely upon his or her Personal Injury Protection, otherwise known as "PIP" to help eliminate mounting medical bills.

Despite the circumstances, if you, or someone you know has been in an auto-related accident, seek the counsel of a personal injury or collision attorney to find out what you can do to receive the care and compensation you deserve.

Five Injured in Ford Model A Accident | Oregon Highway Collision Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)14151 — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: June 21, 2009

Location: Hanley Road and Oregon 238

Type: Car Accident

Outcome: Five injuries, two serious, three minor

Names: Kenneth Chandler, Jordan Chandler, Richard Mace, Daile Prettyman, Jake Ramos, Robert Thompson

A head-on crash involving a 1928 Ford Model A injured five people this Saturday near the intersection of Hanley Road and Oregon 238.

The accident took place when Jake Ramos, 53, of Medford, swerved his pick-up truck through the intersection into incoming traffic to avoid a stopped car. Police do not know why Ramos was not able to stop his car in time, as the car he was trying to avoid had made a required stop.

Daile Prettyman, 67, the driver of the Ford Model A, and passenger Richard Mace, 65, of Medford, Oregon suffered serious injuries. Passengers Kenneth Chandler, 55 and Jordan Chandler, 16, suffered only minor injuries. A passenger in Ramos’s car, 11-year-old Robert Thompson of Medford was injured in the crash as well. All five passengers were taken to Rogue Valley Medical Center in Medford.

Getting into a car accident can have a significant emotional impact that can be lasting and traumatic. It is our sincerest hope that the victims of this crash heal quickly, and that none of the injuries are severe enough to debilitate them. Please keep the victims and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

It may be in the victim’s best interest to contact an Oregon injury lawyer immediately. A good accident lawyer will do everything in their power to advocate for their client’s rights. He or she can help their client understand what to say to an insurance companies in the wake of an accident, or for instance what approach they will need to take with their own or another's insurance policy.

Fatal Crash on I-5 near Creswell | Oregon Highway Collision Attorneys

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)14035 — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: June 17, 2009
Location: Interstate 5, near Creswell, Oregon
Type: Car Accident
Outcome: Two deaths, one injury (severity unknown)
Names: Brian Coontz, Cathleen Coontz, Kailee Coontz, Stephen Whitaker, one unidentified injury victim

Interstate 5 is now open to traffic after a fatal crash near Creswell took the lives of two people, including a child this Wednesday around 9 P.M. The road was blocked after the accident for Oregon State Police investigation.

The collision took place when a northbound motor home quickly switched across the median, heading directly into oncoming southbound traffic. One passenger of the motor home was killed, as well as a child in the southbound vehicle. Another accident victim is reported to have been airlifted to Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend.

Cathleen Coontz, driver of the southbound car, survived, as did the man apparently responsible for the collision, Stephen Whitaker, the driver of the motorhome. One victim has been identified as five year old Kailee Coontz of Springfield, Oregon. An unidentified passenger of the motor home passed away as well.

The investigation as to what caused the crash is in progress. So far, alcohol or faulty mechanical work on the motor home has yet to be ruled out.

History of this particular stretch of Interstate 5 shows that the road is somewhat unsafe. Within a five mile radius of the Wednesday accident, 14 people have died within 10 years as a result of median crossing by either one northbound or southbound driver. The Oregon Department of Transportation agrees that new measures to widen the interstate median will heighten the road's safety.

As a father myself, I cannot imagine the horror of losing a child so young and perfect. It is a nightmare come true, and reading about it tears a person up. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cathleen Coontz and the rest of Kailee's family, and our hearts also go out to all the other victims of this terrible collision during this very difficult time.

What appears simple on paper may prove to be a complex accident to investigate. There are many possible reasons why Stephen Whitaker allowed the motorhome to cross into oncoming traffic. Perhaps he was drinking, asleep, distracted. Perhaps the steering failed due to faulty maintainence, or a poor design. Until a thorough investigation is performed, there is no way to be sure.

It is a normal human desire at times like this to turn away from thoughts of justice, and to focus on mourning. That is entirely appropriate. But in a case like this there can sometimes be a race to discover evidence, and there is some important evidence that can be lost. As an example, if it turns out the crash was caused by a faulty steering mechanism - and the entire motorhome - must be preserved. Otherwise, the motorhome company will not be held accountable and will continue to produce faulty steering mechanisms. And I'd be willing to bet that the insurance companies are already working on their investigtion. It can be important not to let them get too far ahead.

Chiropractic Care And You

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)14028 — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Sustaining a personal injury can be a life changing event. Not only are you in physical pain, but finding a caring and competent chiropractor can prove frustrating and difficult. This new article provides solid tips on how to find an Oregon chiropractor that meets your needs.

What to Document in Case of an Accident

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)13859 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Shulman Dubois provides helpful tips on how and what to document in case of an accident. Find out who you should file a report with directly after your accident, what to photograph and other important actions that can help the success of your Oregon personal injury case.

Wrong way driver injures two on I-84 | Oregon Car Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)13775 — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: June 16, 2009
Location: Near Exit 209 on I-84, Pendleton, OR
Type: Car Accident
Outcome: 2 injuries (severity unknown)
Names: Unreleased

An head-on collision on I-84 near Pendleton injured two people this morning. According to the East Oregonian, a motorist driving a silver Honda Odyssey entered the eastbound side of the I-84 and then made a U-turn to head west, still in the eastbound lane. The crash happened when a westbound white Dodge pickup saw the Odyssey in the middle of its U-turn and attempted to avoid it by swerving, but could not. The vehicles hit nearly head-on just as the driver of the Honda was finishing the U-turn.

Both the driver of the Dodge pickup as well as a female passenger in the Honda were injured in the wreck, and had to be transported to St. Anthony Hospital in Pendleton for treatment. The OSP reported that the driver of the Honda will probably be cited for reckless driving and reckless endangerment. The news report has not mentioned whether or not the Honda driver was under the influence.

We hope that the crash victims are able to recover from their injuries as quickly as possible, and that the Honda passenger's injuries were not too serious. At this point, their conditions have not been released. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The crash victims and their families may be well served by contacting an experienced Oregon car accident attorney who can advocate on their behalf and make sure that their rights are protected. The driver of the Honda should absolutely be held responsible for his reckless driving, and for the injuries he caused by attempting to drive the wrong way. Any factors that may have contributed to his careless driving should also be thoroughly and diligently researched, which an excellent attorney will be able to do.

Albany school driver dead after I-5 wreck | Oregon Car Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)13577 — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: June 11, 2009
Location: I-5, north of Albany, OR
Type: Car Accident
Outcome: One death, one minor injury
Names: James Paul Marlow Jr., Levi Brown

61-year-old Greater Albany Public School District driver James Paul Marlow Jr. was killed this afternoon in a single-car crash on I-5 under the Viewcrest overpass. According to kgw.com, Marlow was driving 17-year-old female student Levi Brown to a local hospital after Brown had been injured at an after-school program when his southbound van veered off the right shoulder and slammed into a concrete overpass pillar.

Marlow was pronounced dead on the scene. Brown survived the crash with non-life threatening injuries, and was transported by ambulance to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Our hearts go out to everyone who knew and loved James Marlow Jr., and we will keep our thoughts and prayers with them as they suffer this great loss. We also hope that Ms. Brown makes a full and speedy recovery, and that she is able to get back to her normal life as quickly as possible.

At this point, the Oregon State Police are continuing to investigate the crash to determine what caused it -- that is, whether or not Marlow was fatigued, driving under the influence, or driving negligently; whether or not the van suffered from some sort of mechanical failure; etc.

In this case, the families of Brown and Marlow would be well advised to consult an Oregon car accident attorney who can fully research the details of the crash. It is unclear right now who or what caused the crash, but if, for instance, the van was the property of the Great Albany Public School District and the crash was caused by improper maintenance of the van, the school district could be held accountable. Investigations might also show that Marlow was responsible for the crash due to reckless or negligent driving.

Highway 97 crash leaves Oregonian couple dead | Oregon Car Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)13506 — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: June 9, 2009
Location: Highway 97, south of Klamath Falls
Type: Car Accident
Outcome: 2 Deaths
Names: Barbara Leona Boice, John Allison Boice II, Gustavo Chang, Lydell Wilkerson

A two-car crash south of Klamath Falls left two Oregonians dead on Tuesday morning. According to OSP Lieutenant Steve Nork, the collision occurred when a southbound 2004 Ford Explorer, driven by 65-year old Barbara Leona Boice of Keno, drifted from its lane across the center median and ran into the rear wheels of a 2009 commercial Freightliner truck. It is unclear from the news report what caused the vehicle to travel from its lane.

Though the entire real axle of the truck was torn off from the crash, Gustavo Chang, its driver, was luckily unharmed; Lydell Wilkerson, his passenger, also survived the crash uninjured. Unfortunately, both Barbara and her husband, John Allison Boice II, who was a passenger in the Explorer, died in the crash.

Our heart goes out to all the friends and family members of Barbara and John Boice, and we will continue to keep them in our thoughts during this tragic time. Please do the same.

We also hope that Chang and Wilkerson are able to recover emotionally and mentally from the shock of this crash -- getting into a car wreck, even if physically unharming, can be an extremely emotionally traumatic experience, sometimes even leading to post-traumatic stress disorder. We wish them the very best.

Reckless driver kills passenger in single-car crash on Interstate 82 | Oregon Car Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)13407 — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: June 6, 2009
Location: Interstate 82, south of Umatilla
Type: Car Accident
Outcome: One death, one minor injury
Names: Anton Yevgenyevich Karpeyev, David Allen Ferguson

Salem-News.com reported today that the driver of the van in a fatal Friday morning car crash has been arrested. Anton Yevegenyevich Karpeyev was driving a 2005 Dodge Caravan with passenger David Allen Ferguson eastbound on Interstate 82 when the crash occurred. Karpeyev was apparently using the center median shoulder to pass cars when he lost control of his vehicle, sending the van across both lanes of eastbound traffic. The van rolled over several times and ended up on the right shoulder of the interstate.

Ferguson, who was not wearing safety restraints, was ejected from the vehicle during the crash and critically injured. He later died of his injuries at Good Shepherd Hospital in Hermiston. Karpeyev was not seriously injured in the wreck, and was treated for minor injuries at Good Shepherd Hospital.

We offer our deepest condolences to the friends and family of David Ferguson. We can only imagine the incredible grief and loss they must be experiencing. Please keep your thoughts with them during this tragic time.

Karpeyev was arrested and booked into Umatilla County Jail for Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Criminally Negligent Homicide and Reckless Driving. He had apparently been cited for speed violations in Montana, Idaho and Washington before the Oregon crash. In a case like this, the family of David Ferguson may want to consider contacting an excellent Oregon personal injury attorney to fight for justice and advocate on their behalf, making sure that they get the justice they deserve.

Fatal car crash kills two on Highway 214 in Hubbard | Oregon Car Accident Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)13339 — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: June 5, 2009
Location: Highway 214 and Monitor-McKee Road NE, Hubbard, OR
Type: Car Accident
Outcome: 2 Deaths, 3 Major Injuries, 2 Minor Injuries
Names: Francisco Pedraza Velazquez, Anthoney Mametieff, Michael Avgi, Simon Alagoz, Alexei Michael Alagoz, Anya Cherinishoff

Post updated June 8, 2009. Thanks to JP Mills for bringing this to our attention.

19-year-old Alexei Alagoz and 15-year-old Anya Cherinishoff were killed Friday night in a two-car crash that occurred at the intersection of Highway 214 and Monitor-McKee Road NE in Hubbard. According to Salem-News.com, the crash happened when a 1991 Ford E250 van headed south on Highway 214 passed through the intersection at Monitor-McKee Road, and hit a 1997 Honda Accord with six passengers, including Alagoz and Cherinishoff, inside.

Both Francisco Pedraza Velazquez, the 39-year-old driver of the Ford van, and the driver of the Honda, Simon Alagoz, sustained non-life threatening injuries from the crash. Honda passengers Anthoney Mametieff and Michael Avgi were critically injured in the crash and transported to Salem Hospital and Oregon Health Sciences University, respectively. A third unnamed passenger was also transported to OHSU.

We extend our deepest sympathies to everyone who knew and loved both Alexei and Anya. We can only imagine the incredible grief that their friends and family must be going through. To lose a loved one is always tragic, but to lose someone so young is especially awful. Please keep them in your thoughts. We also pray that all the crash survivors make full recoveries from their injuries.

Highway 214 is a through-road; Monitor-McKee Road is controlled by a stop sign at that intersection. Oregon State Police officers will continue to investigate the crash to determine what exactly caused the crash. From the first reports, it appears that the driver of the van ran the stop sign. In any case, the passengers may be well advised to contact a reputed Oregon car accident attorney who can diligently research the facts of the car crash to determine what their best options are.

Yacolt 2-year-old run over by father | Injuries to Children & Minors

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)13305 — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: June 1, 2009
Location: Northeast Amro Avenue, Yacolt, WA
Type: Pedestrian & Crosswalk Collisions
Outcome: 1 Minor Injury
Names: Unknown

According to The Columbian, a Yacolt father accidentally ran over his 2-year-old son on Monday morning while backing out of the driveway of his home. Clark County deputies reported that the father had apparently believed the boy to be inside the house when the incident happened, and failed to see him in the driveway.

The young boy was transported to Southwest Washington Medical Center and then to Legacy Emanuel in Portland. He suffered a broken leg from the collision, but appears to be in good condition. Clark County deputies have not found any evidence of foul play, and the father was not cited.

We are extremely relieved that the young boy seems to be recuperating well from the incident, and hope that he continues to make a speedy and complete recovery. We also wish the very best for the father in this situation, who is probably experiencing major shock, fear, and guilt over what has happened.

This kind of case also raises the question: can a 2-year-old sue his own father? Such a question seems outrageous, and the thought of it rightfully turns many people's stomachs. Yet what is most outrageous, in our opinion, is that the insurance company will most likely capitalize on that absurdity, and use it to deny the boy access to his father's liability insurance.

In other words, the father should have access to two separate sources of money through his automobile insurance to cover his son's injuries: PIP, and liability insurance. Without a lawsuit, the insurance company will most likely only pay out the $15,000 in medical bills from PIP, and nothing from liability insurance. If the boy's medical bills cost more than $15,000, then he will have to use his health insurance to cover the rest -- unless, of course, he happens to be part of the 11% of Oregon children who do not have health insurance.

In short, the 2-year-old can sue his dad, and sadly, may be forced to by his father's own insurance company. An experienced attorney would first appoint a "guardian ad litem" for the child, which means simply a guardian solely for the purpose of the lawsuit. That "Guardian Ad Litem" then would bring the suit on behalf of the boy, and would collect money from dad's auto insurance. The money could be used to pay medical bills, and any leftover would go into a protected bank account for the child when he turns 18.

Sanchez-Sanchez family receives nearly $500,000 in settlement money | Suing a government entity

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)13260 — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: July 1, 2006
Location: Northeast 188th Avenue and Glisan Street, Gresham, OR
Type: Car Accident
Outcome: One death, two major injuries
Names: Marino Sanchez-Sanchez, Joshua Linstrom, Jose Bahena, Diego Martinez

Marino Sanchez-Sanchez, a 29-year-old father of two, was killed nearly three years ago when Gresham police officer Joshua Linstrom ran a stop sign at the intersection of NE 188th Ave and Glisan St. and crashed into a mini-van of which Sanchez-Sanchez was a passenger. Linstrom had apparently failed to see the stop sign because it was obscured by cherry tree branches.

On Tuesday, The Gresham Outlook announced that the city of Gresham will pay $500,000 total in settlement money to the family of Sanchez-Sanchez as well as the two other men in the vehicle, Diego Martinez (driver) and Joe Bahena, who survived the crash with injuries. Multnomah County will pay $50,000, and the homeowners of the property on which the cherry tree was located will pay $150,000 through their homeowners' insurance. Multnomah County was held partly responsible for the crash since it had an agreement with Gresham to maintain vegetation along the roadway. Homeowners Mark and Patricia Fletcher were sued for failing to prune the tree branches that obscured the stop sign.

Though the settlement money is small consolation in the face of losing a husband and a father, it does mean that Marino's children will have college funds set up and Marino's wife will be amply supported. With the help of Brendan Dummigan, an experienced and dedicated attorney, the Sanchez-Sanchez family will not have to face financial destitution and poverty. It is fortunate that Dummigan knew to sue every possible defendant in this case, and within the tort claim deadline (180 days). Had he not, the Sanchez-Sanchezs may have ended up with only a fraction of the settlement money they rightfully deserved.

Still, there is no amount of money that could ever truly compensate the Sanchez-Sanchez family for their tragic loss. Our hearts go out to everyone who knew and loved Marino, and especially Marino's children, who are 5 and 7 years old and will have to grow up without a father. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Kris Miles, 14, struggles to recover months after being hit by a car | Portland Bike Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)13188 — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: January 21, 2009
Location: Southeast 136th Avenue and Seventh Street, Vancouver, WA
Type: Car vs. bicycle
Outcome: Severe brain injury | TBI
Names: Kris Miles, Andrea Dickinson

The Columbian recently published a story about the long path towards recovery for 14-year-old Kris Miles of Vancouver, WA, who was hit by an SUV while riding his bicycle in mid-January. 28-year-old Andrea Dickinson, who was driving the SUV, failed to see Kris in the crosswalk. She struck him at a speed of somewhere between 13 and 30 m.p.h, causing Kris and his bike to fall under the SUV and drag along the road.

The collision left Kris with severe head trauma that required major brain surgery and sixteen weeks of hospitalization at Legacy Emanuel. Though he is home now, Kris' struggles are far from over: responsive to his family only through grunts, blinks, and finger gestures, Kris cannot eat, bathe, or walk by himself.

Please keep Kris in your thoughts and prayers. Our hearts go out to all of his loved ones, and especially the Miles family, who remain admirably strong in the face of crisis. Kris' father, Ken Miles, stopped working full time so that he could devote more time to taking care of Kris. As parents ourselves, we can only imagine the incredible pain and shock that Ken and his wife, Shannon, must be going through. We also hope that Kris is getting the very best medical care and treatment for his traumatic brain injury -- an all too common outcome of automobile trauma.

As lawyers and as parents, these kinds of stories are hard to read. They remind us how vitally important it is to fight for justice, but simultaneously highlight how deeply inadequate that justice can be. For his injuries, pain, and dramatically impacted ability to function in daily life, Kris and his family absolutely deserve to be compensated. Yet no amount of money could possibly make up for what Kris and his family have had to experience. It is unclear whether or not the Miles family has contacted an attorney at this point, but if so, we wish them the best possible outcome while acknowledging that it will never be enough.

Driver arrested for reckless driving after three-vehicle crash | Oregon Car Accident Lawyer

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)13091 — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: May 31, 2009
Location: Northwest Lower River Road, Vancouver, WA
Type: Car Accident
Outcome: 1 Minor Injury
Names: Andrey Runov, Clarissa Kemrer, Kelly Ehrich

Vancouver woman Kelly Ehrich, 33, had to be transported by ambulance to Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital last night after a three-vehicle crash on Northwest Lower River Road. According to The Oregonian, the crash happened when 24-year-old Andrey Runov of Portland, headed southbound, attempted to pass a car driven by Clarissa Kemrer in a no-passing zone entering a blind S-curve. Runov slammed into Ehrich's northbound vehicle, forcing it off the roadway. Runov then collided with Kemrer's vehicle, pushing it off the road on the west side and causing it to roll over. Vancouver police reported that Runov was driving above the 45 mph speed limit.

The crash left Ehrich with a possible left foot fracture, but otherwise unharmed. Neither Kemrer nor Runov seemed to sustain injuries from the collision. Runov was cited for not having insurance, and arrested for reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, driving without an ignition interlock as required, and making a false statement to a police officer. He was booked into the Clark County Jail.

We are incredibly glad that neither Kemrer nor Ehrich suffered critical injuries in this crash. We hope that Ehrich's foot injury is not severe, and that she makes a complete recovery. We can only imagine the shock, anger, and frustration that both victims must be experiencing; to find yourself injured because somebody else was being reckless and irresponsible is truly awful. We wish them the very best, and hope that Runov is put to justice.

What may not be obvious is that Kemrer and Ehrich can still receive compensation for their injuries and losses, even if Runov does not have auto insurance. Ehrich's PIP should cover up to $15,000 over the course of one year in medical bills for her injured foot. Any other losses from the crash for which Ehhrich (or Kemrer) wish to be compensated can be collected from their respective Uninsured Motorist policies (UM). Both women also have the option to sue Runov personally; if he were particularly wealthy, this may be a good option. An experienced Oregon or Washington car accident attorney will know how to check Runov's assets. With the help of a good lawyer, both victims should be able to collect the compensation they deserve.

Carver crash injures three; requires High Angle Rescue | Oregon Car Accident Lawyer

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)13056 — Sun, 31 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: May 31, 2009
Location: Highway 224 and SE 197th Avenue, Carver, OR
Type: Car Accident
Outcome: 3 Minor Injuries
Names: Alexandria Anderson, Tammy Lynn Wissman, David Hensley

Three people were injured in a two-vehicle car crash this morning on Highway 224 near Carver. According to a Salem-News.com report, 24-year-old Canby resident Alexandria Anderson was driving westbound on Highway 224 in a 1977 Volkswagen Beetle convertible when she lost control around a curve in the road. The Volkswagen then drifted into the eastbound lane, slamming into the passenger side of a Jeep Sahara SUV driven by Tammy Lynn Wissman of Boring.

The force of the collision caused the Jeep to roll onto its top, while Anderson's vehicle toppled off the road and down an 80 foot embankment. Anderson was transported by American Medical Response via High Angle Rescue to Oregon Health Sciences University for treatment, though her injuries did not appear to be life-threatening. Wissman's passenger, David P. Hensley, was also injured in the crash and taken to Mt. Hood Medical Center. Wissman refused medical transport, though she did sustain minor injuries from the collision.

While we are extremely relieved that the injuries from this collision were not more serious, our thoughts remain with the crash victims. We pray that each of them makes a quick and complete recovery.

It is unclear from this report whether or not Anderson was speeding at the time of the crash, or if there were other factors that caused her to lose control of her vehicle. In any case, Tammy Wissman and David Hensley would be well advised to get in touch with a well-recommended Oregon personal injury attorney who will thoroughly investigate the details of the crash and help them get the compensation they deserve. The best Oregon personal injury attorneys will give a comprehensive consultation to injured victims about their case absolutely free of charge. For more information, see our guidelines and hard rules to finding a good personal injury lawyer.

Bicycle vs bicycle collision injures Portland woman | Portland Bike Lawyers

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)13030 — Sat, 30 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: May 26, 2009
Location: Steel Bridge and NE Lloyd Boulevard, Portland, OR
Type: Bike Accident
Outcome: 1 Minor Injury
Names: Unknown

A Portland woman was injured last week in a hit-and-run bike-on-bike collision. According to BTA Board Member Mary Roberts, the woman was riding her bicycle eastward up to the bike/ped trail junction at NE Lloyd Blvd when a southbound cyclist rounded the corner wide and collided with her. The woman then fell from her bike and was unable to get up; the other cyclist, seemingly unharmed, biked away from the scene without stopping.

The collision left the woman with a broken bone in her leg that required hospitalization and surgery. At this point, it may be months before she is able to ride her bicycle again.

We wish the very best for the injured biker and pray that she makes a full and speedy recovery. To be biking one day and in a hospital bed the next must be a truly traumatic experience. Our hearts go out to her and her family.

As fellow members of the Portland biking community, we at Shulman DuBois are deeply disturbed by the apparent lack of human empathy on the part of the second bicyclist. We believe that Portland should be a safe place to ride your bike -- and that includes looking out for one another.

This kind of collision also raises questions about the overall safety of Portland roadways for bikes and bikers. According to Roberts, the intersection where the collision took place is "treacherous" and "poorly designed for the level of use it gets." In this case, the injured victim may want to consider consulting a personal injury attorney with experience in bicycle accidents about her options in this case -- and to do so soon. While the normal time limit for filing an Oregon injury lawsuit is 2 years, if the victim decides to sue the City of Portland or Multnomah County for creating what appears to be a dangerous bike intersection, she has to file a tort claim notice within 180 days of the incident. This time limit is strict. Failure to meet it would mean she loses all rights to hold the City or County responsible for creating a dangerous situation.

Russell Smithson killed in hit-and-run | Oregon Car Accident Lawyer

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)13004 — Fri, 29 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: May 29, 2009
Location: South Hayden Road, Estacada, OR
Type: Hit-and-run
Outcome: 1 fatality
Names: Russell Evan Smithson, Jonathan Charles Leonard

29-year-old Russell "Rusty" Evan Smithson of Estacada was tragically killed early this morning by a hit-and-run driver. According to KGW.com, Smithson was walking along South Hayden Road around 2:00 a.m. with future brother-in-law Jonathan Leonard when a vehicle hit Smithson and then drove away. The two men had apparently started walking down the road after their motorcycle had broken down nearby. Leonard was not harmed.

A description of the suspect vehicle has not yet been released by the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, according to the Portland Tribune.

We offer our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Russell Smithson. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. We can only imagine what his loved ones are going through at a time like this -- not only do they have to face the sorrow of losing somebody close to them, but they also have to cope with the anger and frustration that accompany hit-and-run crashes. It is hard to understand how someone could hit a pedestrian and then simply speed away, seemingly remorseless.

Hit and run is a serious violation of Oregon Vehicle Code 811.705. We can only hope that Clackamas County Sheriffs find the suspect driver as quickly as possible. The hit-and-run driver must be held civilly and criminally responsible for his or her actions. In a case like this, The Smithson family may be well advised to contact a reputed personal injury attorney with experience in hit-and-run crashes who will fight for the justice and compensation that they deserve. At Shulman DuBois, we believe that what happened to Russell Smithson is simply unacceptable; we are committed to making sure that hit-and-run drivers are held accountable for their actions and that both victims and families receive the compensation they deserve.

Careless driving crash injures eight on Wilson River Highway | Oregon Car Accident Lawyer

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)12827 — Wed, 27 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: May 25, 2009
Location: Northwest Wilson River Highway and Gales Creek Road, Gales Creek, OR
Type: Car Accident
Outcome: 8 Minor Injuries
Names: Heidi Fuiten, Robert Lee Graves, Yareli Venegas, Jesus Velazquez, Kasandra Ducan

Eight people were injured in a three-car crash on the Wilson River Highway on Monday evening. According to The Oregonian, Heidi M. Fuiten, 47, was attempting to turn left on to Gales Creek Road while headed west on the Wilson River Highway when she was rear-ended by 19-year-old Robert Lee Graves in a 2008 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck. The force of the collision sent Fuiten's BMW convertible into oncoming traffic, where Jesus Velazquez, who was driving east in a Ford Expedition SUV, crashed into Fuiten head-on.

Fuiten was injured in the crash and transported to an area hospital. Though Velazquez did not require medical attention, all six passengers in his Expedition did. At least one of them, 16-year-old Yareli Venegas, was thought to be seriously injured, and had to be transported by LifeFlight to Oregon Health Sciences University Hospital. Fortunately, The Oregonian reported that all crash victims have been released from the hospital as of Tuesday.

Neither Graves nor his passenger, Kasandra Ducan, was hurt in the crash. Graves was later cited for careless driving, a violation of ORS 811.135.

We offer our deepest condolences to everyone hurt in this car crash. Though we can breathe a sigh of relief now that everyone has been treated for their injuries and released from the hospital, we can only imagine the emotional shock that the crash victims must be going through. It is scary enough to be involved in such a serious car crash -- to be injured in such a serious car crash because of someone else's carelessness is even scarier. We hope that Heidi Fuiten, Yareli Venegas, Jesus Velazquez, and all of his passengers get the justice they deserve.

Fuiten, Velazquez, and Velazquez's passengers may well be served by contacting a competent Oregon car accident lawyer who can protect their rights and get the most out of their insurance policies. Though their hospital stay was not very long, even short-term medical care can be extremely expensive. A good personal injury attorney will know how to navigate the insurance policies involved, and how to get medical bills covered. If you'd like more information on what a good personal injury lawyer does, click here or order a copy of our guide to the 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case.

Seven people injured in Highway 97 crash | Oregon Car Accident Lawyer

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)12790 — Wed, 27 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: May 23, 2009
Location: Highway 97, near Madras, OR
Type: Car Accident
Outcome: 7 Injuries
Names: William Bunton, Shirley Bunton, Aldwin Keo, Jeremiah Smith, Luther Keo, Andre Thomas, James Keo

Seven people were injured Saturday afternoon in a head-on two-vehicle crash on Highway 97, just south of Madras. William Bunton, 66, was headed north on Highway 97 with his wife, Shirley Bunton, when their 2005 Nissan truck and camper crossed the center line and crashed into a 2001 Pontiac Gran Prix, The Bellingham Herald reported. Bunton and his wife, along with Aldwin Keo, the driver of the Pontiac, and all four of his passengers (Jeremiah Smith, Luther Keo, Andre Thomas, and James Keo) were transported to area hospitals with unspecified injuries.

Bunton told OSP investigators that he was looking at the truck's fuel gauge when it drifted into southbound traffic. No charges have been filed, but the crash is still being investigated.

We hope that everyone involved in this car crash makes a full recovery. We are keeping Keo and his passengers, as well as the Buntons, in our thoughts.

We also hope that Keo and his passengers get all of their medical bills paid and receive just compensation for their injuries. It may be possible to do all of that without hiring an attorney, but Keo may also be better off with the help of a good personal injury lawyer who knows how to deal with insurance companies. If you've been injured in a car crash and you aren't sure whether or not you should hire a lawyer, get information and advice by ordering a free copy of 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case. Just click here.

Driver passes out; three are hospitalized | Oregon Car Accident Lawyer

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)12321 — Fri, 22 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: May 20, 2009
Location: SE 82nd Avenue, Portland, OR
Type: Car Accident
Outcome: 3 Minor Injuries
Names: Not released

Three people were injured in a two-vehicle crash Wednesday evening on SE 82nd Avenue in Portland, OR. The driver of a 2009 Chevy Impala, who appeared to have passed out while driving, crashed into the side of a Honda Civic in front of her. Both vehicles ended up going off the road, knocking down a power pole and hitting a fire hydrant.

All three parties were transported to a hospital. Fortunately, none of their injuries seemed to be life-threatening, Portland Police Officer Greg Pashley reported.

It is unclear at this point whether or not the woman driving the Impala had a previous medical condition that may have caused her to lose consciousness at the wheel, or was otherwise impaired. These kinds of car accidents can be especially complicated, because it is difficult to say exactly who, if anybody, is at fault. It may be that the woman knew that she had a certain medical condition, and should not have been driving. It may be that she was on prescription medication that had side effects her doctor did not warn her about. And it may be that it was a completely random incident. Thorough research and investigation will be needed to sort out the details of this case -- something that a competent personal injury lawyer should be able to do.

47-year-old critically injured in two-vehicle crash | Oregon Car Accident Lawyer

josh@shulmandubois.com (Blog Author)12312 — Thu, 21 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Date: May 21, 2009
Location: Highway 219 and Northeast Bell Road, near Newberg, OR
Type: Car Accident
Outcome: One major injury
Names: Jack Ashburn, Ryan Wilson

Beaverton resident Jack Ashburn, 47, was critically injured this morning in a two-vehicle crash on Oregon 219, near Newberg. The Oregon State Police reported that Ashburn was driving a 1992 Chevrolet pickup when a 2005 Volkswagen Jetta drove into his path. The driver of the Jetta was identified as Ryan Wilson, 28, of Newberg.

According to The Oregonian, Ashburn was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, and was thrown from the pickup when it rolled over. He sustained major injuries, and was transported by a LifeFlight helicopter to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. Wilson survived the crash uninjured.

We wish the very best for Jack Ashburn, and pray that he makes a full recovery.

With Ashburn in our thoughts and prayers, we at Shulman DuBois would like to take the opportunity to remind everyone to buckle up and stay safe out on the roads this holiday weekend. According to the Oregon State Police, ten people were killed in traffic accidents over Memorial Day weekend in 2007, and two people died in traffic crashes over Memorial Day weekend last year. Finally, remember that if you do happen to get into a car crash, there are people who can help protect you and your family.

Attorney Blog

Head-On Crash Kills One, Injures Five | Oregon Car Crash Lawyers

UPDATE: Bike Accident Ruled Homicide | Portland Oregon Bike Accident Attorneys

Trailer Hitch Crashes Through Window, Missing Baby | Oregon Injury Attorneys

Four Cars Crash, Seriously Injuring Three | Oregon Personal Injury Attorneys

Good Samaritan Killed in Car Crash | Portland Car Crash Attorneys

Pedestrian Seriously Injured | Southeast Portland Personal Injury Lawyer

Car Crash Seriously Injures Pedestrian | Portland Personal Injury Lawyer

Underage Drunk Driver Causes Head-On Crash | Portland Personal Injury Lawyer

Help Haiti Earthquake Victims | Portland Wrongful Death Lawyers

Nine Injured in Head-On Crash | Oregon Car Accident Attorneys

2-year-old boy killed in stroller | Oregon Car Accident Lawyers

Oregon's Cell Phone Ban | Portland Personal Injury Lawyer

UPDATE: Officer Won't Face Charges in Fatal Crash | Oregon Accident Lawyers

UPDATE: Second Pedestrian Dies after Southeast Portland Accident | Oregon Injury Lawyers

UPDATE: Officer Won't Face Charges in Fatal Crash | Oregon Accident Lawyers

Pedestrian Killed in Portland Crash | Oregon Car Accident Attorneys

California Doctor Sentenced for Assaulting Bike Riders | Oregon Accident Attorneys

Truck Crashes on U.S. 30, Injures Two | Oregon Accident Lawyers

Providence Bus Driver Arrested | Portland Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers

Rollover Kills Man from Remote | Oregon Truck Accident Lawyers

Dallas Crash Seriously Injures Three | Oregon Car Accident Lawyers

Man Killed in Single-Truck Crash | Oregon Accident Lawyers

Hit-and-Run Kills One, Injures One | Oregon Truck Accident Lawyers

Judge's decision in bike-car collision is reprehensible

Looking out for pedestrians | Oregon Accident Attorney

McMinnville Teens Struck in Crosswalk | Oregon Injury Attorneys

New Video and Testimonial Posted | Portland Accident Attorneys

Get Unsafe Buses off the Road | Oregon Injury Lawyers

Head-on Crash Kills 2, Injures 3 | Oregon Car Accident Attorneys

Changes to Personal Injury Law in Oregon

Log Trucks Collide, Seriously Injure Veneta Man | Oregon Accident Lawyers

Oregon Celebrates Safest Thanksgiving Since 1978 | Portland Injury Lawyers

Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention | Oregon Injury Attorneys

Pedestrian Killed Crossing McLoughlin Blvd. | Portland Car Accident Attorneys

One Dead, One Injured on Icy Road | Oregon Accident Lawyers

Teenage Girl Dies in Van-Truck Crash | Oregon Accident Attorneys

Woman Found Dead in Submerged Car | Oregon Accident Lawyers

Suspended Driver Arrested After Hitting Three Cars | Oregon Accident Attorneys

Woman Killed, Man Critically Injured after Bridge Crash | Oregon Accident Lawyers

Truck Drivers Injured in Head-On Crash | Oregon Accident Attorneys

Strange But True Thanksgiving Traffic Facts | Portland Car Accident Lawyers

OSP investigate Sam Barlow coach in hit-and-run | Oregon Injury Lawyers

UPDATE: Community holds benefit for hit-and-run victim; driver still not found | Portland Injury Attorneys

One Pedestrian Killed, One Injured in Crash | Portland Accident Attorneys

Car Crash Injures Pedestrian in Parking Lot | Portland Accident Lawyers

State Police Seek Vehicle of Interest After Fatal Pedestrian Crash | Oregon Injury Lawyers

New Video Posted on How to Buy Car Insurance | Oregon Accident Attorneys

Ford Recall Alert: Faulty Switch Can Spark Fires | Oregon Injury Lawyers

Car Swerves into Truck's Path, Killing Driver | Oregon Car Accident Lawyers

Truck crash in Vida, Oregon seriously injures driver | Oregon Accident Lawyers

Gresham Police seek witnesses to hit-and-run | Oregon Hit and Run Attorneys

11-Year-Old Boy Takes Coleman to Court | Portland Injury Attorneys

More tips posted on JD Supra | Portland Oregon Personal Injury Attorneys

Here's How to Keep Your Kids Safe On Halloween | Oregon Accident Lawyers

Car Hits Two Women Waiting for Highway Help | Portland Car Accident Lawyers

Springfield Accident Kills Pedestrian | Oregon Personal Injury Attorneys

Driver Killed in Truck Crash | Portland Oregon Accident Attorneys

Police Seek Driver Who Crashed Stolen Truck | Oregon Accident Lawyers

Cannon Beach Crash Kills 1, Injures 4 | Oregon Car Accident Lawyers

Man Beaten, Robbed, Killed in Rollover Crash | Portland Accident Lawyers

Garbage Truck Runs Over, Kills Woman, 62 | Oregon Accident Attorneys

Prineville Rollover Crash Seriously Injures Passenger | Oregon Truck Accident Lawyers

Motorcyclist Injured in Crash with Suspended Driver | Oregon Accident Attorneys

Girl Traumatized after Being Dragged by Bus | Oregon Injury Lawyers

Motorcycle Crash Kills Eagle Point Man | Oregon Accident Lawyers

Motorcycle-Truck Crash Seriously Injures Alaska Man | Oregon Accident Lawyers

Appeals Court Rules Implied Consent Is Coercion | Oregon Accident Lawyers

Rainy Weather Driving Tips | Oregon Car & Truck Accident Attorneys

Portland Police Bicycle Enforcement Video | Portland Injury Attorneys

Oregon Attorney Killed in Head-On Crash | Car Accident Lawyers

Man Arrested for Drunk Driving Had Record | Oregon Hit and Run Attorneys

Man Seriously Injured in Crash with Truck | Oregon Accident Attorneys

Rollover Kills Medford Man, Injures Girl | Oregon Car & Truck Attorneys

'COPS' Crew Seriously Injured in Portland | Oregon Car Crash Attorneys

"Phantom" Vehicle Sought in Fatal Rollover | Oregon Accident Lawyers

Distracted Driving Summit revs up in Washington D.C. | Portland Oregon Car Accident Attorneys

Family Members Sought after Fatal Motorcycle Crash | Oregon Injury Attorneys

Speed Reportedly a Factor in Motorcyclist's Death | Portland Injury Attorneys

Canadian Bicyclist Killed after Falling into Traffic | Bicycle Accident Attorneys