An Oregon highway was closed for several hours recently after a fatal crash claimed the life of one local man. The car accident occurred on a recent Friday afternoon. It happened when one driver attempted to turn onto Highway 99W near Junction City.
Oregon police say that the driver of a pickup truck had come to a stop just before attempting to turn southbound on 99W. As he began the turn, a car that was coming toward him in the northbound direction struck the side of the pickup truck. The impact caused the death of the passenger in the vehicle that crashed into the pickup truck.
Local authorities are continuing to investigate the incident. As they do, they may seek to determine which of the drivers was at fault for the fatal car accident. To make such determinations, officials typically speak with eyewitnesses and survivors, as well as review all physical evidence that is available.
Once fault is determined in a fatal car accident, the driver whose actions caused the death of a passenger may find that they can face personal injury liability. Such liability is not available to all survivors of a fatal accident victim, but in some cases a claim may be made. If this is the case, the damages that can be asserted against the driver at fault may include lost wages, medical costs and other economic losses. Though the survivors of the now-deceased victim of this tragic accident have lost more than any personal injury claim can ever recover, the financial relief that could be offered may be a first step in healing from such an unfortunate event.
Source: oregonlive.com, “Police release names of those involved in fatal two-car crash near Junction City,” Katherine Driessen, Oct. 20, 2012