Fatal Passenger Car Crash in Hillsboro – Wrongful Death Attorney

Washington County Sheriff’s Office said a passenger was fatally injured in a car crash on Southwest Hillsboro Highway. The driver of the vehicle lost control, left the roadway and crashed into a tree. He was taken to a nearby trauma hospital for evaluation of injuries but is expected to survive. A second passenger from Beaverton was treated for injuries at the scene of the car crash. Southwest Hillsboro Highway was closed near the accident scene for several hours as the crash was investigated by officials.

Passengers Have a Wrongful Death Claim

In most car accident or wrongful death claims, the suit is towards the driver of the other vehicle. However, when a passenger is injured or dies from the negligence of the driver of the car in which the passenger was riding, a case can be made against the driver. In the car accident mentioned above, the passenger was not at fault for the negligence of the driver. Surviving family members can then bring forth what is known as a wrongful death case.

What is Wrongful Death?

Wrongful death is a legal term to describe a claim that certain individuals can make against a person who wrongfully or negligently causes the death of another. Wrongful death claims are enacted by the state legislature to govern who can bring a wrongful death claim.

A wrongful death lawsuit allows the victim’s family to seek out compensation any financial losses acquired as a result of the death. Wrongful death is also a way the family can seek justice against the negligent party.

How is a Fatal Car Crash a Wrongful Death Case?

The following are some scenarios in which filing a wrongful death case would be applicable:

Car Accident

Many wrongful death cases are filed after a fatal car accident. There are many ways the other driver can be found negligent for the victim’s death following a car accident. For instance, a distracted driver who caused a car crash can be held responsible for their negligent behavior through a wrongful death case if they killed the other driver. Anyone operating a motor vehicle is under oath to act responsibly and drive safely. When a negligent driver chose to do otherwise and harms another, they should be held accountable.

DUI

A driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a prime candidate for being held responsible for a fatality. Clearly, it is easy to see the negligence of a drunk driver.

Premises Liability

Incidents such as a slip and fall accident where the owner of the property should have known of the hazardous circumstances that caused a death make the owner liable for negligence. It is rare for a person to die from a slip and fall accident or other common premise liability scenarios. However, situations such as an accidental drowning, also fall under this category.

Wrongful Death Attorney

If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another, contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Parke Gordon Law Firm to see if you have a good wrongful death case. We will fight for the compensation you are owed. Call our Portland law office now for a free consultation.