Fatal Car Accident on Highway 97 in Deschutes County
On June 12 at 3:30 PM, Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Highway 97 in Deschutes County at milepost 118.
The early investigation showed that a Chevy Malibu, driven by Ann Marie Brock, 59, was traveling northbound on Highway 97 preparing to make a left turn into a driveway. The Malibu was hit from the rear by a Nissan Rogue driven by James Rooks, 73. The impact pushed the Chevy into the southbound lane into the path of a Toyota Highlander driven by Stephanie Bates, 31.
Brock suffered fatal injuries and died at the crash scene. Rooks and his passenger were taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. Bates and her passengers also were taken to the same hospital with injuries.
Determining Fault in Three-Car Accidents
Some Oregon car accidents involve more than one or two vehicles. When three or more vehicles are involved, determining who is at fault can get complicated. If you have been injured in a three-car accident in Oregon, it is important to talk to The Herron Law Firm to ensure that you get proper compensation for your injuries.
What Types Are Three-Car Accidents Claims
Many three-vehicle crashes are rear-end accidents. In the above accident, it appears that the driver behind the vehicle turning left did not slow down in time, slamming into the second vehicle, resulting in that vehicle careening across the rode and being struck by a third vehicle. It appears in this case that fault is with the second driver, but additional investigation is needed for that to be conclusive.
How Do Insurers View Liability in a Three-Car Crash
How insurance companies view liability depends on who most contributed to the crash. In most rear-end accidents, the fault usually is with the rear driver, but this is not always true. For example, there could be a rear-end crash where the driver in front brakes at the last second at a red light and is hit from the rear. Therefore, this type of accident could involve shared liability.
Comparative Negligence Laws in Oregon and Three-Car Accidents
Oregon follows a comparative negligence rule when considering fault in car crashes. Comparative negligence affects how much each party can get in a settlement. The court will lower your damage award based on the percentage of fault that is attributed to you.
If the jury decides that your damages and injuries in an Oregon three-car accident are $100,000, but it says you are 20% at fault for the crash, your award is reduced by $20,000.
Obtaining A Fair Settlement in a Three-Car Crash
If you have injuries in a three-car crash in Oregon and fault is being contested, you want the services of a skilled personal injury attorney, such as The Herron Law Firm.
Oregon laws allow more than one party to be at fault for a crash, so you can expect insurance companies to try to pin as much fault on you as you can, even if you have severe injuries. This makes sense from their perspective: The more you are at fault, the less they have to pay for your serious injuries.
Spousal Losses
Always talk to The Herron Law Firm after serious accident.
That is why you need good legal representation in accidents where liability is unclear, such as in many three-car accidents. Contact The Herron Law Firm today if you have been in a three-car accident and have injuries and damages.
READ MORE:
Part 1: What Insurance Companies Do To Reduce Payouts?
- Looking For One of The Best Portland Pedestrian Accident Attorneys to Represent You?
- Medical Bill Payments
- Is it Bad To Give Recorded Statements?
- What Happens to At-Fault Personal If I File the Case Against Them?
- PTSD Cases
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