Two people have died in an Oregon car accident caused as a result of a head-on collision December 6, 2009, on the Oregon 223 in Polk County. A news report in The Oregonian identifies the deceased as 24-year-old Rebecca Dunaway and her passenger, 18-year-old Damon Wachtler. Oregon State Police officials said a 1994 Hyundai Excel driven by Dunaway collided head-on with a 2002 Dodge Durango. A 3-year-old girl and 33-year-old Jennifer Dobbins, who were passengers in the Dodge, as well as its driver, 27-year-old Barrett Overhoff, were seriously injured in the crash.

Head-On Collision Causes Deaths and Serious Injuries

Police say the Durango crossed the solid double yellow lines and crashed into the Hyundai. Officials do not know what caused Overhoff to cross over to opposing lanes of traffic. Police also said Dunaway, Wachtler and Dobbins were buckled up and that the child was in a safety seat as well. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in this fatal car accident.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of these young victims – Rebecca Dunaway and Damon Wachtler. Please keep these grieving families and injured victims in your prayers.

Car Accident Investigations Can Be Complex

Based on this news report, officials are still investigating what caused the Durango to cross over and go into the opposite traffic lane. Alcohol or driving under the influence is being ruled out as a factor in this fatal crash. There are still several other questions. Was the driver of the Durango, Overhoff, distracted, fatigued or driving recklessly at the time of the accident? Was he trying to pass another vehicle on this highway? Was he going too fast? Did he lose control of his vehicle because of an auto product defect or a mechanical malfunction?

The answers to these questions should help determine who or what caused this tragic accident. If Overhoff caused this accident, then he could be held liable for the wrongful deaths of Dunaway and Wachtler. If an auto product defect in the Dodge caused this accident then the auto maker could be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries. If a product defect or a malfunction is suspected, the Dodge Durango should be preserved unaltered so it can be carefully examined by an expert for malfunctions, vehicle defects and other evidence. The best Oregon personal injury attorneys will always offer a free consultation to injured victims and/or their families.

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

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