Who Handles What? A Guide to Oregon Injury & Wrongful Death Attorneys

Strong Law Accident & Injury Attorneys

Accidents Raise Questions, Not Just Injuries

On June 24, 2025, a bicyclist riding against traffic on River Road in Eugene was hospitalized after being struck by a Toyota Sienna. The crash caused significant traffic delays and renewed local concerns about road safety for cyclists (KVAL News).

A few weeks later, on July 9, a motorcyclist died in a collision with a sedan near the Beltline Highway on-ramp — closing parts of Barger Drive for hours while investigators worked the scene (City of Eugene).

Tragic events like these not only change lives in an instant — they also leave families asking urgent questions. What comes next? Who do we call? What kind of legal help fits the situation?

This guide walks through the types of attorneys who handle different types of accident cases in Oregon — including car crashes, cycling injuries, motorcycle collisions, and wrongful death.

Car Accident vs. Auto Accident Lawyer – Is There a Difference?

In Oregon, the terms “car accident lawyer” and “auto accident lawyer” are used interchangeably. Both refer to attorneys who represent individuals injured in crashes involving passenger vehicles, SUVs, or rideshare services.

These attorneys assist with:

Determining fault
Dealing with insurance adjusters
Recovering costs for medical care, lost wages, and vehicle damage

For example, on April 14, 2025, four children and an adult were injured in a head-on crash near Shasta Middle School on Barger Road. Investigators believe the driver may have suffered a medical emergency before the collision (City of Eugene).

Learn more about our Eugene Car Accident Lawyer services.

Bicycle and Motorcycle Collisions – More Vulnerability, More Complexity

Riders on two wheels — whether pedaling or powered — face heightened risks in traffic. Injuries tend to be more severe, and legal assumptions about fault can work against them unfairly.

In the June 24 River Road crash, investigators examined the cyclist’s direction of travel, right-of-way, and road visibility — all standard questions in bicycle cases (KVAL).

Motorcycle crashes are often even more severe. In the July 9 fatal crash at Barger and Beltline, the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene (City of Eugene).

Eugene Bicycle Accident Lawyer |
Eugene Motorcycle Accident Lawyer |
Statewide Motorcycle Accident Help

When a Loss Turns Legal: Understanding Wrongful Death in Oregon

When a crash leads to the loss of life — whether at the scene or in the weeks that follow — it may fall under Oregon’s wrongful death laws. These are civil cases (not criminal trials) designed to help family members recover compensation and hold responsible parties accountable.

According to ORS 30.020, a wrongful death claim can be filed by the deceased person’s:

Spouse or registered domestic partner
Child or stepchild
Parent
Estate representative

Damages may include funeral costs, loss of income, and non-economic losses such as companionship and emotional suffering. Oregon law sets a three-year statute of limitations to file a wrongful death claim.

Eugene Wrongful Death Attorney Services |
Statewide Wrongful Death Help

Who Handles What? Quick Reference Guide

Scenario	Recommended Attorney
Rear-end crash with minor injuries	Car or auto accident lawyer
Bicycle crash involving lane confusion	Bicycle accident lawyer
Fatal motorcycle collision	Wrongful death attorney + Motorcycle lawyer
Passenger death in distracted driving crash	Wrongful death attorney
School-zone crash involving children	Car accident lawyer

Additional Support

If your accident involved a rideshare, commercial truck, or unsafe product — or resulted in serious brain or spinal injuries — our team can help: