Astoria, OR – Claudia Bell and Monelle Lumapas Lose Lives in US-30 Crash near MM 76

Astoria, OR (April 22, 2023) – Two women have died as a result of a car crash that took place in Clatsop County on Tuesday afternoon. At approximately 1:15 p.m. on April 18, the Oregon State Police responded to the scene of a crash on US Highway 30.

Reports from officials show that 22-year-old Claudia Bell was driving a Kia Rio west on US Highway 30 when her vehicle became involved in a collision with a Kenilworth log truck near mile marker 76. The impact of the crash caused the vehicle to turn sideways. Bell and her passenger, 19-year-old Monelle Lumapas, suffered fatal injuries in the crash. The two victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the truck, 22-year-old Dominic Rizzo, was transported to an area hospital for evaluation.

At this time, the incident remains under investigation.

Our condolences are with the families of Claudia Bell and Monelle Lumapas at this time.

Fatal Truck Accidents in Oregon

Thousands of people are killed annually as a result of truck accidents that take place in the United States. There are countless instances where innocent people die as a result of these accidents right here in Oregon.

When innocent people lose their lives as a result of fatal truck accidents, families are often able to take legal action. To file a wrongful death claim, you must be able to demonstrate who is liable for the accident. Common parties who are named in wrongful death claims involving truck accidents include:

• Maintenance and repair companies
• Cargo loaders and shippers
• Government agencies and contractors
• Other drivers on the road
• Truck drivers
• Trucking companies
• Truck manufacturers

After identifying the liable party, you have the ability to seek compensation for various damages that your family has been forced to endure. This can include compensation for:

• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Punitive damages, if applicable
• Mental anguish and emotional distress of surviving family members
• Loss of guidance, advice, and counsel
• Pain and suffering of the deceased before death
• Loss of household services
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of inheritance
• Loss of companionship and society

Having a strong case is critical when it comes to pursuing legal action against the responsible party. An Astoria wrongful death lawyer can help your family seek the maximum compensation possible for the damages that you face.

If you or someone you know has been affected by a fatal truck accident, it is crucial to seek help from experienced legal counsel. At Kivel & Howard, we are committed to providing our clients with the best possible representation for every case. Our lawyers have decades of experience in dealing with complex truck crash cases and understand the sensitivity that these claims require. We offer free consultations for anyone looking for advice and guidance on how to proceed with their claim. Call us today at (503) 796-0909 or (503) 802-4800 to see how we can help your family get justice.