Miguel Jimenez Killed in Gresham Hit-and-Run Accident
The suspect vehicle was later located at an apartment complex in Vancouver, Washington
Miguel Jimenez, 50, was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Northeast Hogan Drive in Gresham, Oregon, early Monday, according to the Gresham Police Department.
The northbound white sedan struck the flagger in an active construction zone just before 5 a.m. and fled the scene without stopping, investigators said. Paramedics rushed the critically injured worker, Jimenez, to a nearby hospital, where he died later that night. Detectives using surveillance footage located the suspect vehicle Wednesday afternoon at an apartment complex in Vancouver, Washington. Vancouver police officers seized the car as evidence, though no arrests have been made.
Police Chief Travis Gullberg called the death a tragic reminder of the risks road workers face while keeping streets safe for the community.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2,758 people died in U.S. traffic crashes involving hit-and-run drivers in 2024.
The sudden loss of a loved one in a hit-and-run leaves families grappling with deep grief and unanswered questions. In work zone accidents such as this, distracted driving frequently plays a role in fatal outcomes.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Watching someone speed away after causing a catastrophic hit and run leaves surviving relatives in an impossible position, scrambling for answers while critical evidence starts vanishing within hours."
"Serving as an advocate, an attorney moves quickly to track down surveillance recordings, canvass nearby businesses, and coordinate with investigators before crucial details disappear, giving affected families a genuine chance at accountability," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
How do investigators track fleeing drivers in Gresham?
What legal options exist for families of hit-and-run victims?
Oregon wrongful death statute
Under ORS § 30.020, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Oregon applies modified comparative fault (51% bar). The statute of limitations is 3 years.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and the decedent's pre-death pain and suffering.
"Witness accounts provide vital information about a fleeing vehicle, including its speed, color, and direction of travel. Interviewing people right away ensures memories remain fresh and accurate for the record," said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
Formica, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News, noted, "A legal team helps surviving relatives document witness statements and present clear facts to insurance adjusters handling claims."