News
The tragic accident in Hillsboro that led to the untimely death of 12-year-old Joseph Brausen has left the community in mourning. Reports confirm that Joseph was hit by a car while riding his bicycle. The incident raises questions about road safety and the legal responsibilities of drivers involved in such accidents.
This update summarizes the reported event and explains the practical legal context Oregon readers may want to understand. It is general information, not case-specific legal advice.
Published February 9, 2024
HILLSBORO, OR— The community of Hillsboro is grappling with the heart-wrenching loss of Joseph Brausen, a 12-year-old boy who was tragically killed in a bicycle accident over the weekend. Joseph, a sixth grader at Lincoln Street Elementary, was riding his bicycle near Southeast 10th Avenue and Southeast Baseline Street when he was struck by a car around 4:10 p.m. on Saturday.
According to reports from local authorities and eyewitness accounts, Joseph was traveling to a basketball game when the accident occurred. The driver involved in the crash remained at the scene and cooperated with the police, and no charges have been filed at this time. This incident has sparked a wave of grief and an outpouring of support from the community, highlighted by a growing memorial at the crash site and a GoFundMe page (opens in a new tab) set up to cover funeral expenses.
Joseph's mother, Sarah Brausen, expressed her profound despair, remembering her son as a vibrant and loving child. "My son never gets to come home again. It still doesn't feel real," she shared with reporters.
This tragic event has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of the area where the accident occurred. Joseph's mother hopes for future safety improvements to prevent similar incidents. From a legal standpoint, while the driver has not been charged, the circumstances surrounding the accident are under thorough investigation by the Washington County Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team and local police.
Victims of bicycle accidents and their families might face complex legal challenges, including issues related to wrongful death and personal injury claims. It is crucial for families to seek knowledgeable legal guidance to navigate these difficulties effectively.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a similar incident, the Pacific Injury Law Firm is here to help. Contact us at 971-277-3811 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys can provide the support and representation needed to secure the justice and compensation that victims deserve.
Source reporting used to prepare this update and preserve citation transparency.
Insurance calls, medical bills, missed work, and uncertainty tend to arrive at the same time. The first job is to steady the situation: understand the facts, preserve useful records, and talk through the legal options that fit your Oregon injury claim.
“... I was referred to Adam who was able to take my case and quickly get it resolved for more than I expected. I was very pleasantly surprised by his attention to detail and tenacious negotiating tactics... Adam handled everything to make sure I received the maximum compensation for my injuries. If you need a good personal injury lawyer you just found one.”
Jim West
Tenacious Negotiating Tactics
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case outcomes are shared only when they can be presented accurately and with the right context.
Information submitted through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Representation is confirmed only in writing.
Photo: OregonLive
July 17, 2026
July 15, 2026: Portland firefighters responded before 7 a.m. Wednesday to a house fire in Southeast Portland that left a woman with burns and displaced at least three people, according to the Portland Fire Bureau.
Learn morePhoto: KATU
July 17, 2026
July 15, 2026: Portland Fire battled a house fire early Wednesday in the 7600 block of Southeast 65th Avenue. Two people were taken to a hospital, including one woman with burns to her legs, and investigators are still working to determine the cause.
Learn morePhoto: Illustration (AI-generated)
July 17, 2026
July 15, 2026: A July 5 head-on crash on state Route 503 left three people dead and one injured, according to the Washington State Patrol. The crash remains under investigation, and the medical examiner listed the cause and manner of death as pending.
Learn more
