Portland Car Accident Lawyer
After you’ve been in a car crash, you may be burdened with horrible injuries that make it difficult to move. Auto accidents are dangerous and can put your life in danger. Even if it is a minor auto accident, you may be stuck with a chronic injury that continues for years after you’ve recovered. If you’ve suffered damages at no fault of your own, speak to Portland personal injury attorneys for assistance. They can help guide you through the settlement claim process.
Auto accident victims deserve compensation after they’ve been wrongfully harmed. You can get fair compensation with personal injury lawyers on your side. The other party’s insurer may attempt to provide a small lump sum. Speak to your Portland car accident lawyer first before accepting a settlement.
Call Pro Accident Lawyers now for a free consultation.
What Is a Good Settlement Offer for a Car Accident?
It’s difficult to determine what a “good” settlement offer is for a car accident without consulting an attorney. Every case is unique and depends on various factors, such as the severity of injuries, extent of property damage, and level of fault. However, a good settlement offer typically includes total compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
To determine a fair settlement offer, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can assess the details of your case and provide guidance on what a reasonable amount would be. Additionally, an attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
How Long Does an Accident Stay On Your Record In Oregon?
In Oregon, accidents stay on your driving record for five years from the date of the accident. This means that any accidents you are involved in, regardless of whether or not you were at fault, will remain on your driving record for five years. The information on your driving record is used by insurance companies to determine your risk level and insurance rates, so it’s important to drive safely and avoid accidents whenever possible.
When Should You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Car Crash?
It’s generally recommended to hire a personal injury lawyer after a car crash if you have suffered any injuries or significant property damage. Specifically, you should consider hiring a personal injury lawyer if you:
- Suffered injuries that require medical treatment beyond basic first aid
- Incurred significant medical expenses as a result of the accident
- Lost income or earning potential due to the accident
- Are experiencing ongoing pain and suffering as a result of the accident
- Are not sure who was at fault for the accident
- Were denied by the insurance company
- Are being pressured to settle for less than you believe your claim is worth
Do You Need a Portland Car Accident Attorney?
Whether or not you need a Portland car accident attorney depends on the circumstances surrounding your accident. If you were involved in a minor fender-bender and suffered no injuries or only minor injuries, you may not need an attorney.
However, if you suffered serious injuries or significant property damage, it’s generally recommended to hire a car accident attorney to help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses.
Additionally, if fault is being disputed or if the insurance company is denying or delaying your claim, an attorney can help you build a strong case and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. Your attorney can help you avoid common mistakes that can harm your case, such as making statements to the insurance company that could be used against you.
Schedule a consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney who can assess your case and provide guidance on the best course of action.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Portland
You should begin preparing for your personal injury claim to help you get maximum compensation with the help of your attorney. Here are the steps to take after a car accident in Portland:
Call 911
Check yourself and any passengers in your vehicle for injuries. Call 911 immediately so that the dispatch team can send an ambulance and police to your location. The police will create an accident report, which can be useful for insurance purposes and your settlement claim.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s important to seek medical attention to ensure that any injuries are properly diagnosed and treated.
Move to a Safe Location
If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location off the road to avoid any additional accidents.
Exchange Information
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other drivers involved in the accident.
Document the Scene
Take pictures of the accident scene, including any damage to the vehicles and any injuries.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident and provide them with the information you collected.
Consult a Car Accident Attorney
If you suffered serious injuries or significant property damage, consult a car accident attorney who can help you navigate the legal process. They will ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Here are some common types of car accident injuries:
Whiplash
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that occurs when the head and neck are suddenly jerked forward and then backward. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
Broken Bones
Car accidents can cause fractures and broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis or loss of feeling in the limbs. These injuries can be severe and life-altering.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
TBIs occur when the head hits an object or when the brain is jolted within the skull. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory loss.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries can occur when the body is subjected to blunt force trauma. These injuries can include internal bleeding, organ damage, and other internal trauma.
Burns
Burns can occur if the vehicle catches fire or if chemicals are spilled in the accident.
Emotional Trauma
Car accidents can also cause emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Oregon Car Accident Laws
Here are some important car accident laws in Oregon:
Statute of Limitations
In Oregon, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims resulting from a car accident is two years from the date of the accident. There may be exceptions to this deadline depending on the circumstances of your collision.
Comparative Negligence
Oregon follows a comparative negligence system, which means that damages may be reduced in proportion to the plaintiff’s degree of fault in the accident. As long as you don’t contribute to more than 50% of your damages, you can still be compensated for your injuries.
Mandatory Insurance
Oregon law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 per accident for property damage.
At-Fault State
Oregon is an at-fault state. This means that whoever caused the accident is responsible for paying damages.
Seat Belt Law
Oregon law requires all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts while driving or riding in a motor vehicle.
Distracted Driving Law
Oregon law prohibits the use of handheld devices while driving, including texting, making phone calls, and using social media. Hands-free methods of communicating are required.
Car Accident Facts and Statistics
Here are some recent car accident statistics you can review:
- In 2021, 63 traffic fatalities occurred in Portland.
- There were a total of 36,096 traffic fatalities in 2019 nationwide.
- In the state of Oregon, there were 50,128 total crashes resulting in 267 fatalities and 21,673 non-fatal injuries in 2019.
Compensation Available for Accident Victims in Portland
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses and injuries. Here are some examples of the compensation you can recover:
Economic Damages
These are damages that have a specific monetary value, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Economic damages are designed to compensate the victim for actual financial losses they have suffered as a result of the accident.
Medical Expenses
This can include costs associated with emergency medical treatment, such as diagnostic tests, consultations with specialists, and any necessary procedures. You may need inpatient hospital care, including room and board, medications, and other medical supplies.
You’ll possibly have costs such as medical treatment and care, including doctor visits, prescription medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. Transportation to and from medical appointments, including ambulance services, taxi fares, and gas and mileage expenses can also be included.
Lost Wages
In a personal injury case, the injured person may be able to recover the wages that they would have earned during the time that they were unable to work due to their injury. This can include the actual time missed from work and any future lost wages that the person may incur as a result of their injury.
For example, if the injury is severe enough to prevent you from returning to your previous job or career, you may be able to recover compensation for the future lost wages that you would have earned if not for the injury.
To recover lost wages in a personal injury case, you will need to provide documentation of your income, such as pay stubs or tax returns. This includes records of the time that you missed from work as a result of your injury. Documents that can help include doctor’s notes, medical records, or other documentation of medical treatment and recovery.
Property Damage
You can pursue compensation for any property that was lost as a result of someone else’s negligence or intentional actions. In the context of a personal injury case, property damage can refer to any property that was damaged in the accident, such as a car, a bicycle, or other personal belongings.
Non-Economic Damages
These are damages that do not have a specific monetary value, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Non-economic damages are designed to compensate the victim for intangible losses they have suffered as a result of the accident. This is estimated based on a multiplier that is ranged between one and seven, depending on the severity of your injuries.
Punitive Damages
These are damages that are designed to punish the at-fault party for their actions and to deter similar conduct in the future. Punitive damages are only awarded by a judge or jury in cases where the at-fault party’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless.
Why Choose Our Law Firm?
We provide a personal touch throughout your legal journey. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and options for recovering damages in a personal injury case. We can help you gather the necessary documentation and negotiate with insurance companies or the at-fault party to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses.
In a personal injury case, the injured person will need to provide documentation of their damages, such as repair estimates or receipts for medical bills, to the other party’s insurer. The types and amount of damages that you can claim will vary based on your specific situation.
Our law firm works on a contingency-fee basis, which means you won’t have to pay us unless we win. We believe there should not be any additional hurdles on the way to financial recovery.