Car Accident Attorney Portland, Oregon
At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our car accident lawyers in Portland, Oregon, focus on minimizing the long-term impact of these severe and traumatic events by providing each of our clients with the personal attention they need to pursue a fast and fair financial recovery for their injuries.
Like everyone else in the Northwest, we are no strangers to rainy weather and can undoubtedly blame some of our city’s car wrecks on the inclement conditions. The fact remains that most traffic collisions are caused by a combination of distracted driving, driving too fast, not maintaining a proper lookout, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding or reckless driving, and failing to obey traffic signs and signals. Each negligent action often leads to a preventable cause of severe injuries and tragic deaths.
If you have been hurt in a car wreck or have lost a loved one to another’s negligence, our Portland auto accident attorney at Law Offices of Jon Friedman is available to discuss your case during a free consultation today. We will answer any questions about the personal injury claim process so you may continue to focus on your physical and emotional health. At the same time, we pursue the negligent driver and their insurance coverage for your financial damages.
Car Wreck Injuries and Fatalities Can Happen Anywhere and to Anyone
According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, last year, over 50,000 vehicle collisions in the state resulted in 27,700 non-fatal injury crashes and 500 fatal crashes.
No matter how attentive you are behind the wheel, you cannot control the behavior of the other drivers traveling alongside you. While Oregon’s law states driving while holding or using an electronic device is illegal, we sometimes see drivers looking down at their phones more than at the road in front of them.
According to the most recent statistics, there were 13,603 fatal and injury crashes over five years, resulting in 137 fatalities and 20,992 injuries caused by crashes involving distracted drivers in Oregon.
If you or your loved one were hurt or killed in any traffic collision caused by a negligent driver, our Portland auto accident attorney can help you hold that person accountable for their negligence or recklessness behind the wheel.
That begins with having your car accident injuries adequately diagnosed and treated by a doctor immediately after the crash. Injuries may not become visible or even painful for days following an auto accident, but it is essential to have a prompt diagnosis to get the care you need.
What are The Most Common Types of Car Accidents in Oregon?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions are the most frequent type of car crash, accounting for about 29% of all car accidents nationwide. In the United States, about 1.7 million rear-end collisions occur each year. These collisions caused almost 1,700 deaths and 500,000 injuries.
The NHTSA says that the most common cause of rear-end collisions is inattentive driving, which accounts for 41% of all accidents caused by driver error. Other causes include tailgating, distracted driving, and weather conditions.
Other common types of vehicle crashes in Oregon and nationwide include:
- Head-on collisions.
- Intersection accidents caused by failing to yield the right-of-way, ignoring traffic signs or signals, or making improper turns.
- Sideswipe accidents.
- Single car accidents with fixed objects.
- T-bone accidents.
- Vehicle rollovers can be caused by taking turns sharply and while speeding.
If you have been injured in an Oregon vehicle collision caused by another driver’s negligence, contact our experienced Portland car accident attorneys today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
What are The Most Common Injuries That Occur in Oregon Car Accidents?
At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our car accident lawyers in Portland know there is nothing “common” about having your life changed in a vehicle collision. Car crashes can lead to significant injuries that require long-term medical care, extended time away from work, and out-of-pocket expenses that can disrupt anyone’s financial stability without notice.
Injuries that occur often in car accidents include, but are not limited to:
- Broken and crushed bones.
- Concussions.
- Dislocated joints.
- Internal bleeding.
- Neck and spine injuries.
- Organ damage.
- Paralysis.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
- Torn muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
- Traumatic brain injuries.
In some cases, accident victims are unable to survive their injuries. When true, eligible family members may file a wrongful death claim against the liable driver’s insurance company. Contact our experienced car accident lawyers in Portland today to learn more about your legal rights and options to file a claim for your injuries or on behalf of a loved one whose life was tragically taken by a negligent driver.
What to Do After a Car Crash in Oregon?
If you are involved in a car crash in Oregon, it is essential to follow specific steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others and to comply with legal requirements.
Here is what to do after a car crash in Oregon:
- Check for Injuries
First and foremost, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance.
- Move to a Safe Location
If it is safe to do so and your vehicle is drivable, move it to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot to avoid obstructing traffic and to reduce the risk of another accident.
- Call the Police
Contact the local law enforcement agency to report the accident. The police should come to the scene, assess the situation, and create an accident report, which is crucial for insurance claims and potential legal actions.
If the police do not respond to the accident scene, file an Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Report with the Oregon Department of Transportation within 72 hours if injuries, fatalities, or damages exceed $2,500.
- Exchange Information
Exchange information with the other parties involved in the accident. Gather their names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, insurance information, and license plate numbers. Be polite and avoid discussing fault or blame at the scene.
- Gather Witness Information
Obtain their names and contact information if there are any witnesses to the accident. Witnesses can provide valuable statements if needed.
- Document the Scene
Take pictures of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles, the position of vehicles, road conditions, and any relevant road signs or signals. This visual evidence can be crucial later.
- Seek Medical Attention
Even if you do not appear seriously injured, seeking medical attention after an accident is a good idea. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical evaluation can document any injuries for insurance purposes.
- Keep Records
Maintain records of all medical bills, repair estimates, rental car expenses, and any other expenses related to the accident. This documentation will be necessary for insurance claims and potential legal actions.
- Contact our Dedicated Portland Car Accident Attorneys
Whether you are pursuing your insurance coverage or that of another driver, you can expect the insurer to dispute your claim. Even if there is clear evidence that the driver who hit and injured you was at fault, the insurance company will do all it can to minimize its risk. This means undervaluing or even potentially denying your claim. Contact our car accident lawyers in Portland today to discuss your case during a free consultation. We can help you understand your legal rights and options to pursue a claim and handle each detail going forward.
Who can Be Held Liable For a Car Accident in Oregon?
In Oregon, liability for a car accident is determined based on fault. The party or parties responsible for causing the accident are generally liable for the resulting damages.
Here are the potential parties that can be held liable for a car accident in Oregon:
- At-Fault Drivers
The driver at fault is the most common party liable for a car accident. If their negligence, recklessness, or violation of traffic laws led to the accident, they can be held responsible for the damages.
- Employers
If the at-fault driver was operating a vehicle as part of their job — either driving their vehicle or a company car — their employer may also be liable for the crash.
- Vehicle Owners
If the at-fault driver does not own the vehicle they were driving, the owner may be held liable if they allowed an incompetent or unlicensed driver to use the car.
Determining liability in an auto accident can be complex and often involves a thorough investigation, evidence gathering, and legal analysis. Contact our Portland auto accident lawyers today if you have been involved in a car accident in Oregon and seek compensation for your injuries and damages. We can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?
A Portland car accident and injury lawyer is crucial in helping individuals injured in traffic collisions. The primary objective is to advocate for their clients and seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial damages they have suffered due to the accident.
That involves:
- Initial Consultations
Our car accident lawyers begin each case by meeting with the client to discuss the details of the accident and the injuries sustained. During this consultation, the attorney assesses the strength of the case and provides an initial evaluation of its merits.
- Investigation
A significant part of an auto accident attorney’s role involves conducting a thorough investigation into the accident. This may include gathering evidence, obtaining accident reports, interviewing witnesses, and collecting medical records related to the injuries.
- Legal Analysis
The lawyer will analyze the facts of the case, assess liability, and determine the extent of damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Attorneys may consult with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and other professionals to strengthen their client’s case and provide expert testimony when necessary.
- Client Support
Lawyers provide guidance and support to their clients throughout the legal process. They inform clients about the case’s progress, answer questions, and advise on important decisions. A crucial role of car accident attorneys is strengthening their clients’ rights and interests. They work to ensure their client is treated fairly and that their case is presented effectively.
- Insurance Claims
Car accident lawyers deal with insurance companies on their clients’ behalf. They negotiate with insurance adjusters to secure a fair settlement that covers the client’s losses. Throughout the legal process, attorneys negotiate with opposing parties to reach a settlement agreement in their client’s best interest. If necessary, they may file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
- Litigation
If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, the attorney will file a lawsuit and represent the client in court. This involves drafting legal documents, presenting evidence, and arguing the case before a judge or jury.
- Recovery
If a settlement or court judgment is obtained in favor of the client, the attorney helps ensure that the client receives the compensation they are entitled to, including negotiating with medical providers and lienholders.
At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our Portland Personal Injury Attorneys Also Focus on the Following Practice Areas:
- Accident Injury
- Airplane Accident
- Boating Accident
- Bicycle Accident
- Bus Accident
- Construction Accident
- Motorcycle Accident
- Dog Bite
- Pedestrian Accident
- Slip and Fall
- Product Liability
- Legal Malpractice
- Medical Malpractice
- Scooter Accident
- Train Accident
- Truck Accident
- Wrongful Death
Our Experienced Portland Auto Accident Lawyers Can Maximize Claim Results
Our auto accident attorneys will pursue all the necessary evidence to seek a fair and complete recovery for clients. The heart of our success lies in our auto accident experience. We have developed a pattern and practice of litigation to maximize the likelihood of you getting fast, fair, and complete compensation for your injuries since we opened our doors in 1984.
All traffic collisions can lead to financial burdens for the victims. Immediate and ongoing medical costs and the loss of income due to time off work or the inability to run your business can significantly impact your livelihood. If your injuries require extended care, the long-term costs and lack of income can quickly become overwhelming.
Car crash victims are entitled to claim damages from the person responsible for their accident when that person can be positively identified as at fault. Our Portland car accident attorneys have had years of experience assessing and pursuing these cases and will leave no stone unturned.
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may have an uninsured motorist claim against your own insurance company.
Call Our Experienced Portland Auto Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
If you were injured in an auto accident, contact our Multnomah County and Portland personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Jon Friedman today to learn more about the financial compensation you may be entitled to by calling (503) 242-1440 for a free, confidential assessment of your claim.
Car Accidents Resources:
- Distracted Driving Accidents
- Drunk Driving Accidents
- Hit and Run Accidents
- Multi-Vehicle Accidents
- Parking Lot Accidents
- Rear-end Collisions
- Turo Accident
- Uber Accident
- Lyft Accident
- Avis Car Accident
- Budget Rental Car Accident
Related Links:
- Getting Back On Your Feet After A Car Accident
- Protecting Yourself After an Auto Accident
- Delayed Injuries from Oregon Car Accidents May Require an Attorney to File a Claim
- How Can an Oregon Car Accident Police Report Help My Personal Injury Claim?
- Top Ten Driver Errors That Cause Vehicle Accidents, Injuries, and Fatalities in Oregon
- Can an Insurance Company Legally Deny My Oregon Car Accident Claim
- Can I Pursue a Teenage Driver for Causing a Traffic Crash with Injuries in Oregon?
- How Are Oregon Car Accident & Injury Damages Calculated?
- How Long Do I Have to File an Auto Accident & Injury Claim in Oregon?
- What Happens If I Am Injured in a Hit and Run Vehicle Accident in Oregon?
Law Offices of Jon Friedman
811 SW Naito Pkwy #610, Portland, OR 97204
Phone: 503-242-1440