Best Car Accident Lawyers in Eugene, OR

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Eugene, Oregon?

  The non-emergency number of the city of Eugene is (541) 682-5111.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Eugene, Oregon?

  Accident report requests can be made online on Eugene Police Department's website. Requests in person and through mail or fax must be filed in writing using a request form on the website. Once you are notified that your request is due for payment, you can pay online or send a check to:

  Eugene Police Public Records Office 300 Country Club Road Eugene, OR 97401

  To check the status of your request, call 541-682-5185 and give the PRR #.

• Do car accidents in Eugene follow a no-fault insurance system?

  No. Eugene is part of Oregon, which follows an at-fault insurance system when it comes to car accidents. This means that the liable party’s insurer covers costs like medical expenses and lost wages. However, Oregon does have a requirement for drivers to purchase Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, coverage. This is the state’s version of no-fault insurance. The minimum required coverage is $15,000. Drivers with PIP, no matter who is at fault for the accident, can obtain payment for a range of costs, from funeral expenses to hospital bills.

• What can be done if the at-fault driver in Eugene does not have insurance or enough insurance to cover damages?

  A Eugene car accident victim can recover compensation from their insurance policy that covers injuries from uninsured motorists. A similar approach may be taken by those hurt by underinsured motorists. Remember that in Oregon, drivers are required to purchase insurance policies with uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage with a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. In some cases, victims can file legal action against other parties, including the manufacturer of defective cars, the at-fault driver’s employer, or the government agency that maintained the road negligently.

• How much do car accident claims in Eugene settle for?

  In typical cases, Eugene car accident victims cannot obtain compensation that exceeds their insurance policy limits. If their insurer only provided coverage worth $50,000, this is all the hurt driver may recover for their injuries. To go beyond the policy limits, victims have multiple options. One is using their underinsured motorist coverage and the at-fault party’s liability coverage to deal with costs. Another is filing a personal claim against the liable driver. This action only works, though, if the other party has the means to pay for damages.

• What are the dangerous roads in the Eugene area?

  According to KEZI 9 News, there were 51 fatalities in the Lane County area in 2021. Citing a 2021 traffic safety report, the news source mentioned that there was an increase in deaths compared to previous years. Most of the fatalities happen on rural roads outside Springfield and Eugene metros, including county roads such as the Territorial Highway, Clear Lake Road, and Row River Road.

• What are the responsibilities of a driver involved in a car accident in Eugene?

  By law, a driver involved in a collision in Eugene must stop or remain at the accident scene until they have exchanged information about the vehicle, owner and driver, and insurance carrier. He/She is legally obligated to reasonably assist any injured person in getting medical treatment. Until a police officer has arrived, the driver must also remain on the scene unless the police say they are not coming. Failure to do these legal responsibilities results in a class C felony.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.