Best Car Accident Lawyers in Beaverton

FAQs

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

  To speak with a Beaverton Police officer, call the non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111.

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

  You can get a copy of your car accident report in several ways:

  1. Online – Submit a records request on the Beaverton Public Records Portal https://beavertonor.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(umkuyj2tdwyo1axduws4gzrb))/supporthome.aspx
  2. Phone Call – Dial 503-526-2261 to reach the Records Division and make a records request
  3. In Person or By Mail – Go to 6125 SW Hall Blvd. Beaverton, OR 97008, or send a records request via mail to the same address. You will need to provide the Case Number of your accident and pay the fee (usually $20 for each report). If you don’t have the Case Number, supply identifying details, such as the date and time of the accident, location, and names of people involved.

• Do you have to report a minor car accident in Beaverton, OR?

  Legally, Oregon only requires a car accident to be reported to the DMV within 72 hours if it resulted in the following: property damage of over $1,500, personal injury, death, and a vehicle that required towing. However, it is recommended that you report even minor accidents to the Beaverton police. Your calculation of the property damage may be inaccurate or you may have latent injuries, like whiplash. A police report will serve as evidence should you need to claim compensation.

• How long do you have to file a car accident lawsuit in Beaverton, OR?

  Based on the Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 12 Section 110(1), personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of injury. If it is a government entity you are filing against, you must submit a written notice to the entity within 180 days of the accident. For wrongful death claims, the surviving family has three years from the date of death to file. A Beaverton car accident lawyer can help you organize and file claims on time.

• Who will pay your medical bills while your car accident claim in Beaverton, OR, is pending?

  Beaverton motorists are required to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage with their auto insurance. You can claim against your PIP coverage to pay for your upfront medical expenses. If you opted out of the PIP coverage, your alternative option is to claim against your health insurance policy. If both options are unavailable, you must find a medical provider who can hold your bills on a lien and collect payment after your claim is settled.

• Can you still file a claim if you are partly to blame for a car accident in Beaverton, OR?

  Oregon Revised Statutes Section 31.600 states that contributory negligence is not a bar to recovering compensation. You can still claim compensation for your Beaverton car accident injuries as long as you are no more than 50% at fault. However, the compensation you receive will be reduced by your fault percentage. If you are 20% at fault for speeding, your compensation will also be reduced by 20%. If you are 51% or more at fault, you are barred from receiving compensation.

• Do you have to go to court for a small car accident claim in Beaverton, OR?

  Yes and no. Oregon Revised Statute 20.080 allows car accident victims in Beaverton seeking compensation up to $10,000 to submit a demand letter to the party at fault and their insurer. The at-fault party is given 30 days to make an offer and settle the claim. If a settlement is not reached, the injured party can proceed to arbitration or court trial. The ORS 20.080 is in place to motivate insurers to make fair offers in a timely manner.

• 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.