Best Car Accident Lawyers in Gresham

FAQs

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

  For non-life-threatening incidents or concerns, contact the Gresham Police Department’s non-emergency dispatch at 503-823-3333.

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

  To get a copy of your accident report, go to the official website of the City of Gresham, Oregon, then complete and submit a Public Records Request Form online. You need to indicate the Case Number, details of the accident, and your contact details. Accident reports cost $10 for the initial 10 pages. Every additional page will cost $1.For more details on obtaining accident reports, you can call 503-618-2318 or email the Gresham Police Department at GPDRecords@GreshamOregon.gov

• Do you have to report to the DMV a fender bender in Gresham, OR?

  You only need to report the Gresham accident to the DMV if it resulted in an injury, death, vehicle damage amounting to over $2,500, or property damage amounting to over $2,500. If your accident did not involve any of these, it is advised that you call 911 to get a police report and medical attention. Collision injuries like concussion and soft tissue trauma may not be apparent to the person who sustained it.

• How do you pay for medical bills and recover lost wages while your car accident claim in Gresham, OR, is not yet settled?

  Ultimately, your car accident-related medical expenses and income loss should be compensated by the insurance company of the driver at fault. However, while you are waiting for your claim to settle, you can seek compensation from your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. PIP is required to be included in auto insurance products in Gresham. Regardless of whether you were at fault or not for the accident, your PIP should cover your medical bills and some wages.

• Can you still recover damages if the driver at fault has no insurance in Gresham, OR?

  Yes, you can get compensation for your expenses and damages by making a first-party claim against your auto insurance policy’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. The Oregon Revised Statutes Section 742.502 requires all Gresham motorists to have UM coverage with minimum limits of $50,000 for bodily injury per car crash and $25,000 per person.

• How long do you have to submit a car accident claim in Gresham, OR?

  Under the Oregon Revised Statutes Section 12.110, injury claims should be filed within two years of the accident. If you are filing against a Gresham government entity, the claim must be made within 180 days as stipulated in the Oregon Tort Claims Act. Families whose loved one passed away due to car accident injuries are given three years to file a wrongful death claim. The three-year count starts from the date of the injury that led to the death.

• How common are car crashes in Gresham, OR?

  According to a report published by the Oregon DOT in April 2022, Gresham alone had 792 accidents involving motor vehicles in transport. These crashes resulted in 11 fatalities and 706 injured persons. The city also had 82 separate incidents of motor vehicles colliding with fixed objects. Remarkably, there were no motor vehicle crashes in Gresham involving animals.

• 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.