Best Car Accident Lawyers in Portland

FAQs

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

  Call 503-823-3333 if there is no imminent threat to life or property. 3-1-1 is the first point of contact for non-emergency situations that do not need the dispatch of Police, Fire, Ambulance, or Portland Street Response. Call takers can answer queries, fulfill requests, and record reports.

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

  Contact the Portland Police Records Division at 1111 SW 2nd Ave (Justice Center) at 503-823-0033 to obtain a copy of the report. These reports are offered for a price. You can check the website for fee information.

• Where are Portland's most hazardous roads and intersections?

  Some of Portland's most dangerous streets, according to the city, are:

  • 82nd Avenue
  • 122nd Avenue
  • NE Airport Way
  • SW Barbur Blvd
  • SE Stark Street
  • SE Holgate Blvd
  • NE Lombard St.
  • NE Glisan St.
  • SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy

  Additionally, Portland's most dangerous intersections include NE 99th Ave and Glisan St., Ross Island Bridge and SW Naito Pkwy ramp, and SE 148th Ave and Powell Blvd.

• What is the most common cause of car accidents in Portland?

  Based on the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), the most common reasons for car accidents in Portland are:

  • Failure to avoid stationary vehicles
  • Failure to yield the right-of-way
  • Running off of the road
  • Driving too fast for conditions (e.g., in adverse weather, poor visibility, etc.)
  • Distracted driving or driver inattention
  • Failure to maintain lane
  • Drunk driving
  • Running stop signs or traffic signals
  • Tailgating

  Most of these traffic infractions are the result of driver error. However, negligence isn't always to blame for auto accidents. Accidents may occasionally be brought on by inadequate infrastructure, faulty motor parts, or road debris.

• How are compensatory damages calculated in car accident cases in Portland?

  To determine economic damages, you must collect documents detailing the out-of-pocket expenses incurred resulting from the accident. You also need to get medical invoices, receipts, and insurance statements for previous medical expenses. It is necessary to provide pay stubs, timesheets, and correspondence with your employer to prove lost earnings. Invoices, bills, and other financial documentation might assist in determining other expenditures associated with your injury. However, you may need more aid to cover future medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care. Your attorney will wait until you reach maximum medical improvement before filing a claim to fully understand the extent of your injuries and your long-term challenges.

• How long do you have to submit a claim or lawsuit after a car accident in Portland?

  According to Oregon law, an injured person must make a claim within two years after the date of the accident. An extended deadline may apply if someone was killed in the accident. In such circumstances, you have three years from the date of the underlying injury to initiate a wrongful death action. You have up to six years to bring a claim if only your vehicle is damaged. Even if you have reason to assume that the car insurance claim process will handle your case, you should still give yourself enough time to file a lawsuit to have more bargaining power during settlement negotiations.

• What should you do if you are contacted by an insurance company after an accident in Portland?

  You must notify your insurance company if you are involved in an automobile accident. Personal injury protection, also known as PIP, is available in Oregon and covers up to $15,000 in medical coverage caused by the accident if incurred within one year of the incident. Furthermore, for up to a year, personal injury protection payments provide wage loss of up to $3000 per month or 70%, whichever is less. So, when your own insurance firm calls, you should speak with them because you have contractual obligations if you want to receive your injury protection benefits.

• 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.