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What To Do After A Car Accident In Portland, Oregon

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) 2020 Traffic Crash Summary, there were a total of 29,435 motor vehicle crashes in the state of Oregon in 2020. Of these, 5,707 occurred in Multnomah County, which includes the city of Portland.

 

Here are some additional statistics related to car accidents in Portland, Oregon:

  • Fatalities: In 2020, there were 55 fatalities resulting from motor vehicle crashes in Multnomah County, which was an increase from 42 in 2019.
  • Injuries: There were 4,488 people injured in motor vehicle crashes in Multnomah County in 2020, a decrease from 4,900 in 2019.
  • Contributing factors: The ODOT report also identifies contributing factors to car accidents in Oregon, such as speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and not using seat belts or child restraints.
  • Most dangerous intersections: According to a report by the Portland Bureau of Transportation, the most dangerous intersections for pedestrians in Portland are SE 82nd Avenue and Division Street, SE 122nd Avenue and Division Street, and SE Foster Road and 82nd Avenue.
  • Vision Zero: Portland has implemented a Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries on city streets by 2025. The city has implemented a variety of measures to improve safety, including lowering speed limits, improving crosswalks, and adding protected bike lanes.

 

Like many other states in the United States, Oregon experiences a significant number of car accidents each year, resulting in injuries, fatalities, and property damage. Some of the most common contributing factors to car accidents in Oregon include speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and not using seat belts or child restraints.

 

To address the problem of car accidents in Oregon, the state and local authorities have implemented various safety measures, such as improving road infrastructure, increasing public awareness about safe driving practices, and enforcing traffic laws more rigorously. Oregon has also implemented a Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries on state roads by 2035.

 

It’s important to note that car accidents can have a significant impact on individuals, families, and communities, and they are often preventable. By practicing safe driving habits, such as avoiding distractions, following speed limits, and wearing seat belts, we can all do our part to reduce the number of car accidents on Oregon’s roads.

What to do right after a car accident in Portland, Oregon:

1. Check for injuries: The first priority after a car accident is to check if anyone involved in the accident has sustained injuries. If there are any injuries, call 911 or ask someone nearby to call for emergency medical assistance.

2. Move to a safe location: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location, such as the side of the road or a nearby parking lot. This will help prevent any further accidents or injuries.

3. Call the police: Even if there are no serious injuries, it’s important to call the police and report the accident. The police will create an accident report, which will be useful for insurance claims and legal purposes.

4. Exchange information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Make sure to get their full name, phone number, email address, driver’s license number, and insurance information.

5. Take photos: Take photos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, the damage to the vehicles, and any visible injuries or property damage. This will be helpful when making insurance claims or legal proceedings.

6. Get witness information: If there were any witnesses to the accident, try to get their contact information, including their name, phone number, and email address. This may be useful in case of a dispute about who was at fault for the accident.

7. Notify your insurance company: Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. They will provide you with guidance on what to do next and how to file a claim.

8. Seek medical attention: If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t feel any pain right away, it’s still a good idea to get checked out by a medical professional, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

It’s important to stay calm and collected after a car accident and follow these steps to ensure everyone’s safety and minimize any further damage or injuries. Remember to always prioritize safety and seek medical attention if necessary.

Here are some situations when it becomes necessary to hire a car accident lawyer in Portland, Oregon:

  • Serious injuries: If you or anyone involved in the car accident sustained serious injuries, such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or brain injuries, it may be a good idea to hire a car accident lawyer. These types of injuries can be life-changing and may require ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation, which can be expensive.
  • Disputed liability: If there is a dispute about who was at fault for the accident, a car accident lawyer can help gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a case to prove liability.
  • Insurance company disputes: If you’re having trouble negotiating with your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company, a car accident lawyer can help. Insurance companies are businesses, and their main goal is to maximize their profits, which may not always align with your best interests.
  • Property damage: If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, a car accident lawyer can help you recover the costs of repairs or replacement.
  • Lost wages: If you had to take time off work due to injuries sustained in the accident, a car accident lawyer can help you recover lost wages and other financial losses.
  • Emotional distress: If you are experiencing emotional distress, such as anxiety or depression, as a result of the car accident, a car accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for these damages.

 

It’s important to note that every car accident is unique, and whether or not you need a car accident lawyer depends on the specific circumstances of your case. If you’re unsure whether or not to hire a lawyer, it may be helpful to schedule a consultation with a car accident lawyer in Portland, Oregon to discuss your case.

Key laws and statutes governing car accidents in Oregon:

1. Reporting

As mentioned, any car accident in Oregon that results in injury, death, or property damage over $2,500 must be reported to the DMV within 72 hours. Failure to do so can result in fines or even the suspension of your driver’s license.

2. Fault:

Oregon is a “fault” state, which means that the driver who is found to be at fault for the accident is responsible for paying for damages. This can include property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

3. Comparative Fault:

Oregon uses a “modified comparative fault” system, meaning that if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by 20%. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may not be able to recover damages at all.

4. Statute of Limitations:

In Oregon, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury or property damage. If you fail to file within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

5. Insurance:

Oregon requires drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $20,000 for property damage. This coverage is designed to protect other drivers in the event that you are found to be at fault for an accident.

What To Do After A Car Accident: Single Car Accidents

6. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage:

Oregon also requires drivers to have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage with minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This coverage can help protect you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or who does not have enough insurance to cover the damages.

7. Med Pay:

Med Pay coverage is optional in Oregon but can help cover medical expenses regardless of who is at fault for the accident. This coverage can be particularly useful if you have high deductible health insurance or if you do not have health insurance at all.

8. Contributory Negligence:

In Oregon, if you contribute to the accident by violating a traffic law or acting negligently, you may be found to be “contributorily negligent.” This means that your compensation may be reduced or eliminated altogether, depending on the extent of your negligence.

9. Comparative Negligence:

It is also important to note that Oregon uses a “modified comparative negligence” system, which means that if the other driver is found to be partially at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced as well. This can be a complex issue and may require the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney to navigate.

10. Hiring an Attorney:

If you are involved in a car accident in Oregon, it is always a good idea to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the legal system, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Hiring a car accident lawyer in Oregon can benefit you in a number of ways, including:

1. Understanding Your Rights: An experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options after a car accident. They can explain the relevant laws and regulations in Oregon and help you make informed decisions about your case.

2. Investigating the Accident: A car accident lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts if necessary. This can help establish fault and liability for the accident and support your claim for compensation.

3. Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies are often more concerned with their bottom line than with fairly compensating accident victims. A car accident lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and work to ensure that you receive a fair settlement for your injuries and damages.

4. Calculating Damages: A car accident lawyer can help you calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. They can also help you anticipate future damages, such as ongoing medical treatment or lost earning capacity.

5. Maximizing Your Compensation: A car accident lawyer can work to maximize your compensation for your injuries and damages. They can help you negotiate a fair settlement with insurance companies or, if necessary, pursue a lawsuit in court to recover the compensation you deserve.

6. Reducing Your Stress: Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you are dealing with injuries or financial losses. Hiring a car accident lawyer can help reduce your stress and anxiety by taking care of the legal details of your case so you can focus on your recovery.

 

Overall, hiring a car accident lawyer in Oregon can help ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. If you have been involved in a car accident in Oregon, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.

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