Oregon Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims

Did you know that the City of Portland was designed before cars became our primary mode of transportation? It’s no surprise that car accidents occur with regularity in Portland and surrounding areas. If you’ve found yourself in the unfortunate scenario of surviving a collision and suffering injuries because of it, you’re advised to seek competent and compassionate legal counsel from a car accident attorney to guide you through the claims process –– you might not have as much time as you think to resolve your claim.

Each state has a specific period of time during which you may present a claim to seek compensation. This time limit is called the statute of limitations, and it varies by accident time and several other factors. The sooner you call a personal injury attorney to discuss your case, the more time they will have to gather evidence and begin the claims process.

Rizk Law personal injury lawyers have experience advocating for clients and guiding them through the car accident claim process. We are aware of all the critical milestones that need to be completed in order to secure compensation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Oregon?

A statute of limitations is a law that specifies a strict time limit on when you can bring a lawsuit to court. Each state has limits set specifically for car accident claims. Oregon’s statute of limitations for car accident claims is similar to other personal injury cases filed in the state. Generally, Oregon’s state laws establish the following:

The time limit for a personal injury claim is two years.
The time limit for a property damage claim is six years.

However, there may be exceptions to the above timelines. Insurance policies have clauses that state you need to arbitrate before you can sue them. And, if you do choose to take legal action, you must do so within one to two years of your crash.

There are many deadlines which need to be met to give your claim a fighting chance. For example, if you have a dispute with your own insurance company you need to give notice to retrieve attorney’s fees by sending a “Proof of Loss” report. There are several actions that your attorney will need to complete, so it is best to connect with an attorney you trust immediately after your crash to give ample time to prepare your claim.

When Should You Contact a Car Accident Attorney?

When you’re in an accident, you should immediately seek medical attention and call local law enforcement. Once you have been treated and given the officer a report of the accident, you’ll want to contact a car accident lawyer. Hospital bills and property damage are expensive and can cause significant issues in your ability to perform everyday tasks. To help you receive proper justice and compensation for the harm inflicted by a negligent driver, a car accident attorney is responsible for the following:

Answering questions relating to your case
Analyzing potential legal issues
Conducting a fair and just investigation
Reviewing legal documents
Establishing the other individual’s negligence and liability
Negotiating settlement offers
Discussing claims with insurance companies

Am I Eligible to Receive Compensation after an Oregon Car Accident?

The harm inflicted in an Oregon car accident can result in life-changing injuries. Short-term and long-term disabilities can result from car accidents, and the person responsible for causing these damages should be held accountable. You are eligible to recover the following in a car accident claim:

Lost wages or income
Property damage
Punitive damages
Medical transportation
Physical disfigurement and impairment
Cost of hospital bills and treatment
Post-traumatic stress disorder

After a claim, it’s beneficial to have documentation of your crash and your injuries, and make sure your physical symptoms and discomforts are noted in your medical chart. Any physical pain should be included in your chart notes. It’s also important to follow your physician’s advice and get a medical PTSD diagnosis to receive adequate compensation for pain and suffering.

While compensation can’t possibly make up for the trauma and shock after a car accident, it can help relieve some of the pain and suffering you’ve incurred due to medical and property expenses. Holding the individual responsible for their actions will help you receive closure and prevent similar actions.

Why Should I Contact Rizk Law for My Personal Injury Claim?

Car accident claims come with complicated processes and unfamiliar terminology. Our team of experienced car accident attorneys have years of experience defending the rights of clients. We guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have regarding your claim. A few of the many ways our team stands out are:

Free consultations
Experience in your practice area
Positive past results
Dedicated trial attorneys
Positive testimonials
Awards or accolades
Commitment to clients
Open and honest communication

We offer clients the ability to seek justice for the harm they’ve sustained. With thorough investigations and negotiating settlement offers, our Rizk Law lawyers are motivated by compassion and fairness.

Stay Ahead of the Statute of Limitations with Rizk Law

Some claims take longer to present than others. However, this doesn’t mean that your injuries and pain are ineligible for compensation. When you work with Rizk Law, we’re dedicated to offering honest advice about your case. Unique issues that relate to unique cases could take more time to prepare, so get your claim to us as soon as possible. We will give you the best advice specifically crafted to your case.

For a free consultation about your car accident claim, call (503) 245-5677 or fill out our online contact form.

$1,250,000
Car v. Pedestrian Crash

Pedestrian’s Stroll

FACTS: Commercial motorist strikes pedestrian on Oregon roadway. No witnesses. Litigated case.

INJURIES: 1. Brain injury; 2. Broken bones. Other details are confidential.

$900,000
Truck Accident

Car T-Boned by Commercial Delivery Truck

FACTS: Client t-boned by a commercial delivery truck. Delivery driver cited for distracted driving and careless driving. Client left pinned in her car with obvious compound arm fractures.

INJURIES: Compound left arm fracture, chest pain, neck sprain, back sprain, and shoulder and knee injuries.

$695,000
Car Accident

PDX Rent-a-Car Head Injury

FACTS: PDX shuttle driver struck by SUV while walking across airport parking lot. Strikes head on pavement. Loses consciousness. No witnesses. Insurer resists claim suggesting client at fault and claims brain injury is due to pot smoking. Wife also files claim for loss of affection. Litigated case.

INJURIES: Concussion, contusions, loss of intimacy.

$625,000
Car Accident

Drunk Driver Collides Head On with Postal Worker

FACTS: Client, an off-duty postal worker, drove home after completing a 12 hour shift on December 26. Two bars overserved the defendant driver leaving her to drive home 3 times above the legal alcohol limit. Defendant driver traveled on a rural road without headlights on when she collided head on into postal worker.

INJURIES: Client suffered PTSD, including frequent nightmares and fractures to right arm, leading to several shoulder surgeries.

$625,000
Car Accident

SUV Driver Hit by Full-Size Pick-Up Truck on US-30 Outside Astoria, Oregon.

FACTS: SUV driver hit by oncoming full-size pick-up truck on US-30 outside Astoria, Oregon. Litigated case.

INJURIES: Fractured T3-T9 rib fractures requiring surgical repair with plates; transverse process L1-L5 fractured; pulmonary contusion, bruise on the left; simple pneumothorax resulting in pneumonia; seat belt abrasions on neck and around hips. Left hand lacerations. Middle finger cut. Arm and leg bruises.