A Portland car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. Once the dust has settled, most accident victims have a list of questions they need answers to. But they may not know where to turn for comprehensive and straightforward answers.
At Rizk Law, our personal injury lawyers take the time to get to know you and answer all your Portland car accident FAQs. We put you first, arming you with knowledge about your legal rights and communicating with you about your claim from start to finish so you always know what to expect.
If you have questions after an Oregon car accident, we can provide honest and reliable answers. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Portland?
The pain and confusion of a car crash can make it hard to keep a clear head. However, staying calm and taking immediate action to protect yourself can help you build a compelling claim seeking the compensation you deserve for your injuries. After a Portland car crash, you should immediately:
- Contact law enforcement to report the accident.
- Get immediate medical attention for your injuries.
- Document the scene, if possible.
- Exchange information with the other driver.
- Ask witnesses for a brief statement and their contact information.
- Contact an experienced Portland car accident attorney for help.
- Keep track of all expenses, bills, and accident-related losses.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and keep all follow-up appointments.
- Stay off social media.
Use caution when speaking with the other driver and the insurance company. Never apologize or accept blame for the crash. It is best to discuss your situation with a knowledgeable attorney before giving insurers a recorded statement or receiving any compensation.
Who Pays for Damages After an Accident in Portland?
Oregon follows a traditional fault-based car insurance system, meaning you file an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company when an accident happens. The driver responsible for causing the collision is also responsible for compensating victims for their injuries.
However, in addition to minimum liability insurance, Oregon also requires motorists to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. After an accident, you can file an additional claim with your own insurance company for PIP benefits. This coverage can help with your medical bills, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket losses.
In some situations, you can also file a personal injury lawsuit against an at-fault individual or insurance company seeking fair compensation for your car crash injuries in Portland.
It’s also important to note that another driver isn’t always at fault, and there could be multiple liable parties. Other parties potentially responsible for car accident damages could include:
- Vehicle and parts manufacturers, if a vehicle malfunction contributed to the collision
- An at-fault driver’s employer, if they were on the job at the time of the crash
- A government entity, if road defects or hazards caused the accident
- A bar, restaurant, or social host, if they served alcohol to someone visibly intoxicated or a minor who then caused a collision
How Does Oregon Handle Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers?
All Oregon drivers are legally required to carry car insurance. Minimum requirements include:
- Bodily injury liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per crash
- Property damage liability coverage of $20,000 per crash
- Personal injury protection coverage of $15,000 per person
- Uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per crash for bodily injury
However, not all drivers follow the law, and others don’t carry enough insurance to fully cover the substantial losses that can result from car accidents. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage helps protect you and your passengers if a driver with insufficient or no insurance causes an accident. Instead of seeking compensation from the at-fault driver, you file a UM/UIM claim with your car insurance company seeking compensation for your injuries. UM/UIM coverage also covers you if you are in a hit-and-run accident.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive?
The value of a car accident claim in Oregon varies depending on the cause of the crash and the severity of injuries, along with other factors. However, in most cases, accident victims can seek money for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Property damage
Before accepting compensation from an insurance company, allow an experienced Portland personal injury attorney to calculate the fair value of your claim and negotiate for the money you need.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Portland?
In some situations, filing a personal injury lawsuit offers the best chance of a favorable outcome and maximum compensation. Oregon law generally gives car accident victims in Portland two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit.
Waiting to file until the legal deadline passes risks the court dismissing the case. You could lose your negotiating power and not get your day in court. It’s critical to act quickly before valuable evidence is lost and time runs out.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Minor Car Crash?
It’s helpful to have a lawyer on your side, even for seemingly minor car accidents. Any collision can leave you struggling to pay your bills. Insurance companies may take advantage of your vulnerable position, offering you as little money as possible to help them maximize their profits. Plus, what appears to be a minor crash can end up causing significant property damage or serious injuries. A car accident attorney in Portland can guide you through the personal injury claim process and aggressively negotiate for you to maximize your compensation.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Portland?
The cost of hiring a Portland auto accident lawyer varies depending on the complexity and severity of the case. At Rizk Law, we provide comprehensive legal representation at a fair price, offering individuals a free initial consultation to help them understand their legal rights and options. We also work on a contingency fee basis, with no upfront fees or costs. We get paid only if and when we help you recover compensation for your car accident injuries, through a percentage of what we secure on your behalf.
Contact a Portland Car Accident Lawyer
The car accident attorneys at Rizk Law understand what’s at stake for you. We know how a Portland car crash can change your life physically, mentally, and financially. That’s why we focus on providing compassionate and dedicated legal support to help our clients regain stability after an accident. Those efforts have resulted in meaningful results for injury victims and glowing testimonials that attest to how we prioritize their needs and aggressively fight to protect their rights. After a Portland car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact our office for a free consultation to discuss your situation.