CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS Portland Car Accident Lawyer Injured in a crash or rideshare accident? We fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident
- Ensure Safety & Call 911: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location. Check on all parties involved and call 911 immediately to report the accident and request emergency medical assistance for any injuries.
- Gather Evidence at the Scene: Use your phone to take pictures of the vehicles, the accident scene, any skid marks, and relevant road signs or weather conditions. Exchange contact, driver's license, and insurance information with the other driver(s).
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not apologize or admit any fault for the accident. Stick to the facts when speaking with police and other drivers.
- Get Witness Information: If there are any witnesses, politely ask for their names and contact information. Their objective account can be invaluable later.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it's essential to see a doctor. Injuries like whiplash or concussions can have delayed symptoms that appear hours or days later. A medical evaluation creates a crucial record for your claim.
- Report the Accident to Your Insurer: Notify your insurance company about the accident, but avoid giving a detailed or recorded statement until you have spoken with an attorney.
- Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney: Before you accept any settlement offer, consult with a lawyer who can protect your rights and help you understand the true value of your claim.
Types of Car Accidents We Handle
Our firm has deep experience across all types of car accident cases, each with its own unique challenges.
Frequent Crash Types
Common Car Accidents
Rear-End Collisions
The most frequent type of crash, often caused by distracted driving or tailgating. While they may seem minor, rear-end accidents are a leading cause of debilitating whiplash and soft tissue injuries requiring extensive medical treatment.
Head-On Collisions
Among the most dangerous types of accidents, frequently resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities due to the immense force of impact. Often caused by drunk, distracted, or wrong-way drivers requiring aggressive legal representation.
Side-Impact (T-Bone) Accidents
Occurring most often at intersections, side-impact collisions can cause severe injuries because the sides of a vehicle offer far less protection. We work to establish who had the right-of-way and prove negligence.
Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups
Accidents involving three or more vehicles, common on highways like I-5 or US-26, present complex liability challenges. Determining fault can be difficult, often involving multiple insurance companies.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover crashes have a high risk of serious head, neck, and spinal cord injuries. They can be caused by high-speed maneuvers or by a vehicle "tripping" on a curb, especially in vehicles with a high center of gravity.
Sideswipe Accidents
Injuries from vehicles making contact along their sides, often during lane changes or merging situations. Can result in loss of control and secondary collisions.
Complex Legal Challenges
Complex Car Accident Claims
Drunk Driving (DUI) Accidents
When you are hit by a drunk driver, you have the right to pursue a civil claim for your injuries, independent of criminal charges. Oregon law may allow you to seek punitive damages to punish the drunk driver.
Uber & Lyft (Rideshare) Accidents
Rideshare accidents involve complex insurance rules that change depending on the driver's status at the time of the crash. We navigate these tiered insurance policies to ensure you are compensated from the correct source.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Being injured by a driver who flees the scene is frightening and frustrating. Your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage becomes your primary source for compensation.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Injuries caused by drivers using phones, texting, eating, or engaging in other distracting activities while driving. We investigate phone records and other evidence to prove distraction.
Highway & High-Speed Accidents
High-speed collisions on freeways and highways often result in catastrophic injuries and complex liability issues. These cases require immediate evidence preservation and expert reconstruction.
Parking Lot Accidents
Vehicle collisions and pedestrian injuries in parking lots of shopping centers, workplaces, and other commercial properties. Determining right-of-way and fault requires careful investigation.
Understanding Rideshare Accident Complexity
Uber and Lyft accidents present unique challenges due to the complex insurance coverage structure involving multiple parties: your insurance, the other driver's insurance, and the rideshare company's commercial policy. The coverage available depends on what stage of the ride the accident occurred.
Rideshare Insurance Coverage Levels
- Driver Offline: Only personal auto insurance applies
- App On, Waiting for Request: Limited rideshare coverage ($50,000/$100,000/$25,000)
- En Route to Pickup or During Trip: Full rideshare coverage ($1 million liability plus comprehensive and collision)
Drunk Driving Accident Claims
Drunk driving accidents are entirely preventable yet continue to cause thousands of injuries and deaths each year. When someone chooses to drive under the influence, they put everyone on the road at risk and must be held accountable for the consequences.
Punitive Damages in DUI Cases
Oregon law allows for punitive damages in cases involving drunk driving, which are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from similar conduct. These damages are in addition to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Hit-and-Run Accident Recovery
Being injured by a driver who flees the scene is frightening and frustrating. In these situations, your own insurance policy's Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage becomes your primary source for compensation. We help you navigate this complex process.
UM/UIM Coverage Explained
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance to cover your damages. This coverage is part of your own auto insurance policy and can be crucial in hit-and-run cases.
Oregon Car Accident Law
Understanding your rights under Oregon law
Comparative Fault Rules
Oregon follows a modified comparative fault system. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as your fault is less than 51%. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Statute of Limitations
In Oregon, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there may be exceptions or shorter deadlines depending on your specific case circumstances.
Minimum Insurance Requirements
Oregon requires drivers to carry minimum insurance coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $20,000 for property damage. However, these minimums are often insufficient for serious accidents.
No-Fault Insurance
Oregon is not a no-fault insurance state, which means you can pursue compensation directly from the at-fault driver's insurance company. This gives you more options for recovery than in no-fault states.
Our Car Accident Services
Comprehensive Car Accident Representation
We provide complete legal services for car accident cases with proven results.
Free Case Evaluation
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to evaluate your case and explain your legal options without any upfront cost.
Thorough Investigation
We conduct comprehensive investigations to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary.
Medical Documentation
We ensure proper documentation of all injuries and work with medical experts to establish the full extent of your damages.
Insurance Negotiation
We handle all communications with insurance companies and fight aggressively for fair compensation that covers all your damages.
Medical Bills First
We charge attorney fees only after your outstanding medical bills are paid, ensuring your recovery and care come first.
Trial Experience
If settlement negotiations fail, we have extensive trial experience and are prepared to fight for you in court.
Car Accident FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents
Find answers to common questions about car accident claims and your legal rights in Oregon.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Oregon?
In Oregon, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there may be exceptions or shorter deadlines for certain types of claims. Contact us as soon as possible to ensure you don't miss any important deadlines.
What compensation can I recover after a car accident?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and in cases involving drunk driving, punitive damages. The specific compensation depends on the severity of your injuries and circumstances of the accident.
Do I need a lawyer for my car accident case?
While not legally required, having an experienced attorney significantly improves your chances of receiving fair compensation. Insurance companies often offer lower settlements to unrepresented claimants. We handle all aspects of your case while you focus on recovery.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Oregon follows comparative fault rules, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as your fault is less than 51%. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How much does it cost to hire Johnson Law, P.C.?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Additionally, we charge our fee only after your outstanding medical bills are paid, ensuring your recovery comes first.
What should I do if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
If the other driver is uninsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. We help you navigate this process and maximize your recovery from all available sources.
Can I sue a drunk driver even if they face criminal charges?
Yes, you can pursue a civil lawsuit against a drunk driver regardless of any criminal proceedings. Criminal cases are about punishment, while civil cases are about compensation. Oregon law also allows punitive damages in drunk driving cases.
What makes rideshare accidents different from regular car accidents?
Rideshare accidents involve complex insurance coverage that depends on the driver's status at the time of the accident. Coverage can range from the driver's personal insurance to the rideshare company's $1 million commercial policy.
Were You Injured in a Car Accident?
Let Experienced Trial Lawyers Fight For You
Available 24/7 • No Fee Unless We Win
Over $50 Million Recovered for Oregon Injury Victims