OR Legislature Considers Law with Heavier Fines for Drivers

The Oregon Legislature’s Senate Judiciary Committee plans to begin hearings this week concerning a bill that would treat Oregon motorists caught texting or talking on cell phones while driving similar to those convicted of drunk driving. The new legislature, introduced by Democratic Senate President Peter Courtney is aimed at forcing motorists to take the existing ban on cell phone usage and driving more seriously. The House bill, if passed into law, would fine those caught using cell phones and driving with a fine of up to $2,000.  Currently the maximum fine is $250, but the increase is definitely supported by Oregon accident insurance lawyers as a way to prevent injuries.

Receiving a Distracted Driver Citation Could Affect Auto Insurance Premiums Oregonians Pay

Obviously, distracted driving accidents are getting out of hand in Oregon when legislature might be enacted to put it up there with drunk driving violations.  Consequently, since car insurance premiums are tied to driving records, it would stand to reason that a distracted driving citation could result in higher premiums for drivers who receive citations for the offenses.

Plus, should you be involved in a car accident where the at-fault party gets charged with a distracted driving violation in which you sustained injury, you might be eligible to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. An Oregon accident insurance lawyer can best inform you of how a distracted driving citation might affect your ability to collect compensation for the at-fault party’s insurance or win a personal injury lawsuit.

Anytime you are injured in an auto accident in Oregon, it is wise to consult with an Oregon accident insurance lawyer to determine just what type of compensation you are entitled to. Filing all the necessary paperwork to receive the proper amount of car insurance benefits you deserve is best accomplished with the assistance of someone highly familiar with the way auto insurance works in Oregon.

For example, did you know that personal injury protection (PIP) is required by law (ORS § 742.524) to be included in all Oregon private car insurance policies? That means that even if you are injured driving your own car, your insurance provider may cover not only your medical bills, but lost wages and certain household expenses as well.  Should the accident be determined to be the fault of another, you may be entitled to collect compensation for injuries you may have sustained from the insurance provider of the at-fault driver.

Oregon Accident Insurance Lawyers Can Demonstrate Which Auto Accidents Qualify as Negligence

To collect insurance monies from the insurance policy of another, you must first prove that the party responsible for your injuries and the accident was negligent. To prove negligence, you must be able to show that the other driver did not act as a reasonably prudent person should under similar circumstances.  Some examples of negligence that are frequently used to prove a personal injury case by Oregon accident insurance lawyers include:

• Aggressive driving, like tailgating or weaving in and out of lanes of traffic
• Speeding
• Defective car parts
• Driver fatigue
• Driving under the influence
• Distracted driving (talking on a cell phone, texting, eating)
• Disobedience of traffic regulations and laws
• Poor road maintenance or design

Keep in mind that car insurance companies don’t want to pay out on any claims—that goes for your own insurance provider and that of any other at-fault party. Consequently, they often try to settle accident claims for as little as possible, often to the detriment to the injured party.  Seeking assistance from an Oregon accident insurance lawyer ensures that you receive all the insurance monies you are entitled to. Don’t take the first offer of a settlement from any insurance company. Take the time to get experienced legal advice before agreeing to any settlement offer from either you own auto insurance provider or that of an at-fault party.

The Professionals at DuBois Law Group are Oregon Accident Insurance Lawyers You Can Contact for Assistance with Accident Insurance Legal Matters

The Portland car accident lawyers at DuBois Law Group are highly familiar with Oregon’s major and minor auto insurers. Having negotiated, mediated, and litigated multiple insurance cases successfully for accident clients, the attorneys at DuBois Law Group can assist you with the complex task of getting the compensation for your auto accident that you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident and need help collecting insurance benefits, contact them today for a free evaluation of your Oregon accident insurance claim.