Portland injury attorney

Portland Car Accident Lawyer

Our Portland car accident lawyers understand that a car accident can be traumatizing experience with long-term consequences. Car accidents can happen to anyone, and they usually occur when we least expect them. Distracted drivers, drunk drivers, and dangerous road conditions are all common causes of car accidents in Portland. If you or somebody you love was injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, contact our Portland car accident lawyers today for a free consultation to discuss your life and legal options.

Portland Car Accident Resources 

Why Hire DuBois Law Group for Your Car Accident Claim?

  • For years, our Portland injury attorneys have helped Portland residents secure the compensation they deserve. We have collected millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts for our auto accident cases.
  • Our law firm values open, honest, and direct communication from consultation to settlement. A client will always be able to contact your attorney throughout your claim to ask questions and receive case updates.
  • We, unlike other law firms, understand that financial hardship often accompanies a car accident. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis—if we do not secure compensation in your claim, the client will not be charged legal fees.

How Can Our Portland Car Accident Attorneys Help?

If you or your loved one has been injured in a Portland car accident, you need an experienced Portland accident attorney on your side. Under Oregon law, when one driver’s negligence causes another person’s injuries, the negligent driver can be held financially liable for the accident victim’s injuries. Our auto accident lawyers have a proven track record of obtaining the full amount of compensation in and out of the trial that our clients deserve. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation to learn how we can help you.

However, if there were pedestrians involved and someone was struck by a vehicle, don’t hesitate to visit our Portland pedestrian accident lawyer page.

How Can You Recover Compensation After Your Portland Car Accident?

Car accident lawyer in Portland

Successful personal injury plaintiffs are entitled to economic and non-economic damages resulting from their injuries. The Portland car accident attorneys at DuBois Law Group advocate assertively for our clients so they can obtain the full amount of compensation they deserve. Whether you are filing a claim with the out all driver’s insurance company or plan to file a personal injury lawsuit, we can help you negotiate for the most compensation possible. Traffic accident victims are entitled to compensation for the following damages:

  • Loss of earnings and loss of expected future earnings
  • All medical expenses
  • Rehabilitation expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Any other costs associated with your injuries

Calculating Pain and Suffering Damages in a Car Accident in Portland

As a car accident victim, you have the right to recover the full value of your economic damages like medical bills and lost wages. Calculating economic damages is relatively simple—you will generally need to gather invoices, receipts, pay stubs, and other financial records to determine these costs. In some cases, you may need to consult with expert witnesses to calculate damages like long-term medical costs.

When it comes to intangible non-economic damages, however, the process is more complex. Because pain and suffering cannot be quantified using documents like bills, they can be difficult to calculate. Your attorney from DuBois Law Group will employ common strategies used by insurance companies to help estimate this portion of your award.

Different insurance companies have different methods for calculating pain and suffering after a car accident. Two common formulas are often used during this process: the multiplier method and the per-diem method.

The Multiplier Method

Car accidents can result in several injuries, which can range from mild to severe. The multiplier method is a formula used to calculate pain and suffering that depends on the state of your injuries. Car accident victims with minor cuts and lacerations would receive a lower pain and suffering award under this formula, while a victim with traumatic brain injury would receive a much higher amount. 

When an insurance company employs the multiplier method, it will assign a number to your case based on your injury severity. Usually, this number is between 1 and 5, with 5 being the most serious injury rating that you could receive. The company will multiply this number by the value of your economic damages to determine your pain and suffering award.

For example, say that you suffer multiple broken bones in a car accident, which limits your mobility for several months. The insurance company assigns you a multiplier of 3, and your economic damages are valued at $40,000. Your pain and suffering award will equal $120,000.

The Per-Diem Method

After a car accident, you could spend several days, weeks, or even months away from work to recover from your injuries and receive treatment. While necessary, this time from work can lead to significant financial hardship as the result of lost wages and benefits. In some cases, you may be unable to return to work completely.

The per-diem method is the second formula used to calculate pain and suffering and relies on the time that you take off work to determine your non-economic damages. The insurance company will assign a dollar amount for every day that you are unable to perform your job. Your pain and suffering award will be equal to the per-diem amount times the number of days that you spend in recovery.

For example, say that you are out from work for 30 days. The company assigns a per-diem amount of $200 per day. As a result, your pain and suffering award will equal $6,000.

Is There a Cap on Pain and Suffering Damages in Oregon?

In some states, there are caps or limits on the amount of non-economic damages that you can claim in a lawsuit. For personal injury claims involving car accidents, there are no limits for pain and suffering damages, and you can recover the full value of your non-economic losses.

How to Prove Negligence in a Portland Car Accident Claim?

Since Oregon is a fault car accident state, you will need to provide enough evidence to prove the at-fault driver’s negligence to secure compensation in your case. During the insurance process, a representative will conduct an investigation into the accident and determine how it occurred. You will need to provide enough evidence to the representative to establish the other driver’s fault, including police reports, medical records, photographs, and witness testimony.

In a lawsuit, the requirements for proving liability are more rigid. You and your Portland auto accident lawyer will need to gather enough evidence to prove four crucial elements.

  • Duty: The at-fault driver owed you a duty of care at the time of the collision. This element is relatively easy to prove because all drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and follow Oregon traffic laws.
  • Breach of duty: The at-fault driver breached his or her duty of care through a negligent act or failure to act. For example, speeding, running a red light, changing lanes without checking for other vehicles, and distracted driving are all breaches of a driver’s duty to follow the law and drive safely. Pieces of evidence that you can use to establish the breach may include surveillance footage, witness testimony, and police reports.
  • Causation: The at-fault driver’s breach of duty caused your accident and resulted in injuries. For example, a driver who is under the influence of alcohol may speed through a red light, colliding with your vehicle as it travels through the intersection. The accident would not have occurred but for the at-fault driver’s actions.
  • Damages: You sustained damages in the accident that you can collect in your lawsuit. These may include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Many pieces of evidence can help prove your right to damages, including bills, invoices, pay stubs, and journal entries.

How Long Do You Have to File an Oregon Car Accident Lawsuit?

If you are involved in a Portland car accident, it is important to act quickly. Under Oregon law, all civil lawsuits are subject to a rule known as the statute of limitations, which sets a filing deadline for certain claims. If you do not file your case within the appropriate time period, the court will dismiss your case.

For Oregon car accident lawsuits, you will need to file your claim within two years of the accident. There are certain exceptions to the statute of limitations, but they are not common in car accident claims. To protect your right to compensation, it is important to speak with legal representation and take the first steps toward filing your claim as soon as possible following the collision.

What to Do After a Portland Car Accident?

The moments after a car accident can feel overwhelming. Someone may be seriously injured, concerned about the health and safety of your passengers, or feeling disoriented. In these situations, it is important to act quickly at the site of the crash and get the help you need.

Portland car accident lawyer

  • First, call 911 as soon as possible and request that police and emergency medical services come to the scene. Speak to the responding officer if possible and collect his or her name and badge number, and report if there are any severe injuries. The officer will create a report that you can use to establish your claim.
  • Seek medical attention as soon as possible and save all records related to your injuries. Your medical bills and records will serve as key pieces of evidence in your future case. You should always seek medical care after an accident, even if you do not feel hurt. You may have internal or underlying injuries you are not aware of, and it is important to receive prompt treatment to avoid future complications.
  • If possible, document as much evidence at the scene as possible. Take photographs of your injuries, vehicle damage, and the other driver’s car. You should also photograph the area around the scene, including any debris, skid marks, and traffic signs or signals.
  • Exchange information with the at-fault driver, including contact, license, and insurance carrier details. Keep your interactions brief and do not make any statements about your injuries or how the accident occurred. Anything you say could be used against you in your future case, even if you discover new information later on.
  • Ask if there are any witnesses in the area, and ask for their names and contact information as well. These individuals could provide valuable testimony in your future injury claim.

Once you receive medical treatment, contact a Portland car accident attorney at DuBois Law Group as soon as possible. Your accident attorney can begin investigating your accident, begin the legal process, and explain your optimal pathway to maximum compensation in your car accident case.

What Are The Common Causes of Portland Auto Accidents?

Thousands of  Oregon residents become injured in car accidents every year. Unfortunately, many of these car accidents are entirely preventable. Human error is one of the leading causes of car accidents. Some of the most common causes of Portland car accidents are:

Distracted drivers

Drivers are more distracted than ever. It only takes five seconds of looking down to check a text message to travel the length of a football field. Drivers today are tempted continuously by texting,  smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other technological devices. In addition to technology, eating, small children, pets, and talking to friends while driving can also cause car accidents that lead to serious injuries.

Intoxicated drivers

Despite the efforts of the state of Oregon and nonprofit groups, drunk driving in Portland continues to cause car accidents. When a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol and causes a car accident, he or she is liable for the resulting damages. Unfortunately, going after a drunk driver is not always easy, but our experienced Portland drunk driving accident lawyers can help you get the most value.

Manufacturing defects

Defective products such as faulty airbags, auto glass, or seat belts can also cause car accidents. While most car accidents are the result of negligent drivers, some occur due to defective auto parts. Defective or improperly maintained tires are another common cause of car crashes. Defective tires are particularly dangerous when semi-trucks are involved. One semi-truck tire blowout can lead to a dangerous multi-vehicle car accident. If you are a truck driver and this applies to you, please reach out to one of our skilled Portland truck accident lawyers or product liability attorneys in Portland.

Dangerous road conditions

Cities and states must maintain their roads in a reasonably safe manner. When they fail to keep their roads safe or the weather has caused damage, victims have the opportunity to bring a claim against the liable municipality. Bringing claims against government entities requires a different set of procedural rules with strict deadlines. The sooner you speak to a car accident attorney in Portland about your case, the better.

Speeding and reckless drivers

When drivers speed, the likelihood of causing a car accident increases dramatically. Speeding and reckless drivers cannot correct their driving to avoid collisions or slow down to avoid crashing into another vehicle.

Common Portland Car Accident Injuries

Portland car accident attorney

Car accident injuries can range from relatively minor, superficial injuries to severe and debilitating harm. Some of the most common types of injuries include the following:

If you or a loved one have suffered a head injury as the result of a car accident, our Portland brain injury lawyers are here to review your case and get you the compensation that you deserve.

Unfortunately, in some instances, a vehicle crash can result in the death of a loved on. If this is the case, our Portland wrongful death lawyers are here for you during this difficult time.

Different Types of Car Accidents In Portland, OR

Being involved in any type of car accident can be a scary experience, but certain types of collisions can be more dangerous than others. Below are some of the most common car accidents that the attorneys at DuBois Law Group see in Portland injury claims.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions are some of the most common types of car accidents that happen on Portland roads. These accidents happen when one driver collides with the rear of the vehicle in front of his or her car. While rear-end collisions are not likely to result in severe harm, they can be very dangerous and lead to injuries like broken bones, spinal cord damage, and back pain.

Many people assume that the person who collided with the front vehicle is always at fault for a rear-end accident. While this is often the case, the front driver may also be responsible, such as if he or she stopped suddenly without warning or cause. 

Side-Impact Collisions

Side-impact accidents are also known as T-bone collisions. These accidents happen when one car strikes the side of another vehicle, creating a formation that looks like the letter “T”. Many negligent actions can lead to side-impact collisions, such as running a red light or stop signs. The person sitting on the side of the impact is likely to suffer serious injuries in a T-bone collision. Unfortunately, side-impact accidents, are extremely fatal to motorcyclists, just ask our motorcycle accident attorneys in Portland. 

Rollover Accidents

A rollover accident is one of the most severe collisions that you could experience. These accidents happen when a moving vehicle flips over suddenly, leading to catastrophic injuries and damages. Passengers and drivers can be ejected out of the vehicle during a rollover accident, leading to injuries like brain damage, burns, and broken bones. If your rollover accident involved a bus, please reach out to a Portland bus accident attorney. 

Many dangerous conditions can lead to a rollover accident, such as:

  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving
  • Intoxicated driving
  • Driving while fatigued
  • Slippery road conditions
  • Foreign objects on the road

Sideswipe Accidents

Not to be confused with side-impact collisions, sideswipe accidents happen when one driver hits the other while they are driving next to each other. These collisions are often caused by distracted driving, unsafe passing, and recklessness. For example, if a driver tries to merge into another lane without checking to make sure it is clear, he or she may strike the side of any oncoming cars. 

Sideswipe accidents can be dangerous. When a driver hits the side of another vehicle, both cars can spin out of control and hit other motorists and pedestrians on the road. Victims of sideswipe accidents can experience serious injuries like brain damage and broken bones.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions are some of the most dangerous types of car accidents. These collisions happen when one driver strikes the front of another vehicle, resulting in severe injuries and devastating fatalities. Head-on accidents are often caused by drivers who travel in the wrong lane and may be exacerbated by speeding, distracted driving, drowsy driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Single Car Accidents

Not all accidents involve a collision between two or more vehicles. A single-vehicle accident can happen when a driver strikes a foreign object, like a pole or debris on the road. They can also occur as a result of poor weather conditions, malfunctioning vehicle parts, or negligent drivers that run the driver off of the road. 

What Are Some Oregon Car Insurance Carrier Laws?

Like many states, Oregon follows a fault-based system when it comes to car accidents. Drivers who are responsible for collisions must use their insurance carrier policies to pay for their victims’ damages. To uphold these financial obligations, Oregon law requires all drivers to hold the following minimum amounts of liability coverage.

  • $25,000 in bodily injury or death liability per person per accident
  • $50,000 in total bodily injury or death liability per accident
  • $20,000 for property damage per accident

You can choose to purchase higher amounts of insurance if you wish. Oregon also requires someone to hold $15,000 in personal injury protection coverage per person, as well as uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

Under Oregon’s fault-based system, you have three options to pursue compensation after a car accident: filing an insurance claim against the at-fault party, filing an insurance claim under your own policy, or filing a personal injury lawsuit in Oregon civil court.

Most car accident claims begin in the insurance stage and progress to a lawsuit if necessary. However, you may want to pursue a lawsuit from the beginning if your damages exceed the at-fault party’s policy limits. Speak to a Portland experienced car accident lawyer at DuBois Law Group to identify your optimal path to maximum recovery.

Recovering Financially When the At-Fault Party Has No Insurance Carrier

accient attorney in Portland

In some cases, drivers do not carry liability insurance as required by Oregon law. As a result, you cannot file a claim against his or her coverage. This situation can make it very difficult to recover compensation.

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident, there are a couple of potential avenues to compensation that you could explore to still demonstrate blame. You could file an uninsured motorist claim with the help of a personal injury attorney against the driver in Oregon civil court.

Filing an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claim

Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can pay for your losses if you are injured by a driver who does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance for your needs. This coverage also kicks in if you are injured in a hit-and-run. 

Like liability insurance, Oregon requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 total per accident. If you are in an accident with an uninsured driver in Portland, you likely already have this coverage. 

You could pursue a claim against your own insurance coverage and secure compensation for medical care and lost wages, but not vehicle damage. You may need additional coverage to pay for these losses.

Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit Against an Uninsured Driver

Sometimes, UM coverage is not enough to pay for the losses that you suffered. To collect the difference, you may want to escalate your claim into a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. Through this civil claim, you can recover compensation for all of the losses that you suffered in the collision.

Because the at-fault driver does not have insurance, however, he or she would be solely liable for the car accident victim’s settlement. This means that he or she will likely need to pay for your damages out of pocket. 

Many people do not purchase insurance because they cannot afford it. In these situations, the driver could struggle to pay for your losses, and you may not recover the compensation that you need. It is important to consult with a lawyer who can identify your optimal path to recovery.

Should You Speak to the Car Insurance Company After a Motor Vehicle Accident?

After your collision, a representative from the at-fault driver’s insurance company may reach out to you and ask you to provide a statement. He or she may claim that your statement will help settle your case faster, putting money in your pocket sooner than entering the entire claims process. While these benefits may seem valuable, it is important to deny the representative’s request and refuse to speak to him or her before you consult with an auto accident lawyer in Portland, OR.

It is important to remember that your goals for maximum compensation differ from the goals of insurance companies. The representative likely wants to protect the company’s bottom line, and it is not in the company’s best interest to pay a very high award. Immediately after the accident, you may not have a comprehensive picture of your damages and long-term care requirements. As a result, the first settlement offer you receive may be insufficient to meet your needs, leading to financial hardship later on.

A Portland accident lawyer from DuBois Law Group can act as an advocate for your rights during each stage of the process. He or she can conduct a full investigation into your accident and identify key pieces of information to support your claim. Your lawyer will handle all negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf and evaluate each settlement offer to ensure that it is sufficient to meet your needs. If you do need to speak to the insurance company, your attorney can provide you with important tips to help protect your future claim.

How Do You Determine Liability In Your Car Crash?

The first step in bringing a car accident lawsuit or filing a claim for insurance compensation involves determining who is liable for the accident. Multiple parties can be liable or at fault for the car accident. Drivers have a duty to drive reasonably under the circumstances. When they breach that duty by driving while intoxicated or negligent driving, they are liable for the injuries that result.

Caraccident lawyer in Portland

Oregon follows a legal doctrine called modified comparative negligence. If you have been injured in a car accident, the amount of compensation you can obtain will be reduced by your percentage of fault in the accident. If your share of fault for the accident is higher than the other parties involved, you will not be able to obtain compensation.

The experienced car accident lawyers at DuBois Law Group will conduct a thorough investigation into your car accident case and help you determine who is liable. In some cases, the negligent driver is liable, and his or her employer is also liable for negligent hiring practices. In other cases, two negligent drivers may have caused the car accident that resulted in your injuries. In that case, you would be able to bring a lawsuit against both at-fault drivers with the help of our legal team.

Portland Car Accident Client Testimonials

  • “The people here are just really friendly and I looked forward to the conversations and coming in. It was very much resolved to my satisfaction because it wasn’t a one-time offer from this law firm”
  • ” My case results were satisfactory because of what we were dealing with. It is hard to prove incidents with no witnesses! I felt very lucky to have an attorney who stood by me.”
  • “All the staff was very professional. Friendly, really checked out my info. and went the extra mile when I didn’t want to. [They] always kept me informed…100% informed, and I was able to feel I was involved. You are all great!”

Car Accident Case Results

  • $150k received in an auto accident
  • $100k in a head-on collision
  • $100k in a drunk driving accident

Contact Our Portland Car Accident Lawyers Today

If you have become injured in a Portland car accident, DuBois Law Group is here to help. Personal injury lawsuits can become complicated, and it is best to start the process of gathering evidence as soon as possible. You only have two years from the date of your car accident to file a car accident lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Speak to a car accident attorney as soon as possible. Whether you plan to file a claim through the at-fault driver’s insurance company or file a personal injury lawsuit, we can help. Contact DuBois Law Group today to schedule your initial consultation and discuss your case worth. You can reach us online or by calling our local law office at (503) 222-4411.

Areas We Serve:

Arlington Heights, Forest Park, Goose Hollow, Hillside, Linnton, Northwest District, Old Town, Pearl District, Downtown, Sylvan – Highlands, Arnold Creek, Ashcreek, Bridlemile, Collins View, Crestwood, Far Southwest, Hayhurst, Hillsdale, Homestead, Marshall Park, Multnomah, South Burlingame, South Portland, Southwest Hills, West Portland Park, Arbor Lodge, Bridgeton, Cathedral Park, East Columbia, Piedmont, Portsmouth, St Johns, University Park, Alameda, Concordia, Eliot, Lloyd District, Cully, Hollywood, Rose City Park, Hazelwood, Parkrose Heights, Pleasant Valley, Woodland Park, Brooklyn, Eastmoreland, Kerns, Laurelhurst, Montavilla, North Tabor, Richmond, Sunnyside, Woodstock