Portland Car Accident Attorney

If you’ve suffered injuries from a car accident in Portland, you’re probably facing a challenging time with recovery, medical bills, and the frustrating complexities of insurance claims. The emotional and physical stress following a car accident can be overwhelming, leaving victims uncertain about the future and how to proceed with the legal claims.

This is when an experienced Portland personal injury attorney can make all the difference in dealing with the legal system and ensuring your rights are protected. At Siefman Law LLC, we understand what you’re going through and are ready to help you every step of the way.

You can trust that we take the time to fully understand your needs and concerns and build a tailored legal strategy to recover fair compensation for your case. Contact us for a free consultation.

Car Accident Recoveries That Have Changed Lives

Rear-End Collision with Back Injuries — $1,650,000

A rear seat passenger suffered serious back injuries requiring two surgeries when the vehicle they were riding in was rear-ended. These injuries limited the client’s ability to work in their business at the level they had maintained before the crash. The case was resolved for the total amount covered by all available insurance policies.

Passenger Pinned in Crash — $100,000

Our client, a passenger in a vehicle, was pinned in a crash and suffered fractures. We recovered $100,000 — the full amount of all available policies.

Passenger Injured in Collision — $75,000

While riding as a passenger, our client was injured when another vehicle turned in front of them. They sustained contusions and knee pain. We secured the policy limits of $75,000.

Portland Car Accident Attorneys on a Contingency Fee Basis

Navigating the repercussions of an auto accident can be overwhelming, especially when facing a long recovery, medical bills, property damage, and potential loss of income. That’s why we offer services on a contingency fee basis.

This means you won’t pay any upfront costs, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your legal representation is applying all of our car accident resources to secure you the maximum compensation — without adding financial strain to your current situation.

Types of Compensation a Portland Car Accident Attorney May Recover

After a car accident in Portland, a skilled Portland car accident attorney can help victims recover several types of compensation to cover their losses. This includes:

Medical expenses: Covering the costs of medical treatments resulting from a car crash is a primary concern for victims. This includes emergency services, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. Additionally, psychological counseling to address the trauma of the accident may also be considered part of medical expenses. It’s important to keep thorough records of all medical procedures and expenses, as they will play a crucial role in the compensation process.

Lost wages: The financial impact of a car accident can extend beyond immediate medical treatment. Lost wages are a significant concern for those unable to return to work after a serious car accident. This loss of income can even add to the stress of recovery. A Portland car accident attorney can help you calculate and recover compensation for missed wages, including potential future earnings lost.

Pain and suffering: This encompasses immediate pain felt after the incident and the long-term psychological impact it may have, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Quantifying pain and suffering for legal purposes can be complex, as it involves assigning a monetary value to non-economic damages, highlighting the need for skilled personal injury lawyers.

Emotional distress: The psychological impact of a car accident can include shock, anger, anxiety, and depression. The trauma of going through such a harrowing event can lead to flashbacks and trouble sleeping. These emotional responses can interfere with a person’s life, affecting relationships, work, and well-being. Emotional distress is a significant component of a personal injury claim.

Loss of enjoyment of life: This encompasses the inability to participate in hobbies, recreational activities, or other forms of pleasure that a victim engaged in before the accident. Loss of enjoyment can impact an individual’s emotional and psychological well-being, and it is an essential factor in legal claims.

Property damage: Property damage encompasses the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle and personal property damaged in the accident. Documenting all property damage is essential, as this evidence will be crucial when seeking compensation. Furthermore, if the property cannot be repaired, the compensation sought will reflect the market value of the items lost.

Insurance Company Disputes in Oregon Car Accidents

Navigating the insurance process and ensuring that your medical bills are being paid is often a nightmare, especially if multiple insurers are responsible for your bills. Insurance company tactics always focus on profits, and instances of bad faith are more common.

Insurance companies might confuse victims with their intricate policies and procedures following a car crash. However, a Portland car accident attorney is a formidable negotiator, tirelessly advocating for a fair settlement on your behalf. With a 45-day window for insurance carriers to investigate and determine coverage eligibility, your attorney aims for settlements that reflect the actual value of your claim.

If you’ve been hurt in a car crash in Portland, turn to Siefman Law LLC for help. Let our law firm help you get the money you need for treatment, loss of income, and the repair or replacement of your vehicle so that you can move on with your life.

When you hire Siefman Law, you can trust that we have years of experience navigating the legal process of personal injuries and will build a tailored legal strategy to secure the compensation you deserve.

Next Steps After a Car Accident

After a car accident, taking specific steps to protect your legal rights is crucial. Keep in mind:

• Don’t admit fault at the scene of a car accident in Portland, as this can be used against you later on.
• Once you’ve received medical care, it’s important to document your injuries, medical expenses, and other potential consequences, such as lost wages.
• Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible.
• Contact a Portland car accident lawyer to help you file a claim and ensure you are fairly compensated for your damages.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Portland

Though regulations get stricter and stricter to reduce car accidents nationwide, car crashes remain one of the most common causes of injuries. While some are minor fender-benders, others result in severe injuries to those involved.

Unfortunately, most crashes can be attributed to negligence or a drunk driver involved. Some of the most common causes of Oregon car accident cases include:

Speeding

Speeding is a leading cause of car accidents in Portland. When people drive over the speed limit, they have less time to react to road conditions, making it more difficult to avoid a collision. The higher the speed, the more severe the potential damage and risk of serious injury.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving represents a significant threat to the safety of all road users. This dangerous behavior encompasses a range of actions where a negligent driver disregards traffic laws and the well-being of others. Examples of reckless driving include aggressive lane changes, tailgating, and engaging in illegal maneuvers such as racing on public streets.

Failure to Signal

Failing to signal is a common yet overlooked cause of complex car accident cases because they are difficult to prove. Drivers’ neglect to use turn signals can lead to confusion and misjudgment, increasing the risk of crashes.

Running Stop Signs and Traffic Lights

Ignoring stop signs and traffic signals is a reckless driving behavior that significantly contributes to accidents in Portland. When drivers run stop signs or red lights, they break the law and put themselves and others at risk. This infraction can lead to T-bone collisions, which are often associated with serious injuries or fatalities.

Drunk Drivers

A drunk driver is not just a major cause of motor vehicle accidents in Portland but also a safety hazard to the entire community. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a drunk driving accident, it’s crucial to consult a Portland personal injury attorney experienced in handling similar cases.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a pervasive cause of auto accidents in Oregon. This includes texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, eating, or engaging with passengers. The consequences of distracted driving can be life-changing, leading to preventable accidents that may cause injury and substantial property damage.

Poor Road Conditions

Poor road conditions are a frequently underestimated factor in Portland car accidents, but they pose a unique challenge when dealing with insurance companies. Potholes, lack of signs, and weather-related issues such as ice or snow can all contribute to a collision.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Portland

T-bone Accidents: This type of accident often happens at intersections and can result in significant vehicle damage and serious injuries, especially to the occupants on the side of the vehicle that is struck.

Intersection Accidents: Intersection accidents are a common reason for personal injury claims. The complexity of intersection traffic flow and the potential for high speeds can have serious consequences.

Rear-end Collisions: Rear-end collisions are among the most frequent Portland car accidents and often occur when drivers disregard Oregon law. These accidents range from minor bumps with minimal damage to catastrophic crashes resulting in serious injuries. Injured victims must document what they can, including medical records. These initial efforts can make a substantial difference in a personal injury lawsuit.

Hit & Runs: Hit-and-run accidents are uniquely upsetting. They cause damage and the possibility of injury but also leave those affected feeling abandoned unjustly and unsure of their next steps. If you’ve suffered property damage or injury from such an incident, there are legal avenues to seek financial compensation both through an injury claim and for the harm done to your property.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Despite advancements in medical treatment options, car accidents continue to cause a wide range of serious injuries that can lead to substantial medical expenses for those involved. Common examples of injuries suffered in car accidents include:

Broken Bones

Broken bones, while a common outcome of car accidents, are far from a trivial matter. They can range from simple fractures that may heal with casting and rest to more complex ones requiring surgical intervention and long-term rehabilitation.

Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding, in contrast to visible external injuries, presents a challenge for quick diagnosis and treatment. The impact force in car accidents can harm blood vessels. This damage can cause bleeding that applies pressure on internal organs, which can threaten life if not addressed promptly.

Whiplash

Whiplash is a common injury that occurs, especially in rear-end collisions. Whiplash injuries may not always present symptoms immediately, making it crucial for accident victims to seek medical attention even if they feel fine initially. The treatment for whiplash may include pain management, physical therapy, and sometimes wearing a cervical collar, depending on the extent of the injury.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating outcomes of car accidents, with the potential to cause life-altering consequences. The severity of the injury and the exact location of the damage can lead to varying degrees of paralysis. The road to recovery often requires surgery, rehabilitation, and physical therapy. The emotional and financial toll on the victim and their families can be substantial.

Head Injuries

Head injuries due to car accidents can range from mild concussions to severe brain injuries sustained. The consequences of head injuries can lead to long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most severe and life-altering car accident injuries. These injuries occur when an impact on the head causes damage to the brain. The consequences of TBIs can range from mild concussions with temporary symptoms to severe brain damage that results in long-term or permanent cognitive, physical, and behavioral impairments. In some cases, TBIs can lead to coma or even death.

Amputations

Amputations resulting from a car accident are some of the most life-changing injuries a person can endure. The road to recovery following an amputation is often long and challenging, involving not only physical rehabilitation but also psychological support to help the individual cope with the loss of a limb. Moreover, the financial implications can be significant, as victims may require prosthetics, home modifications, medical expenses, and ongoing medical care.

Wrongful Death

When a life is cut short due to the negligent or reckless actions of another driver, the emotional and financial repercussions can be devastating. In such cases, a wrongful death claim may be pursued. These claims are a legal action that seeks compensation for the family’s loss, lost wages, lost companionship, and funeral expenses. While no amount of money can replace a loved one, a claim serves as a means for families to achieve some level of justice and financial stability in the wake of their devastating loss.

Contact Our Portland Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation

Have you or a loved one been involved in an auto accident in Portland? Our car accident attorneys understand the emotional and financial toll these crashes can impose on victims and their families. At Siefman Law LLC, our Portland car and auto accident attorneys are dedicated to supporting car accident victims through these trying times.

Our personal injury lawyers are well-versed in the technicalities of personal injury cases, such as navigating bodily injury liability coverage, to ensure you can seek compensation, whether you suffered minor or catastrophic injuries. Our attorneys are determined to give you the confidence that you have a dedicated legal team by your side, ready to advocate for your best interests at every step. Contact us today for a free evaluation of your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oregon a no-fault state?

No. Oregon follows a fault-based system for car accidents, meaning the person at fault for a car accident is responsible for the damages.

How long after a car accident can you file a personal injury claim in Oregon?

You have two years from the crash date to file a car accident lawsuit in Oregon.

Can I still receive compensation if I was partially at fault for a car accident?

Potentially yes. Oregon follows the modified comparative negligence rule. In other words, you may recover compensation for a car accident you were partially responsible for causing, so long as your share of fault for the auto accident is less than 51 percent. However, your compensation should be proportional to your share of fault.

Do I need an attorney to accept the insurance company’s settlement?

Hiring a Portland personal injury attorney is not mandatory but increases your chances of a favorable car accident claim. The insurance company wants you to accept as little money as possible, so they may get you to agree to a settlement that’s way below your rights.

Before signing any documents the insurance company presents or agreeing to any settlement, consult a Portland car accident lawyer about your rights and options. A car accident attorney can help you negotiate with the insurance company for a settlement offer that fairly compensates you.

How can Portland car accident lawyers help my case?

With strategies honed through years of experience in motor vehicle accidents and personal injury protection, our lead personal injury attorney, Jeff Siefman, leaves no stone unturned in pursuing your financial compensation. Our contingency fee basis model underscores our commitment to your case, ensuring that our profit is tied to the successful resolution of your personal injury case.

What options do accident victims have if the insurance claim is denied after a motor vehicle accident?

After a motor vehicle accident, accident victims whose insurance claim is denied can request reconsideration, submit additional evidence, or consult an experienced attorney. A lawyer familiar with Oregon personal injury rules can review the denial and determine whether further negotiation or personal injury litigation is appropriate.

When should I consider filing a wrongful death claim after a fatal car crash?

A wrongful death claim may be appropriate when a car crash caused by someone else’s negligence results in a loss of life. Families often work with Portland personal injury lawyers to understand their options and the procedures for wrongful death cases.