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Lake Oswego Car Accident Lawyer
Find out why we are one of the best Lake Oswego auto accident law firms
Lake Oswego Car Accident Lawyer
For the past 30 years our Lake Oswego car accident lawyers have been pursuing insurance companies and those who have caused accidents that have left our clients injured. We understand the pressures that a collision can bring to your life, and we want to relieve what we can.
Our legal team can handle all of the communications with the insurance companies for you and make sure you are not taken advantage of. Call our Lake Oswego car accident attorneys today at (971) 451-2270 and schedule your free consultation.
Causes of Auto Accidents in Lake Oswego
Auto accidents occur due to various reasons, and driver neglect is usually one of the leading reasons. However, some of these causes can be due to rough road conditions or inclement weather.
That being said, the most common causes of auto accidents are as follows:
- Bad Road Conditions: Potholes, obstacles, or other unwanted issues with the roads and pavements can lead to car accidents. While uncommon, it is a cause to pursue legal action if it led to your accident.
- Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of car accidents is distracted driving. This is often due to cell phone use, eating, or other distractions. When a driver takes their attention away from the road, they can fail to notice changing traffic conditions, leading to collisions.
- Driving Under the Influence: Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a significant factor in many accidents. Impaired judgment and slowed reflexes contribute to a higher risk of collisions. Drunk driving is a clear case of negligence and caused 15 accidents in 2022 in Lake Oswego. [1]
- Inclement Weather: Bad weather is one of the leading reasons road accidents happen. During rainy or snowy seasons, roads in Lake Oswego can be slippery and lead to accidents.
- Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating or weaving in and out of traffic, can lead to accidents. Negligence is evident when drivers disregard safe driving practices and endanger others.
- Speeding: Around 17 accidents in Lake Oswego in 2022 occurred when drivers exceeded the speed limit or drove too fast for road conditions. [1] Negligence in this regard reduces a driver’s ability to react quickly to obstacles or sudden stops, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
The cause of your accident can be key in determining liability or fault. Mention facts like this to our Lake Oswego car accident attorneys during your initial consultation.
There were over 182 auto accidents in Lake Oswego in 2022. [1]
Types of Car Accidents in Lake Oswego
In Lake Oswego, auto collisions can happen in a variety of ways. The type of accident involved often has a direct relationship to the severity of injuries sustained.
Here are some of the types of accidents we have seen:
- Head-on collisions involve the front ends of two vehicles colliding, typically at high speeds, resulting in severe injuries and damage.
- Hit-and-run accidents involve a driver leaving the scene without stopping to exchange information or provide assistance after a collision.
- Multi-vehicle pileups involve three or more vehicles and often occur on highways, especially in adverse weather conditions or low visibility.
- Rear-end collisions occur when one vehicle strikes the back of another, often due to sudden braking or tailgating. In Lake Oswego, there were over 60 rear-end accidents in 2022. [1]
- Roll-over accidents occur when a vehicle turns over onto its side or roof, often caused by sharp turns or collisions at high speeds.
- Side-impact collisions (T-bone accidents) happen when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another, forming a “T” shape. Intersections are common locations for these accidents.
- Side-swipe accidents occur when the sides of two vehicles traveling parallel to each other make contact, often during lane changes.
- Single-vehicle accidents involve only one vehicle and may include incidents such as running off the road, hitting a stationary object, or rolling over.
Common Injuries Sustained in Lake Oswego Traffic Collision Cases
Some of the most common injuries from car accidents include whiplash or facial injuries, which are due to the impact that jolts your body forward and backward.
However, car accidents can lead to other injuries as well, such as the following:
- Back Injuries: Back injuries include minor strains to serious conditions like herniated discs, which may cause chronic pain or spinal cord injuries, which may affect mobility.
- Chest Injuries: Injuries to the chest, including bruised ribs or damage to internal organs, can result from the impact of seat belts or the steering wheel.
- Fractures: Broken bones can occur in various parts of the body, including arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis, depending on the nature of the impact.
- Head Injuries: Head injuries include traumatic brain injury resulting from a blow to the head or sudden jolt, and can cause symptoms such as headaches, confusion, and dizziness.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs, such as the liver or spleen, can occur due to the force of the collision, sometimes requiring emergency medical intervention.
- Knee Injuries: The knees can sustain injuries from colliding with the dashboard or other parts of the vehicle during an accident.
- Lacerations and Abrasions: Cuts and scrapes can occur from broken glass, debris, or contact with vehicle interiors.
- Psychological Injuries: Emotional trauma, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can result from the experience of a serious accident.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears in muscles, ligaments, and tendons can occur, leading to pain and limited mobility.
- Whiplash: A common neck injury caused by the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head during a collision, often leading to pain and stiffness.
Suffering any of these injuries can lead to lifelong implications and financial losses. Our Lake Oswego personal injury lawyers will help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Wrongful Death in Lake Oswego Auto Accidents
Car accidents are qualified as wrongful death claims if they lead to fatality. When negligence is involved, it is strong grounds to pursue a wrongful death action against the responsible party.
Some of the key aspects of wrongful death claims due to car accidents are as follows:
- Eligibility for Claims: In Oregon, immediate family members, such as spouses, children, and sometimes parents, may file a wrongful death claim.
- Negligence: To establish a wrongful death claim, it must be proven that the other party acted negligently. This could involve distracted driving, driving under the influence, or failing to obey traffic laws.
If you have lost a loved one due to someone’s negligence, our wrongful death lawyers will help you bring the responsible party to justice.
Table of Contents
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Lake Oswego Car Accident Lawyer
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Causes of Auto Accidents in Lake Oswego
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Types of Car Accidents in Lake Oswego
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Common Injuries Sustained in Lake Oswego Traffic Collision Cases
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Wrongful Death in Lake Oswego Auto Accidents
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Compensation Available for Car Accident Victims in Lake Oswego
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What To Do After A Car Accident In Lake Oswego
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Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Cases in Oregon
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Lake Oswego Resources
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Why You Need Our Lake Oswego Car Accident Attorneys
Lake Oswego Practice Areas
Compensation Available for Car Accident Victims in Lake Oswego
The compensation you get for a motor vehicle accident depends on the injuries, property damage, and losses you have to bear. This includes medical bills, vehicle damage, property damage, as well as non-economic factors like mental trauma.
You may be entitled to the following compensation types:
- Disfigurement: Compensation for any permanent physical changes resulting from the accident, which can affect your appearance and self-esteem.
- Emotional Distress: Damages for the psychological impact of the accident, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Legal Fees: Reimbursement for attorney fees and legal costs incurred while pursuing your claim.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact the accident has on your relationship with your spouse.
- Lost Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the reduction in your quality of life due to injuries or disabilities caused by the accident.
- Lost Wages: Recovery of income lost due to time off work as a result of your injuries.
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for all medical costs related to the accident, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical pain and emotional suffering experienced as a result of your injuries.
- Permanent Disability: Compensation for long-term or permanent impairments that impact your ability to work or perform daily activities.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the accident.
- Punitive Damages: Additional damages intended to punish the negligent party and deter similar behavior in the future, typically awarded in cases of extreme negligence or misconduct.
Talk to our Lake Oswego auto accident lawyers and let us begin your legal action to seek compensation.
What To Do After A Car Accident In Lake Oswego
The immediate aftermath of a car crash can be challenging, but you must ensure your safety. In a serious accident, you may not have much choice but to wait for rescue to arrive.
However, if you can, take the following actions:
- Call 911: Assess the situation, move to a safe spot, and call 911 immediately. Seek paramedics if anyone requires emergency medical attention. This will also prompt the police to come to the accident scene and generate a police report for legal purposes.
- Report The Incident: You must notify Oregon DMV within 72 hours after an accident. This applies if the accident involved an injury or death. Or, if the property/vehicle damage was worth more than $2,500. You must have the following ready before you begin reporting:
- Driver’s license number
- Other driver’s information, including license, VIN, number plate, etc.
- Vehicle license plate or VIN (vehicle identification number)
- Vehicle insurance information, including insurance company and policy number
Once you have the requirements, you can report the accident online.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you are not seriously injured, get medical attention for your injuries. Get checked for any internal damages and underlying injuries.
- Document The Accident: Begin documenting your accident right away. Take photos of the accident scene, and make a video, if possible. Seek dashcam and surveillance footage of the accident. Also, gather witness statements and contact information.
- Notify Insurance: Notify your insurance provider right away. However, do not speak to an insurance agent or accept their initial offer. Only let your legal representation deal with the insurance provider.
- Consult Our Car Accident Attorneys: Talk to our Lake Oswego car accident lawyers as soon as you can. We will handle the legal matters while you recover from your injuries.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Cases in Oregon
The Statutes of Limitations give you a limited window to begin your legal action. This stipulation begins from the day of your injury or the day you discovered your injuries. Then, you must file a legal claim within the granted timeline.
That being said, the Statutes of Limitations for car accidents in Oregon are as follows:
- Personal Injury: You must file a personal injury claim within two years from the day of your car accident. ORS § 30.905
- Wrongful Death: If a loved one has passed away, you can file a wrongful death claim within three years from the day of their passing. ORS 30.020
- Discoverability: If you discover your injuries at a later date, your two-year time limit will begin on that day. ORS 174.120
Lake Oswego Resources
Local Hospital Emergency Rooms & Urgent Care:
Injuries from car accidents are serious and require immediate medical attention. Our clients in the area recommend the following options:
Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center Emergency Room
503-692-1212
19300 SW 65th Ave, Tualatin, OR 97062
Maxem Health Urgent Care Lake Oswego
503-387-3796
17437 SW Ferry Rd #100, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Northwest Medical Clinic Urgent Care
503-352-5410
9 Centerpointe Dr A, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Auto Body Shop:
Caliber Collision
120 Foothills Rd
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
*Note: We do not endorse these hospitals, medical clinics, or autobody shops. These are suggestions made by our clients in the area.
Why You Need Our Lake Oswego Car Accident Attorneys
A car accident brings not only injuries but also trauma and financial losses. You need legal representation that not only defends your rights but also understands your pain. Our Lake Oswego auto accident lawyers are ready to come alongside you.
For 30+ years, we have provided supportive legal counsel to clients like you. Goldberg & Loren has also recovered $500+ million in damages in personal injury cases. Call our Lake Oswego car accident lawyers at (971) 451-2270 today for a free consultation.
FAQs
If you experience any pain, dizziness, or difficulty moving, seek medical attention right away. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent, so it's always safer to get checked by a healthcare provider.
Yes, you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit if the accident was caused by someone else's negligence, and you have suffered significant injury or damage. It is advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney to evaluate your case.
If the other driver is uninsured, your own auto insurance policy may cover the damages if you have uninsured motorist coverage. It is important to check with your insurance adjuster and understand your policy's coverage for such situations.
Oregon follows a "comparative fault" system, meaning the person at fault for the accident is generally responsible for damages. However, each driver’s own insurance may also cover certain medical costs under Personal Injury Protection (PIP), regardless of fault.
If you are found at fault for the accident, your insurance premiums may increase. However, Oregon law limits how much insurers can raise rates after an accident, particularly if you have a good driving record.
Source:
[1] Crash Summary 2022. (n.d.-b). In https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Data/Documents/Crash_Summary_2022.pdf Oregon Gov.
We fight hard for our clients who have been injured in a car accident in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Our personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation.
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