Experienced Portland Car Accident Attorneys in Just One Call
Portland Car Accident Lawyer
You Deserve the Best Portland Car Accident Lawyer
Experienced Portland Traffic Collision Lawyers
We fight hard for those injured in car accidents in Portland. Call (971) 339-8080 for a free case review.
Car Accidents can have a disastrous effect on your health and well-being. Devastating injuries caused by serious car accidents can have life-long or life-threatening implications, disrupting your future, and your income, causing great pain, or even death.
If you or a loved one have been involved in an auto accident, then you need a seasoned and experienced car accident lawyer who will fight for every penny you are owed.
Attorney James Loren has handled thousands of car accident injury cases over the last 30 years. He fights for the rights of those involved in every type of auto accident from minor fender-benders, to serious injury and wrongful death suits.
With a 98% success rate, your case will most likely not even make it to the courtroom, but in the event that it does, James is a staunch litigator with a track record of multi-million dollar verdicts.
You shouldn’t be alone in this time of need. Every client gets 1:1 attention from us and we take the time to listen to your experience, so we will be in the best position to advocate for you.
Give our local Portland car accident lawyers at our S. Macadam Ave law offices a call at (971) 339-8080 or contact us for a free consultation.
Our Verdicts and Settlements
As of 6/19/2024
For the year of 2024, our auto accident clients have received the following verdicts and settlements.
$1,700,000
Settlement
A commercial truck ran a stop sign and killed an 81-year-old man. He was survived by his 75-year-old wife.
February 2024
$1,200,000
Settlement
Our client was driving when they were struck hard by a distracted driver.
January 2024
$900,000
Settlement
Our client was struck by an Uber driver who was trying to beat a yellow light and severely injured.
February 2024
$655,000
Settlement
Our client was hit by a drunk driver with limited insurance so we pursued the bar owner.
March 2024
- 15 Most Dangerous Intersections in Portland
- Tips for Driving Safe in Portland
- What to Do After a Rear-End Accident in Portland
- Portland’s Statistics on Alcohol Related Crashes
- What if I Was Partly at Fault for A Portland Accident?
- Deadly Year for Portland 2023 Fatalities
- What to Do After a Portland Auto Accident
- Phantom Car Accidents
- How Long After a Portland Car Accident Can You File a Lawsuit?
- Do I Need a Lawyer After a Portland Car Accident?
- 20 Questions to Ask a Portland Car Accident Lawyer
Oregon Auto Accident Reporting Procedures
If you have been in a recent motor vehicle accident in Oregon, you are required by law to submit an Oregon Traffic & Insurance Report with the DMV within 72 hours of the crash.
Requirements for Submitting
Ensure you submit a Motor Vehicle Accident Report to the DMV under the following conditions:
- If vehicle damage surpasses $2,500 (even if your vehicle was the only one involved)
- In case of injury, death, or property damage exceeding $2,500 (excluding vehicles).
Neglecting to report may lead to DMV suspension. For damages under $2,500, report to DMV only if the other party is uninsured, specifying it doesn’t meet mandatory reporting criteria.
File your own Crash and Insurance Report with the DMV, even if the police department has already filed a report. ORS 811.720 and 811.725
What Information is Required to be Submitted?
Ensure that the report includes the following details:
- Your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and mailing address.
- Information regarding the vehicle you were driving during the crash, including the vehicle's license plate number, the state where it's registered, vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make, and model.
- Name of the insurance company (not the agent) and the insurance policy number.
Steps to Submit Your Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Report
To submit the Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Report to DMV, you can follow these steps:
- Download the form to your electronic device (Note: Downloading allows submission by email);
- Access the form through the provided link and print it;
- Contact DMV Customer Assistance at 503-945-5000 (Statewide Relay TTY 711) and request DMV to send (via mail/fax/email) you the accident report;
- Obtain a paper form from a DMV field office or your local law enforcement department.
Submit the report
- By email at [email protected]
. - Fax to 503-945-5267
- Mail to DMV Crash Reporting Unit 1905 Lana Ave NE, Salem, Oregon 97314
- Deliver to a DMV office
When Should I Talk to A Portland Car Accident Lawyer?
The best time to consult a Portland car accident lawyer is immediately.
While it is completely normal to take care of your health first when it comes to a car accident, the next step should be to contact a car accident lawyer who can then begin the legal process of protecting your rights as an accident victim and getting you the compensation you need.
Note: It is important to remember that insurance companies are powerful and are for profit. They train their insurance adjusters to delay, underpay, and even deny your claim.
This is why it is so important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible following any Portland car accident. Our injury law firm can review your case for free.
Portland Car Crash Statistics
Portland is home to more than 640,000 people, so it’s no big surprise that accidents happen, including traffic collisions, auto accidents, and car crashes. In today’s world, with cell phones and other distractions, it is more important than ever to stay focused on the road.
Portland car crashes can involve various factors, including reckless driving, alcohol consumption, drug use, fatigued driving, and distracted driving. In many cases, drivers are not paying attention which leads to collisions and serious injuries.
Portland Auto Accident Fatalities in 2024
As of June 2024, there have been 172 fatalities which included:
- 113 Motor Vehicle Accidents
- 20 Motorcycle Accidents
- 35 Pedestrian Accidents
- 4 Pedalcyclists
- 29 of all Accident Were CMV Related
Injury-Causing Collisions in Portland, Oregon
Fatal Collisions in PDX and Outlying Areas of Portland
In 2022, 63 individuals lost their lives in traffic accidents in Portland, which is consistent with the number of fatalities recorded in 2021 and represents an increase in the death count compared to the past thirty years. [1]
In 2021, there were 528 injuries reported from accidents in Portland, Oregon. Additionally, there were 621 reported property damage-only collisions throughout the city and 63 fatalities. [2]
Does Finding a Car Accident Lawyer Near Me Matter?
Proximity does not equal experience. Trying to find an accident lawyer near me does not mean you will find the right attorney. All attorneys in Portland can practice law in the state of Oregon. We can come to you, so it doesn’t matter where you live as an Oregonian.
The Most Dangerous Roads in Portland
The PDX area is no stranger to dangerous roads.
Interstate 5 is one of the most dangerous and accident prone roads in Portland. It is known for its heavy congestion, resulting in a higher risk of accidents. Because I-5 runs through the city from north to south, it has become a popular route for drivers.
Unfortunately, this high volume of traffic and speed can lead to serious collisions. In 2021, there were 67 total crashes on I-5 alone.
Other dangerous roads in Portland include:
Interstate 84, 205, and Highway 26. With its winding roads, I-84 is a particularly hazardous stretch of highway, with 83 total collisions reported in 2021.
I-205 also saw a significant number of accidents last year, with 69 total crashes being reported.
Highway 26 is one of the busiest highways in Portland and had 54 total collisions reported in 2021.
- SE 122nd Ave. & Stark St.
- SE 122nd Ave. & Division St.
- SE 82nd Ave. & Powell Blvd.
- SE 148th Ave. & Stark St.
- SE 148th Ave. & Powell Blvd.*
- NE 82nd Ave. & Glisan St.
- SE Foster Rd. / 96th Ave. / I-205 northbound ramp*
- NE 99th Ave. & Glisan St.
- SE 92nd Ave. & Holgate Blvd.`
- SE 122nd Ave. & Powell Blvd.*
Why Should I Hire a Portland Auto Accident Attorney from Goldberg & Loren
Our personal injury attorneys at Goldberg & Loren have over 30 years of experience with complex cases. We have practiced in Portland for many years and understand the challenges you are facing. Our traffic collision lawyers have a solid track record and have recovered millions for crash victims and are prepared to do whatever it takes to help you secure a life-changing settlement or award.
When you enlist our Portland law firm for assistance, we will:
- Offer you the support and guidance you need during this overwhelming time.
- Carefully consider your perspective and use it as the basis for our investigation.
- Conduct a thorough and detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding your traffic accident.
- We will gather and analyze relevant evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, photographs, video footage, and medical records, in order to determine causation, fault, and liability.
- Handle all communication with interested parties, including insurance companies.
- We will work to disprove, mitigate, and minimize the liability of any claims that you share responsibility for the car crash, and
- Seek advice from accident experts in traffic collisions and injury specialists throughout the process, especially when determining the value of your accident claim.
Table of Contents
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Experienced Portland Car Accident Attorneys
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Recent Verdicts & Settlements
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Oregon Accident Reporting Procedures
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When Should I Talk to A Portland Car Accident Lawyer?
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Portland Car Crash Statistics
-
Portland Fatalities in 2024
-
Injury-Causing Collisions in Portland, Oregon
-
Does Finding a Car Accident Lawyer Near Me Matter?
-
The Most Dangerous Roads in Portland
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Why Should I Hire a Portland Auto Accident Attorney from Goldberg & Loren
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Who is Responsible for My Car Accident Injuries?
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Types of Damages You Recover After a Car Accident in Portland, OR?
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Is It Possible to Receive Compensation if I Am Partially at Fault for an Auto Accident in Oregon?
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What Are Economic Damages?
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What Are Non-Economic Damages?
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What are Punitive Damages?
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We Handle All Car Accident Cases in Portland
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Goldberg & Loren Will Work Diligently to Seek Compensation for All of Your Injuries.
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Contact Our Portland Car Accident Attorneys Today for the Legal Help You Deserve
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What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
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Local Recommendations
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Portland Car Accident Infographic
Who is Responsible for My Car Accident Injuries?
If you get into a auto accident in Portland, Oregon, you might be able to get compensation. There are different ways to go after the money you deserve.
Oregon operates under an “at-fault” or “tort” system, where the responsible party for a car crash must cover the costs of injuries and property damage caused by the accident.
Minimum Oregon Insurance Requirements
In the state of Oregon and the city of Portland, it is illegal to drive without liability coverage. See ORS 806.010.
The minimum insurance a driver must have is:
Bodily injury and property damage liability
- $25,000 per person;
- $50,000 per crash for bodily injury to others; and
- $20,000 per crash for damage to others’ property.
Personal injury protection
- $15,000 per person.
Uninsured motorist
- $25,000 per person; and
- $50,000 per crash for bodily injury.
Source: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/driverid/insurance.aspx
Types of Damages You May Recover After a Car Accident in Portland, OR?
If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
Depending on the type and severity of your injuries, you may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses related to the car accident. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available.
Our attorneys will carefully evaluate your case to determine which damages are available in your particular situation. We will work diligently to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible.
In Oregon, individuals have the potential to file an injury claim against those who were involved in their car accident and caused them harm.
This may include:
- Other drivers
- The driver of the car (if you were a passenger)
- Your passenger (if you were driving)
- Motorcyclists
- Pedestrians
- Transit companies
- Portland Transit Authority and other government transit agencies
- Employers of negligent parties
- Manufacturers
- Mechanics
- Lyft and Uber drivers
- Taxi drivers
- Truck Drivers
- Truck Companies
- Cab companies
- Government agencies
A comprehensive and detailed investigation is necessary to determine the responsible parties in a personal injury claim involving a PDX crash. At Goldberg & Loren, our Portland auto accident attorneys dedicate the time and resources to ensure this investigation is conducted properly.
Is It Possible to Receive Compensation if I Am Partially at Fault for an Auto Accident in Oregon?
Yes, you can still recover compensation even if you share some of the blame for a car accident in Oregon. Under Oregon state law, the amount of damages you are able to receive will depend on the amount of fault assigned to each party involved. This is known as “comparative negligence,” and it will be taken into account when determining how much money you are entitled to receive for your injuries.
For example, if you are deemed 20% at-fault for the accident, any compensation you receive will be reduced by 20%. It is important to note that this system does not prevent victims from recovering damages—so long as the other party is found to have been more negligent than you were.
What are Economic Damages?
Economic damages are provided as compensation for the financial costs, losses, and expenses associated with a accident.
These usually consist of:
- Medical expenses including transportation to the hospital, diagnostic tests, surgery, medication, and a hospital stay
- Future medical expenses including follow-up care, medical devices, and medical equipment
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Nursing care
- The cost associated with damaged property
- Reduced earning capacity
- Temporary and/or permanent disability
- Lost income and wages
Through the process of recovering economic damages, individuals should be restored to their previous financial state before the accident.
What are Non-Economic Damages?
Injury causing accidents can have consequences that cannot be assigned a monetary value. Physical pain and suffering can be unbearable. Limitations in daily activities and lifestyle can also occur. These consequences are just as serious as those that can be quantified. Therefore, non-economic damages are given as compensation.
Some common examples of non-economic damages are:
- Depression, PTSD, anxiety
- Disfigurement
- Embarrassment
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring
Oregon has a cap on non-economic damages of 500K, but in recent court findings, this was deemed unconstitutional as applied to plaintiffs who survive their injuries.
What are Punitive Damages?
In Oregon, the statute surrounding punitive damages is ORS 31.370 and is designed to punish people who have acted in a particularly egregious manner. Punitive damages can be awarded when the defendant’s conduct was intentional, malicious, oppressive, or outrageous.
Punitive damages are not designed to compensate the plaintiff for any actual losses they may have suffered but rather serve as a deterrent for similar behavior in the future. It is important to note that punitive damages are rare and must be sought in addition to other damages.
We Handle All Types of Car Accident Cases in Portland, Oregon
At Goldberg & Loren, we represent clients who have been injured in:
- Accidents involving bicyclists and pedestrians
- Frontal collisions
- Highway crashes
- Intersection accidents
- Interstate crashes
- Lyft / Uber accidents
- Multiple vehicle crashes
- Rear-end Accidents
- Red and yellow light accidents
- Rollovers
- Sideswipes
- Single-vehicle crashes
- Speeding accidents
- T-Bone accidents
- Uber accidents
Don’t hesitate to contact our car accident legal team to learn about your legal options after a traffic collision in Portland.
Goldberg & Loren Will Work Diligently to Seek Compensation for All of Your Injuries.
We handle all types of cases where our clients, after being involved in a Portland car accident, suffered injuries, including:
- Amputations
- Back, shoulder, and neck injury
- Burns
- Catastrophic injury
- Chest injury
- Crushing injury
- Degloving
- Eye injury
- Fractures and broken bones
- Head injury (including concussion)
- Paralysis
- Soft tissue damage
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Whiplash
If someone you love has died in a fatal collision in or around the city, you may be eligible for compensation. Our wrongful death attorneys are here to assist you during this difficult period. Contact us today by phone or online to find out more information.
Contact Our Portland Car Accident Attorneys Today for the Legal Help You Deserve
Goldberg & Loren have represented clients injured in car accidents for over 30 years. We have collected over half a billion in damages for our clients and fight for maximum compensation.
We offer a free consultation to evaluate your case and discuss your legal options available to you. Contact us online or call (971) 339-8080 today for a free consultation with one of our experienced Portland car accident lawyers.
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us – Client Reviews
Local PDX Resources
Local Hospitals
Depending on the location of the accident and its proximity to the accident your loved one may be being treated at one of the Portland area hospitals.
OHSU Hospital
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239
Providence St. Vincent Medical Center
9205 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225
Providence Portland Medical Center
805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97213
Local Chiropractors
Being involved in a car accident can lead to many issues with the neck and back. ProCare Chiropractic comes highly recommended by our clients.
ProCare Chiropractic Center
10249 NE Clackamas St, Portland, OR 97220
Local Auto Repair Shops
From minor fender-benders to major collisions, Everett Street Autoworks & Mechanics is our choice when it comes to vehicle repair.
Everett Street Autoworks & Mechanics
509 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209
*Disclaimer: we do not endorse these companies, they are only recommendations that have been given to us by clients over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Oregon?
Portland, Oregon, has a two-year Statute of Limitations for personal injury cases, meaning you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Speak with our experienced Portland car accident lawyers as soon as possible after an accident, as we will help assess your case and ensure that all critical deadlines are met. ORS 12.110
If you believe that a government employee or agency is responsible, you may have a shorter time frame to file a claim. Government claims are subject to expedited timelines, giving you only a few weeks to take action instead of years.
Q. How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Hiring a car accident lawyer is easier than you may think. Some lawyers require a retainer, or they may charge by the hour, but at Goldberg & Loren, our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case by a jury verdict or negotiate a settlement for your car accident.
We front all of the costs associated with litigating your case and only recoup those costs if we obtain a monetary award for you.
Our legal fees are based on a percentage of the recovery, which is 33% - 44% depending on the complexity of the case, so there is no up-front cost.
Q. What Is the Oregon Law on Car Accidents?
Oregon law dictates that regardless of a police officer's reporting you are required to fill out and submit an Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Report which is required as outlined in ORS 811.720 and 811.725 when the damage to any vehicle amounts to more than $2,500. This includes any vehicle even if it is your own.
Q. Is Oregon a no-fault state?
No, Oregon is an at-fault or tort state. This means that if you get into an auto accident in Oregon, the driver "at-fault" will be paying for the other person's injuries.
Q. What Happens if The Other Driver Was Uninsured?
In Oregon, driving without liability coverage is against the law. Refer to ORS 806.010 for more information. The required minimum insurance for drivers includes bodily injury and property damage liability.
All motor vehicles in Portland must have insurance. However, not all drivers are insured or have enough coverage. If you get in an accident with an insured driver, it can complicate things after you use your policy's benefits. In that situation, you have a few options to consider.
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is required by law in Oregon. When filing a claim for uninsured motorist benefits, your insurance company takes on the role of the at-fault driver and will use all available defenses in their defense.
Q. How Long Is It Going to Take to Resolve My Car Accident Case?
98% of our cases never see a courtroom. But waiting for a settlement takes patience. While most of our auto accident cases take less than a year from claim to settlement, we have had several cases that have taken a year or more.
The negotiation phase typically takes one to three months, but keep in mind this only after your treatment ends so we can assess all of the damages.
If you are able to reach a settlement, this phase is fairly quick, but if you take the case to trial - it can take months if not years.
The most important thing to remember is there is nothing to rush the insurance company and they know that the longer they make you wait, the tighter your budget becomes making you want to settle quickly to avoid an even larger loss. Patience is not only a virtue but a necessity in personal injury claims.
Portland Car Accident Infographic
Sources:
[1] Portland 2022 Deadly Traffic Crash Report. (n.d.). Portland.gov. https://www.portland.gov/transportation/vision-zero/portland-2022-deadly-traffic-crash-report
[2] Story Map Series. (n.d.). https://pdx.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=5385b143768c445db915a9c7fad32ebe
[3] High Crash Network Streets and Intersections. (2024, June 4). portland.gov. https://www.portland.gov/transportation/vision-zero/high-crash-network-streets-and-intersections#toc-high-crash-network-streets-and-intersections
[4] Portland 2023 Deadly Traffic Crash Report. (2024, April 12). Portland.gov. https://www.portland.gov/transportation/vision-zero/documents/portland-2023-deadly-traffic-crash-report-0
Goldberg & Loren
6500 S Macadam Ave Suite 380
Portland, OR 97239
(971) 339-8080
As a personal injury attorney, I have helped thousands of car accident victims just like you to get the compensation they deserve to pay for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering. We work hard to make you whole again.
James Loren
Senior Partner
Our Office Location
Directions to Goldberg & Loren
We Represent Those Injured in Car Accidents in the Following Cities and Communities Near Portland, Oregon.
- Beaverton, OR
- Hillsboro, OR
- Vancouver, WA
- Clackamas County, OR
- Clark County, WA
- Columbia County, OR
- Multnomah County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Washington County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Yamhill County, OR
Have Questions About Your Case? Call Us Today: