Experienced Portland Oregon Head-on Collision Attorney
Portland Head-on Collision Lawyer
Find out why we have some of the best Portland head-on collision attorneys
Have You Recently Been in a Head-on Collision in Portland, Oregon?
Our team of experienced car accident lawyers at Goldberg & Loren are experienced head-on collision attorneys who can help you navigate the complicated aftermath of your accident. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that these accidents can take on you and your loved ones.
Our goal is to help you obtain the fair compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle damage, and other damages resulting from the accident. We approach each personal injury accident with compassion, dedication, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for you.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today for a free consultation and take the first step towards getting the justice and maximum compensation available.
What is a Head-on Collision?
A head-on collision is a type of motor vehicle accident that occurs when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions crash into each other while driving down the roadway.
This type of collision is often considered to be one of the most dangerous and potentially fatal types of automobile accidents, as the force of impact from both vehicles can be significant and cause serious injuries or death to the drivers and passengers involved.
Injuries resulting from head-on collisions can be life-altering and long-lasting, leading to medical bills, loss of income, and even mental distress that can impact an individual’s quality of life.
Across Oregon, 581 people died in car crashes last year, a 15% increase from 2020. The first six months of 2021 suggested a spike in fatal crashes across the country, too. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported an 18.4% increase in traffic deaths from January through June compared with the same time in the previous year. At that rate, 2021 would be the deadliest year on U.S. roads since 2006. [1]
Types of Head-on Collisions
Motor Vehicle Accident
The risk of head-on collisions is particularly high in rural and remote areas where divided highways are less common, as well as in instances where drivers are not paying attention or are driving recklessly.
The impact of the two vehicles colliding head-on can cause catastrophic injuries to drivers and passengers, including broken bones, organ damage, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and death.
With the help of a Portland, Oregon, head-on collision attorney at Goldberg & Loren, you can navigate the complexities of your personal injury lawsuit to ensure that your rights are protected.
Bus or Train Accident
A head-on collision involving a bus or train can be a catastrophic event with severe injuries, fatalities, and significant property damage. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles can lead to devastating consequences if they collide head-on. Causes of bus and train accidents include mechanical failure, driver error, track defects, and a lack of updated safety protocols.
A head-on collision between two buses or a bus and another vehicle can lead to ejection, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
Bus accidents often involve multiple passengers, creating a complex medical and legal situation. Factors involved in bus accidents may include driver fatigue, intoxication, or distraction, inadequate bus maintenance, or an improperly trained driver.
Train accidents are relatively rare, but when they occur, they are catastrophic. Since trains are much larger and faster than other vehicles on the road, a head-on collision with another train or vehicle will often cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
Causes of Head-On Collisions
Fatigued or Drunk Drivers
Head-on collisions caused by fatigued or drunk drivers are all too common, and they can be devastating for everyone involved.
Fatigue causes an impaired state similar to that of alcohol intoxication, making it difficult for drivers to focus on the road and react to hazards. Drowsy driving can cause a driver to fall asleep behind the wheel or can significantly affect their reaction times, leading to serious motor vehicle accidents.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can impair a driver’s judgment, perception, and motor skills. Alcohol and drugs can slow a driver’s reflexes and affect their ability to see, hear, and think correctly, leading to a higher likelihood of head-on collisions or other types of accidents.
Head-on collisions caused by fatigued or drunk drivers often result in severe physical injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and even death. Victims of these types of injuries may require long-term medical care and face physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
Oregon has improved the state’s drunk driving law. A mandatory interlock law in 2007, coupled with strong law enforcement efforts, has reduced drunk driving deaths by 30 percent. And, in 2011, a loophole was closed to require ignition interlocks in DUI diversion agreements, as more than half, 11,000 of 24,000, DUI offenders receive diversion agreements. MADD calls on Oregon to utilize sobriety checkpoints and no-refusal activities. [2]
Our experienced personal injury lawyers in Portland will gather evidence, negotiate with insurance adjusters on insurance claims, and file a lawsuit if needed. We will work with you to ensure that you receive appropriate medical care and support throughout the legal process.
Distracted Driving
When a negligent driver takes their focus off the road to send a text message, make a phone call, or complete any other task that distracts them from driving, the risk of a head-on collision significantly increases.
When a driver is distracted by electronic devices, they may be unaware of their surroundings and unable to react in time to avoid a collision with other vehicles or pedestrians.
Auto accident victims may have long-term medical attention and require long-term rehabilitation or treatment to recover fully. The expenses related to the accident can be burdensome, with medical costs and financial burdens mounting.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding and reckless driving are two of the leading causes of head-on collisions. When a driver speeds or engages in reckless behavior, such as weaving in and out of traffic, they increase the likelihood of losing control of their vehicle and causing a head-on collision with another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction.
Speeding is a particularly significant risk factor for head-on collisions because the force of impact is much greater at higher speeds, making it more difficult for drivers to avoid collisions or to react in time to changing road or traffic conditions.
Reckless driving, such as aggressively tailgating other vehicles or running red lights, is also a significant risk factor for head-on collisions. Drivers who engage in aggressive driving are often more likely to lose control of their vehicles and cause collisions.
Our accident lawyers at Goldberg & Loren can help you get the financial compensation you need, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the accident. We can work with insurance companies, file a lawsuit if necessary, and ensure you receive appropriate medical care to support your recovery.
Weather Conditions
Portland’s weather can change rapidly, with rain, fog, and icy conditions at times.
In rainy or snowy conditions, road surfaces can become slippery, making it challenging for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. Poor visibility due to rain, fog, or snow can also increase the potential for head-on collisions, as drivers may not be able to see other vehicles or pedestrians until it is too late.
In Portland, Oregon, head-on collisions caused by poor weather conditions are not uncommon, particularly in areas with high traffic volumes. Drivers may not slow down or fail to obey traffic signals and signs, leading to potentially deadly collisions.
Defective Roads
Defective roads are a significant cause of head-on collisions in Portland, Oregon. When roadways are not properly maintained, and defects are left unrepaired, drivers can lose control of their vehicles, leading to head-on collisions with other vehicles traveling in the opposite direction.
Defects in road conditions, such as potholes, uneven pavement, or debris on the road, can cause drivers to swerve or lose control of their vehicles. Poor drainage and slippery road conditions can cause drivers to hydroplane, making it difficult to steer or brake, leading to potential head-on collisions.
In Portland, the city has a duty to maintain safe roadways for all vehicles, and when these duties are not met, and crash injuries occur, victims may have a legal claim for compensation.
Our accident attorneys at Goldberg & Loren have experience in handling accident claims involving defective roads and head-on collisions. We will help you investigate the accident, gather vital evidence, and determine if the defect in the road caused the accident.
Statute of Limitation in a Head-on Collision in Portland, Oregon
In Portland, Oregon, the Statute of Limitations for filing a personal injury claim related to a head-on collision is two years from the date of the accident. This means that if you were involved in a head-on collision caused by another driver’s negligence or fault, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your damages.
The Statute of Limitations is important because after the deadline passes, you will no longer be able to file a claim or take legal action. Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney at Goldberg & Loren in Portland, Oregon, as soon as possible after a head-on collision to ensure you do not miss the deadline and your legal rights are protected.
Liability in a Head-On Collision in Portland, Oregon
To determine liability in a head-on collision case, our attorneys at Goldberg & Loren will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and speak with witnesses. Evidence may include photos of the accident scene and vehicles, police reports, and medical records. We will also review the driver’s cell phone records and drug and alcohol tests, if applicable.
Oregon operates under a modified comparative negligence rule. This rule states that damages awarded to a plaintiff in a personal injury case can be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to them. This means that if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, the damages you receive may be reduced.
Oregon follows a more traditional ‘fault’-based insurance system. Oregon is a tort state that allows drivers to have no-fault insurance, which means they need to use personal injury protection (PIP) insurance to pay for their own injuries in an accident but are not limited to suing the at-fault driver for compensation. [3]
Legal Rights After a Head-on Collision in Oregon
The first and most important step is to seek medical attention for your injuries. Even if you feel fine, you should still get a medical evaluation to ensure that there are no underlying injuries that may affect you later. This can also serve as evidence for your claim.
Have you recently been in a head-on collision and need legal representation?
Goldberg & Loren is an experienced Portland personal injury law firm. We understand the trauma and stress that comes with such an accident and are here to help you navigate the legal process with ease.
Our team has a proven track record of successfully representing clients in head-on collision cases, and we are dedicated to fighting for your rights. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today for a free legal consultation and take the first step toward financial recovery from your accident.
Sources:
[1] Oregonian/OregonLive, J. R., & Oregonian/OregonLive, S. E. (2022, January 19). Portland traffic deaths highest in 3 decades as officials report spike in reckless driving. Oregonlive. https://www.oregonlive.com/commuting/2022/01/portland-traffic-deaths-highest-in-3-decades-as-officials-report-spike-in-reckless-driving.html
[2] A. (2017, June 3). Oregon. Accident Data Center. https://accidentdatacenter.com/us/oregon
[3] Martin, R. (2021, May 20). All you need to know about Oregon car insurance. Way Blog. https://www.way.com/blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-oregon-car-insurance/
Goldberg & Loren
6500 S Macadam Ave #300,
Portland, OR 97239
(971) 339-8080
If a head-on car accident has left you or a loved one injured you may have a right to compensation. Contact us to find out if you have a case!
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