Experienced Portland Multi-Vehicle Accident Attorney
Portland Multi-Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Find out why we are some of the best Portland multi-vehicle accident attorneys
Were You Recently Involved in a Multi-Vehicle Accident in Portland, Oregon?
The aftermath of a multi-vehicle accident can be overwhelming and stressful. That’s why you need an experienced Portland multi-vehicle accident attorney on your side. Our team of legal experts at Goldberg & Loren has years of experience handling complex accident cases.
Don’t let the stress and confusion of a multi-vehicle accident weigh you down. With our legal representation, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal details. We will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries, damages, and lost wages.
Schedule a free consultation with our Goldberg & Loren attorneys and take the first step towards getting the justice you deserve.
Types of Portland Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Portland is a busy city with plenty of vehicles on the roads. Multi-vehicle accidents, which involve more than two vehicles, are becoming more common.
- Pileup accidents: Pileup accidents are the most common type of multi-vehicle accident in Portland. They typically happen on highways or roads with heavy traffic.
They occur when a chain reaction of collisions happens. The first vehicle stops abruptly, causing the second vehicle to collide with it, followed by the third, and so on. It can be difficult to determine who is at fault in these accidents. - T-bone accidents: T-bone accidents occur when one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle. These types of accidents are often caused by drivers who run a red light or stop sign. T-bone accidents can be very dangerous, especially if the impact occurs on the driver's side of the car.
- Rear-end accidents: Rear-end collisions happen when one vehicle collides into the back of another vehicle. These types of accidents can happen at stoplights, in heavy traffic, or when a vehicle suddenly stops or slows down. In the case of a pile-up accident, multiple vehicles can be involved in a chain reaction of rear-end accidents.
- Head-on collisions: A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles crash into each other while traveling in opposite directions. These accidents are often caused by drivers who are under the influence, driving the wrong way, or not paying attention to the road. Head-on crashes are often deadly, especially at high speeds.
Causes of Multi-Vehicle Accidents
There are several factors that can contribute to multi-vehicle accidents in Portland, including:
- Distracted driving: With smartphones and other electronic devices, drivers are more distracted than ever. Texting, browsing the internet, or even eating can cause a driver's attention to waver and lead to a multi-vehicle accident.
Distracted Driving is a dangerous behavior for drivers, passengers, and non-occupants alike. Distraction is a specific type of inattention that occurs when drivers divert their attention from the driving task to focus on some other activity instead (per NHTSA).
– From 2017-2021 there were 26,264 crashes resulting in 194 fatalities and 24,264 injuries caused by crashes involving a distracted driver in Oregon.
– From 2017-2021, there were 2,005 crashes in Oregon, resulting in 15 fatalities and 1,775 injuries caused by drivers who were reported to have been using a cell phone at the time of the crash.
– 2017-2021 There were 125 crashes involving a driver age 16-18 reported to have been using a cell phone at the time of the crash: 0 fatalities and 188 people injured.
– 2017-2021 There were 60,519 convictions for distracted driving. [1]
- Speeding: Portland has a high number of highways and busy roads, making it tempting for drivers to speed. Speeding reduces the time drivers have to react to other cars and increases the likelihood of a multi-vehicle accident.
- Adverse weather conditions: Wet and slippery roads, ice, and heavy fog are common in Portland and can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and get involved in multi-vehicle accidents.
- Intoxicated driving: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a significant cause of multi-vehicle accidents. Impaired drivers can misjudge their speed and distance, swerve into other lanes, or simply not pay attention to the road.
- Reckless driving: Swerving between lanes, tailgating, passing in inclement weather, and ignoring traffic signals are all examples of reckless driving.
If you have been injured in a multi-vehicle accident caused by another driver’s negligence, an experienced Portland multi-vehicle accident attorney at Goldberg & Loren can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Common Injuries from Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Here are some common personal injuries associated with multi-vehicle accidents in Portland:
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end accidents, which are a frequently occurring type of multi-vehicle accident in Portland. Whiplash occurs when the neck is forcefully jerked back and forth, causing soft tissue injuries to the neck and shoulder muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
- Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries are very serious and can result in paralysis, loss of sensation, and impaired bodily function. If the spinal cord is damaged in a multi-vehicle accident, the injury is often permanent and life-changing.
- Traumatic brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. The impact of a multi-vehicle accident can cause the head to hit the steering wheel, dashboard, or other objects in the vehicle, leading to a TBI. Symptoms of a TBI can include headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and memory loss.
- Fractures: Fractures, or broken bones, are common injuries in multi-vehicle accidents. The force of impact can cause bones to break or shatter, leading to pain, immobility, and the need for surgery.
- Cuts and bruises: Cuts and bruises are common in multi-vehicle accidents and can range from minor to severe. They can be caused by broken glass, loose objects in the car, or even airbag deployment.
Table of Contents
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Types of Portland Multi-Vehicle Accidents
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Causes of Multi-Vehicle Accidents
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Common Injuries from Multi-Vehicle Accidents
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What Should You Do After a Multi-Vehicle Accident?
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Who is Responsible for Making a Claim on Insurance?
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Who is Responsible for Paying for Medical Expenses in a Multi-Vehicle Accident?
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Can I Receive Financial Compensation for Lost Wages Due to a Multi-Vehicle Accident?
What Should You Do After a Multi-Vehicle Accident?
If you are involved in a multi-vehicle accident in Portland, there are several important steps you should take:
- Call 911: If anyone is injured or if there is severe damage to any vehicles, call 911 immediately. The police and emergency services will be dispatched to the scene.
- Exchange Information: Get the names, addresses, phone numbers, driver's license numbers, and insurance information of all drivers involved in the accident. Also, get contact information from any witnesses who may have seen the accident. Witness statements are also important.
- Document the Accident Scene: Take pictures of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any damage to vehicles, skid marks, and road signs. Get a police report.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don't feel injured, seek medical care after a multi-vehicle accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash or traumatic brain injuries, may not show up right away.
- Contact a Portland Multi-Vehicle Accident Attorney: Goldberg & Loren's experienced attorneys can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Who is Responsible for Making a Claim on Insurance?
In a multi-vehicle accident, all drivers involved are responsible for making an accident insurance claim to their respective insurance companies.
Each driver’s insurance company will investigate the accident and determine which driver was at fault based on the evidence gathered. Determining who is at fault in a multi-vehicle accident can be complex and require a thorough investigation.
It’s possible that multiple drivers share fault for the accident, and in that case, the insurance companies will divide the responsibility of covering damages and compensation depending on the percentage of fault.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Not all states mandate uninsured motorist coverage, also known as UM coverage. However, even if UM coverage isn’t required in your state, you take a serious risk if you drive without it. According to the Insurance Information Institute, nearly 13% of drivers countrywide don’t have auto insurance. In some states, the number of uninsured drivers is over 20%. [2]
Without uninsured motorist coverage, if you’re injured or your vehicle is damaged in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you could end up paying for medical bills or vehicle repairs out of your own pocket. Even if you file a claim against your own policy, you may have a large collision deductible or not have enough medical payments/personal injury protection to cover injuries caused to you or your passengers. [3]
Who is Responsible for Paying for Medical Expenses in a Multi-Vehicle Accident?
In a multi-vehicle accident, the party responsible for paying medical expenses is typically the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
If multiple drivers share fault for the accident, each driver’s insurance company may be responsible for paying a percentage of the medical expenses based on the degree of fault assigned to each driver.
If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, does not have enough insurance coverage to cover the expenses, or their insurance company refuses to pay, you may be able to use your own insurance policy to cover your medical expenses.
If you have personal injury protection (PIP) as part of your auto insurance policy, it can cover your medical expenses regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
You may need to pursue legal action against the at-fault driver or their insurance company to obtain the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses. Consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer at Goldberg & Loren as soon as possible after the accident to ensure that your rights are protected.
Can I Receive Financial Compensation for Lost Wages Due to a Multi-Vehicle Accident?
If you are unable to work due to injuries sustained in a multi-vehicle accident in Portland, you are entitled to financial compensation for lost wages. Lost wages refer to any wage losses or earnings that you may have been unable to earn as a result of the accident, such as future earnings if you are unable to work in the future due to permanent injuries.
In order to recover lost wages, you will need to provide documentation of your actual financial losses, including pay stubs, tax returns, and other documentation that shows your income.
If you are self-employed or work on commission, providing documentation of your income can be more challenging, but it’s still possible to recover lost wages with the assistance of an experienced Portland multi-vehicle accident attorney. Our team at Goldberg & Loren are here to help you.
If you’re searching for an attorney to help you navigate the complexities of your case, look no further than Goldberg & Loren. Our experienced team specializes in multi-vehicle accidents and knows how to fight for your rights and secure maximum compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, property damage and more.
Goldberg & Loren’s law firm can provide the legal representation you need to ensure that you’re fairly compensated for your damages, medical bills, and lost wages.
Don’t wait any longer. Call us today to schedule your free consultation, and let us help you get the justice you deserve.
Sources:
[1] Oregon Department of Transportation : Distracted Driving : Safety : State of Oregon. (n.d.). Distracted Driving : Oregon Department of Transportation. https://www.oregon.gov/odot/safety/pages/distracted.aspx
[2] Facts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists | III. (n.d.). Facts + Statistics: Uninsured Motorists | III. https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-uninsured-motorists
[3] UM/UIM: What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage? (n.d.). UM/UIM: What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage? | Progressive. https://www.progressive.com/answers/uninsured-motorist-insurance/
Goldberg & Loren Personal Injury Attorneys
6500 S Macadam Ave #300,
Portland, OR 97239
(971) 339-8080
If you have been injured in a multi-vehicle crash you need an experienced attorney to help investigate and get the compensation you deserve.
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