Experienced Portland Oregon Single-Vehicle Accident Attorney
Portland Single-Vehicle Accident Attorney
Find out why we have some of the best Portland Oregon auto accident attorneys
Have You Recently Been in a Single-Vehicle Accident and Unsure of What to Do Next?
Goldberg & Loren is here to help. For over 3 decades, we have worked with 1,000s of victims and have helped them get the maximum compensation for their single-vehicle collisions.
Dealing with the after-effects of an accident is overwhelming. You might be facing financial turmoil, mental exhaustion, and physical injuries from the accident. Goldberg & Loren take the burden off and help you get the justice you deserve.
Book a free consultation today.
Types of Single-Vehicle Accidents in PDX
A single-vehicle accident is when a vehicle crashes without colliding with any other vehicle or object. These accidents can have devastating consequences, resulting in injuries, fatalities, and significant property damage. There are various types of single-vehicle accidents.
Some of the most common types include:
- Run-off-road Accidents: This type of accident occurs when a vehicle leaves the roadway attempting to avoid an accident and hits a ditch, embankment, or other obstacle.
- Rollover Accidents: These accidents happen when a vehicle flips over onto its roof or side. Rollover accidents can be a result of sharp turns, or hitting an object that causes the vehicle to overturn.
- Fixed-object Collisions: When a vehicle collides with a stationary object, such as a tree, pole, or barrier, it can cause serious injuries. There were 348 reported fixed object accidents in Portland in 2021. [1]
- Collision With an Animal: Hitting an animal, such as a deer, can cause a lone car wreck.
- Tire Blowouts: A tire blowout can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash.
Common Injuries from Single-Vehicle Accidents in Portland, Oregon
There were 6,430 reported accidents in Portland, with a total of 5,697 injuries in 2021. [1] Some common injuries seen in these accidents are:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) or Head Injuries: These catastrophic injuries often occur when the head strikes a hard object like the windshield, resulting in brain swelling, bleeding, or bruising.
- Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI): SCI’s can range from mild to severe, but in many cases lead to permanent paralysis.
- Broken Bones: Fractures are common, painful injuries in individual vehicle collisions, especially with high-impact collisions.
- Lacerations and Abrasions: These soft tissue injuries can be minor or severe, depending on the force of the impact.
- Internal Injuries or Internal Bleeding: Organs such as the liver, spleen, and lungs can be injured in a single-vehicle accident, and these injuries can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Emotional Trauma: A lone auto accident can cause emotional distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
- Whiplash: Whiplash is caused when there is a strong jerk of the neck due to an impact.
Both physical injuries and emotional injuries can cause ongoing trauma and financial hardship. It is critical to prioritize your accident injuries and get immediate medical care before worrying about any other aspect of your accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a single-vehicle collision, it is imperative to seek medical attention right away.
Wrongful Death in Portland
Wrongful death cases resulting from individual vehicle collisions are some of the most challenging and emotionally taxing cases that we deal with at Goldberg & Loren. We understand losing a loved one is a devastating experience.
We make sure to deal with wrongful death cases with utmost sensitivity and care. If you have lost a loved one, you may be able to get funeral expenses, medical costs, and other expenses associated with their death.
Common Causes of Single-Vehicle Accidents in Portland
Some causes of these accidents in PDX include:
Faulty Equipment
Faulty equipment on a vehicle can also lead to a solo collision. Malfunction or defective parts can cause loss of control, resulting in an accident.
Examples of faulty equipment that can cause a single-vehicle accident include:
- Brakes: Faulty brakes can fail to work properly, making it difficult or impossible for a driver to stop the vehicle.
- Tires: Worn or damaged tires can lead to a blowout, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
- Steering: Steering problems can cause a vehicle to veer off the road or collide with other objects.
- Suspension: A faulty suspension can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle, especially when navigating corners or curves.
- Electrical system: Electrical problems can cause a variety of issues, including malfunctioning lights, which can make it difficult for other drivers to see the vehicle.
When a single-vehicle accident is caused by faulty equipment, the vehicle manufacturer may be held liable.
Document the vehicle’s condition immediately following an accident, as the damaged vehicle and any faulty parts may be needed as evidence to support a legal claim.
Poor Road Conditions
Road conditions can be affected by a variety of factors, including weather, construction, or inadequate maintenance. Examples of poor road conditions that can lead to single-vehicle accidents include:
- Wet or icy roads: When the roads are slippery, drivers may struggle to keep their vehicles under control, which increases the risk of accidents. There were 1,467 accidents caused by wet roads, and another 117 because of icy roads in 2021. [1]
- Potholes: Deep potholes can damage tires and cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
- Debris: Loose debris or gravel on the road can cause a driver to lose traction, potentially causing a solo car crash.
- Uneven road surfaces: Roadways with uneven surfaces can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle, especially when navigating corners or curves.
- Lack of signage: Poor or missing signage can make it difficult for drivers to navigate and anticipate road conditions, potentially leading to a single-vehicle accident.
When a single-vehicle accident is caused by poor road conditions, it can be difficult to establish liability.
In some cases, the government entity responsible for road maintenance may be held liable. Document the road conditions immediately following the accident, as this and any other relevant evidence (medical records, witness statements, police reports or accident reports, etc.) may be needed to support a legal claim.
Table of Contents
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Types of Single-Vehicle Accidents in PDX
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Common Injuries from Single-Vehicle Accidents in Portland, Oregon
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Wrongful Death in Portland
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Common Causes of Single-Vehicle Accidents in Portland
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Insurance Company Tactics
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Who Can Be Held Liable For a Single Vehicle Accident in Portland?
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Types of Compensation Available for Victims of Single Vehicle Accidents in Portland
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Statute of Limitations for Single Vehicle Accidents in Portland
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Contact our Experienced Portland Single-Vehicle Accident Attorneys Today!
Insurance Company Tactics
The insurance industry is known for tactics that can have a significant impact on single-vehicle accident claims, often because insurance companies may attempt to minimize or deny payment of claims. In such cases, having an experienced car accident attorney on your side will help to ensure that your legal rights are fully protected.
One common insurance tactic is to allege that the accident was caused by driver negligence. This may include claims that the driver was speeding, or that they were distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. Insurance companies may also attempt to attribute the accident to poor road conditions or other factors outside of their policyholder’s control.
Another tactic employed by insurance companies in single-vehicle accidents is to undervalue or deny claims related to injuries and damages resulting from the accident. This can leave the injured person struggling to pay for medical expenses, damage to property, and wage losses (both loss of income at the time of injury and future lost wages).
To counter these insurance adjuster tactics, seek the guidance of a knowledgeable attorney at Goldberg & Loren for legal representation.
Who Can Be Held Liable For a Single Vehicle Accident in Portland?
In a single-vehicle accident in Portland, liability can be attributed to various parties depending on the circumstances. Potential parties that could be held liable include:
- Vehicle Owner: If someone other than the driver owned the vehicle involved in the accident, they may face liability if they negligently entrusted the vehicle to the driver or if there was a defect in the vehicle that contributed to the accident.
- Manufacturer: If a defect in the vehicle itself, such as faulty brakes or a malfunctioning airbag, caused the accident, the manufacturer may be held liable under product liability laws.
- Government Entities: If the accident was caused by a hazardous road condition, such as a pothole or faulty traffic signal, the government entity responsible for roadway maintenance could be held liable for failing to address the issue.
- Other Negligent Parties: If the accident was caused by another party’s negligence or intentional actions, such as a pedestrian, cyclist, or another driver, they can be held liable for the damages.
Types of Compensation Available for Victims of Single Vehicle Accidents in Portland
If you have suffered a single-vehicle accident in Portland and suffered injuries or property damage, you may be eligible for various types of compensation. The specific available compensation will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of the damages.
Here, we will discuss the different types of compensation commonly sought:
- Medical Expenses: You can seek compensation for your medical expenses related to the accident. This includes hospital bills, doctor’s fees, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and any future medical treatment.
- Lost Income: If the accident causes you to miss work, you can claim compensation for your lost wages. This includes both the income lost during the recovery period and potential future earnings if the injuries result in long-term disabilities that affect your ability to work.
- Property Damage: You can seek compensation for the repair or replacement of your damaged vehicle or any other damaged property resulting from the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: This type of compensation is awarded for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident. It includes compensation for the pain, trauma, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life experienced by the victim.
- Loss of Consortium: If the accident causes injuries that affect your relationship with your spouse, you may be eligible for compensation for the loss of companionship, intimacy, and support.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, where the actions of the at-fault party were particularly egregious or reckless, punitive damages may be awarded. These aim to punish the responsible party and deter them and others from similar behavior.
Statute of Limitations for Single Vehicle Accidents in Portland
In Portland, Oregon, the Statute of Limitations for filing a lawsuit related to single-vehicle accidents is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that victims have a two-year time frame to initiate legal action seeking compensation for their injuries or damages. [2]
Adhere to this time limit, as failing to file a claim within the Statute of Limitations can result in the case being barred from court. Certain circumstances like lawsuits against the government may affect the Statute of Limitations.
Consult with our personal injury attorney in Portland to understand the specific deadlines applicable to your case. We can provide accurate guidance and assist you in navigating the legal process within the required time limits.
Contact our Experienced Portland Single-Vehicle Accident Attorneys Today!
Goldberg & Loren’s attorneys specialize in providing victims of single-vehicle accident legal support.
Having dealt with countless cases, we have the expertise and knowledge of the legal system to make sure that our clients receive support when they file a personal injury claim.
Our personal injury attorneys are dedicated to getting the best possible outcome for your case. With over 30 years of expertise and a trusted reputation, we’ll work tirelessly to provide you with the resolution you deserve.
If you have been involved in a single-vehicle accident and need an auto accident lawyer, call Goldberg & Loren today.
Sources:
[1] Oregon Department of Transportation. (2023). Crash Summary 2021. In Oregon Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes. Retrieved June 6, 2024, from https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Data/Documents/Crash_Summary_2021.pdf
[2] Professional Liability Fund. (2018). Statutes of Limitation Generally. Retrieved June 6, 2024, from https://assets.osbplf.org/forms/pdfs/Statutes%20of%20Limitation%20Generally.pdf
Goldberg & Loren Personal Injury Attorneys
6500 S Macadam Ave #300,
Portland, OR 97239
(971) 339-8080
If a single-vehicle accident has left you injured you may have a right to compensation. Contact us to find out if you have a case!
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