Oregon Car Accident Lawyers
Put a Strong Advocate on Your Side
Car accidents are traumatic experiences with far-reaching consequences. If you have suffered from an accident in Oregon due to another party’s negligence, The Gatti Law Firm can help. Our auto accident lawyers have been serving the Oregon community for more than 45 years.
We have even created a guide to help you with your car accident claim: Car Accident Guide.
For the competent legal services you deserve in your corner, retain the services of The Gatti Law Firm. Get started with a free consultation when you call (503) 543-1114!
Types of Compensation Available
The most important thing is that you do not delay in securing the legal representation you need by your side.
If you have experienced any of the following, you may be entitled to compensation:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills
- Ongoing care costs
- Lost wages
- Vehicle damage
Our experienced car accident attorneys will fight for every ounce of compensation you could be entitled to: from medical benefits to disability benefits to special damages for:
- Anguish
- Permanent injury
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
What Our Clients Have to Say
"With their help, I was able to obtain appropriate compensation for the incident - which was much more than I would have received without them."
Understanding the Car Accident Laws in Oregon
If you have been injured in a car accident in Oregon, developing a well rounded knowledge on the laws that affect your situation can help you get the best possible outcome. Our firm wants you to know about the laws in Oregon that could impact you and your ability to obtain compensation. The state of Oregon follows the principle of “modified comparative negligence.” This means that the size of your award will be reduced in direct proportion to your level of fault in the accident. If your share of fault exceeds the fault of other parties, however, you will no longer be entitled to compensation.
You should also be aware of the state’s strict statute of limitations that restrict the time you can file a car accident claim to two years. This is discussed in greater detail later on this page.
Another law you should be aware of is the requirement to file an Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Report within 72 hours of your car accident. This report will need to cover:
- Damage to property (including vehicles)
- Whether any vehicle was towed
- Results (such as injury or death)
In most cases, due to laws on drivers, most cases involve insurance policies. There are likely coverage rules and requirements that will also impact your car crash case.
In summary, the Oregon car accident laws you should be aware of are incident report filings, comparative negligence, and statute of limitation laws.
Car Accidents Involving Third-Party Liability
Car accident lawsuits are not always cut and dry. Many people are quick to point the finger at the driver of the other vehicle, but what happens when neither of the drivers are considered responsible for the crash?
In some cases, the blame may be on someone who was not even directly at the scene of the accident. These situations involve third-party liability and may include vehicle and parts manufacturers when things are considered defective. Here are some situations in which this may be the case.
Brake Failure Causing a Crash
One of the biggest defective problems you can ensure is a problem with the brakes—the part of your vehicle responsible for stopping you from higher speeds and helping to prevent serious crashes. When brakes fail, accidents happen.
In these types of situations, it must be determined if the brake failure was caused by a defect or by a failure to maintain. If the brake was defective due to a manufacturing error, the manufacturer of the part may be considered liable.
Defective Air Bags
There has been wide ranging news regarding some air bags potentially being defective and causing significant injury when deployed. When this happens, it is the manufacturer of the air bag who may be considered liable and they may be responsible for compensating an injured person.
What Injured People Can Do
When a defect is the cause of a significant injury, the injured party can take legal action against the manufacturer. Companies who manufacture car products must ensure that the design is safe, the part is properly produced, and there is a warning of any potential dangers.
If the part is defective and causes a serious injury, you as the victim can speak with a Oregon car accident attorney about your rights to pursue legal action against the manufacturer. This can help you seek the compensation you deserve to help cover the expenses associated with the injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions on Car Accidents in Portland
We want to help you achieve success with your car accident case. Check out these questions that we regularly receive and answers that may offer insight for your own case!
What Should I Do Immediately After an Accident?
You will want to keep your mouth shut and avoid admitting responsibility or guilt for the accident. Let your attorney do the talking. Additionally, do not move the vehicles unless they are causing an issue with traffic and can safely be moved to the side of the road. It is best, however, to wait for the police to arrive to shift the scene.
Take a moment to determine the extent of the injuries to yourself and those involved. Check to evaluate whether any party needs urgent medical care. Get help immediately to help yourself and others involved.
Your next step immediately after the accident is to contact the police, even if it is a relatively minor crash. Work with your attorney to discuss the case and how to protect your rights moving forward in the case. It is important to be prepared.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
What Happens if I am Partially At Fault?
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Oregon
Take the First Step Today!
Whether you are a victim of a head-on collision, rear-end collision, side-impact collision or multi-vehicle collision, The Gatti Law Firm and its compassionate and aggressive car accident lawyers are ready to represent you. We have offices in Eugene, Hillsboro, Clackamas, Lake Oswego, and Salem.
For more information about our firm and services or to discuss the details surrounding your car accident case, contact our Oregon auto accident lawyers today.