It only takes a split second for a car accident to change the course of your life and the lives of those you love. Aside from medical bills and missed work, automobile accidents can result in long-term physical limitations and pain, preventing you from living your life as you originally planned. To make matters even worse, insurance companies can make it difficult to secure the fair settlement you need to recover.
At Harris Velázquez Gibbens, we aggressively advocate for car accident victims throughout Oregon. If you have been injured by a negligent driver in Hillsboro or elsewhere in the state, we can help you recover maximum compensation for what you’ve been through. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation with a skilled Oregon car accident lawyer.
Why Hire Us for Your Oregon Car Accident Claim?
When you’re recovering from a car accident, the last thing you want to worry about is fighting insurance adjusters for the full and fair compensation you are entitled to. Harris Velázquez Gibbens has been representing auto injury clients in Oregon since 1997 and won’t settle for anything less than what you deserve. Here are some reasons why you can trust us to handle your Oregon car accident claim:
- Decades of Experience: Harris Velázquez Gibbens has been serving the community for over 25 years. Our law firm was established in 1997 in Hillsboro, Oregon, and has grown into one of the most respected practices in the state. With decades of combined experience, we know the ins and outs of Oregon’s car accident laws and how to get results for our clients.
- Fluency in Car Accident Law: When you work with us on your car accident claim, you’ll be working with a personal injury lawyer who stays up to date on the latest developments in car accident law. We also know how to identify every liable party and take appropriate legal action.
- Strong Track Record of Results: Our dedicated team of trial attorneys and negotiators has successfully resolved many car accident claims. Our history of results speaks to our ability to represent clients in even the most challenging cases.
- Cost-Effective Legal Representation: At Harris Velázquez Gibbens, we believe in providing cost-effective legal services without compromising quality. We work efficiently to resolve your car accident insurance claim while minimizing unnecessary legal fees. In most personal injury cases, including car accidents, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Auto Accident Cases We Handle
Car accidents can happen in several ways. From minor fender-benders to major collisions with severe injuries, Harris Velázquez Gibbens has handled a wide range of car accident cases. Here are just a few of the accident types we manage:
- Distracted Driver Accidents: Even small distractions, like checking on passengers or adjusting a GPS, can lead to serious accidents. We help victims of distracted driving get the compensation they need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
- Drunk Driver and Dram Shop Claims: If a drunk driver has hit you, you have the right to seek damages from that individual. In addition, if a bar or establishment over-served the at-fault party, they might share liability under Oregon’s dram shop laws.
- Head-on collisions and Rear-End Collisions: These accidents are among the most dangerous, often resulting in catastrophic bodily injuries or fatalities. Whether caused by a wrong-way driver, aggressive driving, or reckless driving, we stand ready to fight for you.
- Construction Zone Collisions: These accidents can involve non-construction vehicles or even a construction worker. They often result from speeding, improper signage, or driver distractions. Construction zones are fraught with hazards that require a thorough investigation.
- Defective Vehicle Parts: Sometimes crashes occur not because of driver error, but due to faulty parts like airbags, seatbelts, or auto glass. Our firm can investigate if defective parts worsened the outcome of your accident and pursue legal claims against manufacturers when necessary.
- Rideshare Accidents: Accidents involving rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are especially complicated. Knowing which insurance policy applies in cases of driver negligence can be confusing, but our personal injury attorneys know how to handle these claims.
- Truck Accidents: Collisions involving large trucks often lead to serious bodily injuries due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. These cases may involve not only the truck driver but also trucking companies and vehicle manufacturers, making them more complicated than typical car accidents.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Oregon
After a motor vehicle accident, your safety and well-being should be your top priority. Here are some steps you should take to protect yourself as well as preserve evidence for a future personal injury claim:
- Check for Injuries: Confirm that you and anyone else involved in the accident are safe. Seek medical attention immediately if needed.
- Call the Police: Even in minor collisions it’s important to have an official accident report. The police report can therefore be a key piece of evidence when filing your claim.
- Document the Crash Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including the damage to all vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange Information: Get contact and insurance information from the other driver(s) involved. If there are any witnesses, take down their contact information as well.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Oregon law requires you to report an accident to your insurance company within a reasonable timeframe. Failure to do so could impact your ability to file a claim later.
- Consult an Auto Accident Lawyer: Before speaking to claims adjusters or agreeing to any settlements, it’s a good idea to consult with an attorney. Insurance companies may try to minimize your compensation, and an experienced car accident attorney can help you protect your rights.
Types of Compensation You Can Recover in a Car Accident Claim
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, also known as compensatory damages. These damages can be divided into two main categories: economic and non-economic.
- Economic Damages: This includes tangible losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and rehabilitation costs. It’s important to keep detailed records of all your medical treatments, repair bills, and any time you’ve had to take off work due to the accident.
- Non-Economic Damages: These damages are more subjective losses, such as pain and suffering. While non-economic damages can be harder to quantify, they are an important part of your overall compensation.
In some rare cases, you may also be eligible for punitive damages, which are meant to punish particularly reckless or malicious behavior. However, punitive damages are not commonly awarded in Oregon car accident cases unless the actions of the at-fault driver were especially egregious.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
After a car accident, you’ll likely be contacted by insurance adjusters wanting to discuss your claim. While insurance companies are supposed to cover your losses, their goal is often to minimize payouts. This is why it’s important to be cautious in your dealings with them.
For example, insurance adjusters may ask for a recorded statement or offer you a quick settlement. It’s tempting to accept a fast payout, especially if you’re facing mounting bills, but these initial offers are often much lower than what you’re entitled to. Once you accept a settlement, you may be waiving your right to pursue further compensation.
At Harris Velázquez Gibbens, our auto accident attorneys are experienced negotiators who can handle communications with the insurance company on your behalf. We will work to ensure that you receive a fair settlement that covers all your current and future expenses related to the accident.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Oregon?
Oregon law sets a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a car accident lawsuit. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. With fatal car accidents, the family of the deceased has three years to file a wrongful death claim against the responsible party.
It’s important to act quickly after an accident, as waiting too long could bar you from recovering compensation. The sooner you involve an Oregon car accident lawyer, the easier it will be to gather evidence and build a strong case.
How Much is the Average Car Accident Settlement in Oregon?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Oregon, one of your biggest concerns is likely how much compensation you can expect to receive. While it’s understandable to want a clear figure, the reality is that car accident settlements can vary greatly depending on several factors. Knowing what goes into calculating a settlement and what you can expect can help you feel more prepared as you move forward with your claim.
Here are some of the most important elements that can influence the value of your settlement:
- Severity of Injuries: One of the most significant factors in determining the size of your settlement is the severity of your accident injuries. Minor injuries, such as whiplash and road rash, may lead to lower settlements, while catastrophic injuries, like broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, or spinal cord damage, often result in higher compensation.
- Medical Expenses: The cost of medical care related to your accident will directly affect your settlement. This includes everything from emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and any necessary follow-up care.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries have caused you to miss work or have affected your ability to earn a living, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This can include both the income you’ve already lost and any future earning potential that may be impacted.
- Vehicle Damage: You can also seek compensation for damage to your vehicle and other personal property involved in the accident.
- Non-Economic Damages: These damages include emotional distress, mental anguish, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. While these factors can be harder to calculate, they are still an important part of your settlement.
Oregon operates under a modified comparative negligence law, so if you are partially at fault for the accident, your settlement may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault in a drunk driving accident, your total settlement will be reduced by 20%. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may not be eligible to recover any financial damages.
Speak to an Oregon Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Oregon, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other losses arising from the accident, so it’s important to act quickly.
At Harris Velázquez Gibbens, we have over 25 years of extensive experience handling all types of car accidents and will fight for the results you need. Let us handle the details while you focus on your recovery. To schedule an initial consultation, please call our legal team at (503) 483-8896.
