Common Causes of Car Accidents

Most car accidents in the Portland area come down to one driver not paying attention or not following the rules of the road. Some of the most common causes we see include:

• Distracted driving, especially phone use
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Speeding or aggressive driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Failure to yield
• Poor weather conditions combined with unsafe driving

Regardless of how your accident happened, if another driver was at fault, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses.

What to Do Right After a Car Accident

The steps you take immediately after an accident can have a real impact on your case down the road. If you are able to do so safely:

• Call 911 and get a police report
• Seek medical attention, even if you feel okay at first
• Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, and any visible injuries
• Get contact and insurance information from the other driver
• Get contact information from any witnesses
• Do not apologize or admit fault at the scene

Injuries like whiplash and concussions often do not show up right away. Getting checked out by a doctor the same day protects both your health and your legal claim.

What Not to Do After a Car Accident

Just as important as what you should do is what you should avoid.

• Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company
• Do not accept an early settlement offer before you know the full extent of your injuries
• Do not sign any release or paperwork from an insurance company without talking to an attorney first
• Do not post about the accident on social media

Insurance adjusters are professionals who handle claims every day. Most accident victims are not. Having an attorney level that playing field makes a real difference.

What You Can Recover

A car accident claim can cover more than just your medical bills. Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency and ongoing medical treatment
• Lost income while you recover
• Future lost earnings if your injuries affect your ability to work
• Vehicle repair or replacement
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

Oregon also requires most drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection coverage, which can pay for your medical bills and a portion of lost wages regardless of who was at fault. Activating that coverage quickly is one of the first things we do when you hire us.

How the Claims Process Works

Every case is different, but most car accident claims in Oregon and Washington follow a similar path.

1. Hire an attorney early

The sooner you have representation, the sooner someone is protecting your interests and making sure evidence is preserved.

2. Treat and document your injuries

Following your doctor’s advice and attending all your appointments creates the medical record that supports your claim.

3. Your attorney handles the insurance companies

All communication with the insurers goes through us. You focus on getting better.

4. Negotiate a settlement

Once your treatment is complete, we prepare a demand and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

5. Go to court if necessary

If the insurance company will not make a fair offer, we are prepared to take your case to trial.

How Attorney Fees Work

We handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. No upfront costs, no hourly fees. We only get paid if we recover money for you, and if we do not, you owe us nothing.