automobile accidents

The NHTSA compiles statistics regarding motor vehicle accidents and some of results are alarming. For example, in 2001:

1. 3,000,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes.
2. 41,300 died in motor vehicles.
3. 40% of the fatalities were alcohol related.
4. 2,600 children under the age of 15 were killed in motor vehicle accidents.
5. 7,500 young drivers (16-20) were involved in fatal crashes.
6. 3,000 motorcyclists were killed.
7. 4,700 pedestrians were killed.
8. Improper use of seat belts accounted for 63% of the fatalities.

As you can see, the car accident injury statistics in America are staggering. Injuries from car accidents are the leading cause of death for people from the ages of 6 to 33 years old.   To minimize your exposure to the risk of being involved in an automobile accident there are defensive measures you can take:

1. Always obey all the traffic rules;
2. Drive defensively;
3. Wear your safety belt;
4. Never drink and drive;
5. Make sure your passengers and especially children are properly restrained.

Oregon automobile accidents (including tractor/trailer and truck collisions) are on the rise and are too often responsible for injuries and deaths. Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys is experienced in handling all aspects of these serious injury cases. Fatal and serious injuries from automobile these collisions in Oregon often require hiring experts including reconstructionists, investigators, vocational rehabilitationists or life care planners. To prove the case to a jury or in a settlement conference, detailed medical illustrations and other forms of demonstrative evidence are often used to explain the collision and the injuries. Our firm is always prepared to try cases for our clients.

Trials/Settlements in Auto Cases:

Chouinard v. Fortino & Farmers Insurance: A settlement in excess of $1 million dollars for a family whose husband/father was killed when the vehicle he was riding in as a passenger lost control in the snow. The settlement involved the negligent driver and the family's own Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage.

Romersa v. Pahlisch: A $1.1 million dollar settlement for "policy limits" where a teenage passenger sustained a brain injury from an auto accident.

Bergeron v. USA: A $1.3 million dollar U.S. District Court of Oregon bench verdict for a widower who lost his leg and wife when a Fish and Wildlife semi-tractor crossed the road and hit the couple head-on.

Beck v. State Farm Insurance: A "policy limits" jury verdict of $100,000 plus court-awarded legal fees in a suit for a young man who sustained a back fusion after being hit by a driver who ran a traffic light. Significant for the court awarded legal fees which were the first known award in Or. for an underinsured driver (UIM) against one's own insurance company. 

Mandigo v. Interstate Distributor: A $325,000 jury verdict for a couple who were knocked off the roadway by a semi-truck, causing injuries including a subdural hematoma & related head injuries to the driver.

McCarthy v. Laneguard, Inc.: A $1.2 million dollar jury verdict for the brain injury of a 36 year old woman due to improper highway maintenance.

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