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Car accidents are the leading cause of personal injury claims in the United States. Every year, thousands of Americans suffer serious injuries, and some lose their lives in dangerous highway collisions. Unfortunately, many of these accidents happen because drivers are reckless or irresponsible. Our Portland Car Accident Lawyer has the experience needed to help you through this entire process. We will handle difficult insurance carriers and at-fault parties to ensure you are looked after and that you secure the compensation needed to recover. Do not hesitate to call our team today.
Whether you were hit at an intersection downtown or hurt in a collision on a residential street, we aim to provide legal clarity and help you understand your options. Our Portland personal injury lawyer focuses on identifying pathways for recovery that reflect your unique situation, guiding you through the next steps with purpose and care.
Working with a Portland Car Accident Lawyer from our team also means gaining support with every part of the legal process. Depending on the case, that may include:
While we approach every case individually, past outcomes can offer insight into how we’ve helped others navigate the legal process after serious crashes. We’ve secured meaningful verdicts and settlements for people injured in car accidents, outcomes that reflect thoughtful preparation, strong case development, and the kind of support you can expect from a Portland Car Accident Attorney from our team.
All states put time limits in place, called the statute of limitations, that dictate how long a person has to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident. This statute of limitations does not apply to a car insurance claim, which is the way that most people receive compensation after a crash. However, it may be necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit if the insurance carrier denies a claim or does not offer a fair settlement.
In Oregon, the statute of limitations for a car accident claim is two years from the date the accident occurs. This deadline is established under ORS 12.110, which provides that claims for injury to a person or their rights not arising from a contract must be filed within two years of the incident. If someone dies as a result of the crash, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is three years from the date of the crash.
If a lawsuit is seeking compensation for only property damage to the vehicle, then a person has six years to file a lawsuit.
Regardless of which deadline applies to your case, if you file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has passed, the case will likely be dismissed.
Please note that you should not wait long to file a claim with your insurer or the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier. All insurance companies require you to make a claim, or at least give notice of an incident that could trigger a claim, within a short amount of time after an incident occurs.
According to the Oregon Comparative Negligence Statute ORS 31.600, an injured person can still recover damages even if they were partly at fault for the accident. However, the recovery amount is reduced in proportion to their share of fault. Importantly, a claimant is only barred from recovering damages if their percentage of fault is greater than the combined negligence of the other parties involved.
In simpler terms, this means you can still pursue compensation as long as your share of the fault is not more than 50%. For example, if you are determined to be 30% responsible for the crash, your total recovery would be reduced by that same percentage, so you’d receive 70% of the damages awarded.
At Paulson Coletti, “liberty and justice for all” is more than just a phrase – it is our mandate. Our team of trial lawyers is driven to pursue justice for the injured, ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable. With a high success rate both in and out of the courtroom, you can trust our Oregon personal injury lawyers to be the legal advocates you need so your voice can be heard.
As noted by the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV), drivers must carry the following minimum insurance coverage in order to legally operate a vehicle, as explained in more detail in this guide on Oregon car insurance requirements.
Failing to meet these minimums may result in fines, license suspension, and potential liability if you are involved in a crash without proper coverage.
Understanding what insurance is available, both from your policy and the other driver’s, can significantly affect the outcome of a claim. An experienced car accident lawyer often begins by reviewing all applicable policies to identify available coverage, evaluate limits, and locate other potential sources of compensation when the primary coverage is insufficient.
Car crashes are rarely straightforward. More than one party might share responsibility, and the liable individual or entity isn’t always the one behind the wheel. In fact, liability can be complex, overlapping, and influenced by multiple factors that extend well beyond the immediate drivers involved.
Parties that may be held liable include:
Each of these parties can play a different role in how responsibility is assigned, and liability often extends beyond the driver who directly caused the collision.
Liability also depends on timing, location, and circumstances. For example, if a crash occurred at night on a poorly lit street with malfunctioning lights, municipal liability might be considered. Similarly, if a rideshare driver caused the crash while actively transporting passengers, their platform’s insurance coverage could become applicable.
Uncovering liability often means analyzing not just what happened, but why it happened. That difference, between the event and its underlying cause, is where a lawyer can provide substantial value.
“Most cases settle, but each of our cases is prepared as if it’s going to trial. The insurance companies know it and so do the defense lawyers defending them. That’s why we get such great results for our clients.”
Portland drivers encounter many different hazards on the road, from distracted drivers to poorly marked construction zones, including cases involving what happens if you ran a red light by accident in Portland and questions about whether electric cars are more dangerous in a crash. Recent data from Portland Vision Zero shows that speed contributed to 42% of fatal crashes, and when serious injury crashes are included, speed is a factor in about 28% of all incidents. These numbers highlight just how common and dangerous unsafe driving behaviors can be.
Some of the most frequent causes may include:
Distracted driving, especially due to mobile phones, remains one of the leading contributors to crashes. Even a momentary look at a screen can reduce reaction times, increase collision risks, and turn a quick text into a lifelong injury with lasting physical and financial consequences, especially in situations like running a red light accidents.
Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or airbag malfunctions can result in devastating consequences, sometimes causing accidents that would otherwise have been preventable. In these cases, the manufacturer might be liable for producing unsafe components, failing to address safety concerns, or neglecting proper safety testing before releasing vehicles to the public.
When the at-fault driver leaves the scene, victims may still have compensation options through uninsured motorist coverage, which can provide financial support for medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and other related costs even when the responsible driver cannot be identified or located, even when the responsible driver cannot be identified or located, and understanding what evidence is needed to convict a hit and run in Portland can be critical in these cases
These tragic events leave families facing wrongful death claims and the need for accountability, often forcing them to navigate emotional loss, financial uncertainty, complex legal processes, and the added stress of pursuing justice during an already painful period.
Often caused by following too closely or failing to notice traffic patterns, these collisions frequently lead to whiplash or spinal injuries. They can also result in concussions, broken bones, and long-term mobility problems that require extensive rehabilitation and impact daily routines. In some cases, determining fault can be more complex, such as when a driver rear-ends a vehicle that had suddenly stopped.
Weather conditions, pedestrian activity, and cycling traffic also complicate driving in the city. It’s not unusual for car crashes to involve multiple contributing factors that require detailed investigation.
While many vehicle crash injuries may seem minor, it is important to point out that even minor injuries can lead to major medical expenses. It is not uncommon for our lawyers to help clients suffering from the following injuries after a crash:
In addition to these traumatic physical injuries, individuals can also suffer from a range of invisible emotional and psychological trauma. The vehicle accident, the injuries, and the recovery process can all lead to a person suffering from feelings of anxiety, sleeplessness, fear, stress, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even though these injuries may not be as visible, they are certainly just as real. Car accident victims deserve compensation for their visible traumatic injuries as well as any unseen emotional and psychological injuries.
Compensation depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the level of fault involved. It also considers future challenges, such as ongoing medical care, job limitations, or reduced quality of life. Here is how different categories of damages are typically considered:
Economic damages refer to the measurable financial costs that result directly from an accident. They are designed to reimburse victims for the money they have already spent and the income they are likely to lose in the future. These may include tangible financial losses, such as:
Non-economic damages represent the intangible consequences of an accident, the impacts that cannot be measured with receipts or bills but still alter a person’s life in significant ways. These cover the harder-to-quantify impacts, and may include:
These damages are less common but may apply in cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm, such as a DUI crash. Punitive damages are intended to address future misconduct and to send a clear message that reckless actions will not be tolerated. Unlike economic or non-economic damages, which compensate the victim, punitive damages serve a broader purpose of punishment and prevention.
While each accident is different, certain actions can protect your health, legal rights, and financial recovery:
These initial steps help build a solid record. Even if the injuries are minor, having strong documentation can streamline claims and reduce disputes.
According to the recent data from the City of Portland’s Deadly Traffic Crash Report, motor vehicle collisions were responsible for the majority of traffic fatalities in the city, with 23 people losing their lives while traveling in cars. The report also highlights the risks faced by other road users, including 10 motorcyclists, 22 pedestrians, and three bicyclists who were killed in crashes, bringing the total number of traffic-related deaths to 58.
This data highlights the serious risks faced by everyone on Portland’s roads. It also reflects the importance of ongoing safety efforts aimed at reducing crashes and protecting vulnerable road users. Understanding these statistics provides important context when discussing accountability and the steps that can be taken to improve safety moving forward.
Accidents bring enough stress on their own. Legal uncertainty shouldn’t add to it. Whether your case involves a rear-end collision, a distracted driving crash, or a complex multi-vehicle pileup, our team at Paulson Coletti is prepared to guide you through your options and support your next steps with clarity and care. We can answer your questions, explain how Oregon laws may apply to your situation, and outline practical strategies designed to protect your rights.
Contact us at 503-226-6361 to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer today to begin your path toward recovery, stability, and peace of mind.
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At Paulson Coletti, a local firm based in Oregon, justice is our mission. As experienced trial attorneys, we fight for injury victims across Oregon and Washington, holding negligent parties accountable. With a proven track record in and out of the courtroom, we are dedicated to securing fair compensation for our clients. We take a client-centered approach, focusing on cases we believe in and delivering results that matter. No fees unless we win-because justice should never come with financial risk.
Client Reviews
John and Lisa were extremely helpful with my family as we navigated damages sustained in a tragic car accident. They were very knowledgeable throughout the entire process. Their communication and empathy to our situation was greatly appreciated.
I can’t imagine working our way through the tragedy without them by our side. I would highly recommend Paulson and Coletti!
Working with John was an excellent experience from start to finish. He fought long and hard to secure a fair and just settlement in our case, and his dedication never wavered. John and his staff were consistently considerate, helpful, and communicative throughout the entire process, always taking the time to answer our questions and keep us informed. Given the complicated and sensitive nature of our case, I’m truly grateful we had John in our corner. Thanks to his hard work and expertise, we achieved a better outcome than we could have hoped for.
I had an excellent experience working with Jane and her team on my accident case. From start to finish, their team was professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about getting the best possible outcome for me.
I highly recommend Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys to anyone who needs legal representation. They made a stressful situation much easier to navigate, and I’m extremely grateful for everything they did for me.
I recently engaged John Coletti to represent me in a challenging legal matter, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. From our initial consultation, it was evident that John possessed an exceptional depth of knowledge, strategic acumen, and unwavering dedication to his clients. He took the time to thoroughly understand the nuances of our case, explaining complex legal concepts in clear, accessible terms while always keeping me informed and involved throughout the process.
John not only delivered outstanding results but also provided compassionate support during what could have been an overwhelming stressful time.
If you’re seeking an attorney who combines professionalism, integrity, and proven success, look no further than John Coletti.
My family is profoundly grateful for his representation.
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Taking the right steps after a crash can protect both your health and your legal rights. In the immediate aftermath, focus on the following:
Liability is not always limited to the other driver. Responsibility may extend to commercial vehicle operators, employers, manufacturers in product defect cases, government entities responsible for unsafe roadway conditions, or establishments that overserved an intoxicated driver.
Identifying who is legally responsible requires a careful review of how the crash occurred and whether multiple parties share fault. A thorough investigation helps uncover every potential source of recovery.
Insurance carriers often move quickly with early settlement offers that may not reflect the true value of your claim, especially when ongoing medical care or lost income is involved.
Accepting a settlement typically ends your case. Before agreeing, the full extent of your losses, including future medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, potential long-term income disruption, and diminished earning capacity, should be carefully evaluated so negotiations are informed and not rushed.
Under Oregon’s comparative negligence law, you may still recover compensation as long as your share of fault is not greater than the combined fault of the other parties. If you are 30 percent responsible, for example, your recovery would be reduced by that percentage.
Fault determinations can become complicated, especially in multi-vehicle crashes or when accounts conflict. Small details, such as right-of-way or speed, can significantly affect how responsibility is assigned and how damages are ultimately calculated.
Yes. Oregon law generally allows a personal injury lawsuit to be filed within 2 years of the crash under ORS 12.110. If the accident results in a fatality, a wrongful death claim is typically subject to a three-year deadline.
Property damage only claims may have a longer filing window. Missing the applicable deadline can result in dismissal, which is why timely action and early legal review are important.
Oregon drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP). PIP coverage pays for initial medical expenses and certain lost wages regardless of fault.
When injuries exceed PIP limits, additional compensation may be pursued from the at-fault party. Serious injuries, including brain trauma, spinal damage, or internal injuries, often require long-term treatment that must be carefully documented to reflect both present and future needs.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may provide protection when the responsible driver lacks sufficient insurance. Reviewing all applicable policies is often one of the first steps in evaluating the full scope of available compensation.
In cases involving severe injuries, identifying every potential source of recovery can make a meaningful difference in financial stability during recovery and long-term planning.
Property damage claims generally involve repair costs, replacement value, and related expenses such as rental vehicles. Supporting documentation, including repair estimates and photographs, strengthens the claim.
Disputes over value are not uncommon. Careful presentation of evidence helps prevent undervaluation and supports a more accurate assessment of losses.
A wrongful death claim arises when a person loses their life due to another party’s negligence, such as reckless or impaired driving. Oregon law allows certain family members or a personal representative to pursue compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.
These cases involve not only legal complexity but profound personal loss. Accountability, careful case development, and a clear presentation of the full impact of the loss are essential when pursuing justice for surviving family members. Families are often navigating grief while also facing financial uncertainty, medical bills, and sudden changes in household stability. At Paulson Coletti, we approach these matters with the seriousness, preparation, and respect they demand.
This page has been written, edited, and fact-checked by our team of legal writers in accordance with our editorial guidelines. It has been approved by partners Jane Paulson and John Coletti—respected trial attorneys with decades of experience representing personal injury victims.
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