Portland Car Accident Lawyer

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.

Why Choose Paulson Coletti For Your Case?

At Paulson Coletti, we believe legal representation should feel personal, not procedural. Every case involves real disruption to someone’s life, and we take that seriously. When you call our office, you’re speaking to a team that listens, offers clear guidance, and avoids generic, one-size-fits-all strategies. Our focus is always on what matters most to you, not just what fits a standard template.

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:

• Explaining your rights and the legal options available to you in simple, straightforward language, ensuring you fully understand each stage of the legal journey.
• Collecting and organizing vital evidence such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements to build a compelling claim.
• Coordinating with healthcare providers to address outstanding bills and ensure that the financial side of your recovery is managed with care and transparency.
• Consulting with engineers or crash specialists to support your claim with authoritative insights on fault and mechanics.
• Drafting demand letters and negotiating settlements with insurance carriers using well-documented, strategic presentations.
• Preparing for trial if fair compensation isn’t offered in negotiations, including filing motions and coordinating courtroom exhibits.

The way we see it, legal recovery should work alongside physical and financial healing. It is all connected. We take time to understand your story, not just your symptoms. That mindset informs every step we take, helping us focus on outcomes that matter to real people, not just case files. Because every case presents its own facts, goals, and challenges, no single approach works for everyone. What makes sense for one client may not be right for another, so we adjust the process to reflect your specific needs, priorities, and circumstances.

Portland Car Accident Case Results

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.

$13.875 Million

Our client suffered a TBI and orthopedic injuries after being hit by a vehicle operated by a delivery driver

$13.9 Million

Scott Busch v. McInnis Waste Systems $13.9 million verdict for a pedestrian hit by a garbage truck who suffered a leg amputation.

$5.6 Million

Verdict for damages in a car accident trial.

$1.2 Million

Our client suffered a severe brain injury in an accident caused by poor highway maintenance.

$1.1 Million

Our client was awarded $1.1 million after sustaining a brain injury in an auto accident.

View More Results 

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Oregon?

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.

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.

Understanding Comparative Negligence in Oregon Car Accidents

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.

These legal scenarios can often become complicated, especially when crashes involve several vehicles or there are conflicting accounts of what happened. Seemingly minor details, such as whether a turn signal was used, the timing of a lane change, or who had the right of way, can significantly influence how fault is distributed.

In many situations, responsibility is shared. One driver may have been speeding, while the other failed to yield. External factors like road conditions, poor signage, or limited visibility can also affect the outcome. A personal injury lawyer can examine the full range of contributing factors, clarify how the law applies, and help build a claim that reflects the complete picture, not just what was assumed at the scene.

Oregon Car Insurance Requirements for Auto Accidents

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:

• Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per crash.
• Property damage liability: $20,000 per crash.
• Personal injury protection (PIP): $15,000 per person.
• Uninsured motorist coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per crash.
• Proof of insurance: Policy number must be provided when registering a vehicle or buying a trip permit.

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.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Portland Car Accident? 

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:

• Another driver (for reckless or negligent behavior, such as speeding or distracted driving).
• Commercial vehicle operators and employers (who may be responsible for unsafe practices or inadequate training).
• Car manufacturers (in product defect claims when faulty parts contribute to accidents).
• Government agencies (for poor road maintenance, faulty signals, or hazardous roadway design).
• Bars or restaurants (in dram shop claims involving drunk drivers who were overserved).

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.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Portland

Portland drivers encounter many different hazards on the road, from distracted drivers to poorly marked construction zones. 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:

Texting Driver Accidents

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.

Auto Product Liability 

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.

Hit and Run Accidents 

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.

Fatal Car Accidents

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.

Rear-End Accidents 

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.

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.

Types of Injuries We Seek Compensation For

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:

• Spinal cord injuries. Injuries to the spinal cord can significantly affect a person’s life. Complete spinal cord injuries can lead to total paralysis below the site of the injury, and individuals with this type of injury will likely need lifelong care. Additionally, incomplete spinal cord injuries can still lead to significant levels of paralysis that require significant care. The total cost of a spinal cord injury during the first year of medical care can range anywhere from approximately $250,000 to more than $1,000,000, and each subsequent year of care will likely reach significant dollar amounts as well.
• Traumatic brain injuries. There are varying levels of traumatic brain injuries, ranging from concussions to severe TBIs. Individuals who sustain a traumatic brain injury as a result of a car accident could suffer from significant physical and cognitive impairments. A Portland brain injury lawyer can help you assess your legal options if you or a loved one suffered harm in a crash.
• Broken or dislocated bones. Individuals can break any of their bones whenever a vehicle accident occurs, and the more severe the accident, the more likely a broken bone will occur. Broken bones take time to heal, and they can lead to permanent disabilities.
• Loss of or damage to a bodily organ. Severe vehicle accidents can lead to internal trauma. This trauma can occur as a result of penetrating wounds as well as blunt force trauma that affects the body. Internal organ damage can cause massive internal bleeding and typically requires surgery to repair.
• Dismemberment or amputation. Catastrophic vehicle accidents can lead to a person losing a limb. This can include hands, feet, arms, or legs.
• Significant disfigurement. Individuals can sustain significant scarring and disfigurement due to vehicle accident injuries. This can include scarring as a result of lacerations or burns caused by the accident.
• Other injuries that inhibit a person’s day-to-day life. Any type of vehicle accident injury, including ones that would be seen as relatively “minor,” can affect a person’s day-to-day life. This can include whiplash, concussions, lacerations, puncture wounds, and more.

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.

These injuries all require significant medical attention and possibly long recovery times for victims. In many cases, a Portland car accident victim cannot work while they recover, or they may be disabled and unable to return to work at all. This could result in them losing the income they need to afford both their medical and regular household expenses. Car accident victims and their families are often put into serious financial jeopardy.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Portland Car Accident? 

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

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:

• Medical expenses like hospital bills, rehab, prescriptions, follow-up visits, and future care needs. 
• Lost wages or reduced earning capacity due to missed work or long-term limitations.
• Vehicle repairs, replacement costs, or diminished value of the damaged vehicle.
• Transportation to medical appointments, therapy sessions, and related travel costs.
• Long-term treatment expenses may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, counseling sessions, or specialized medical equipment.
• Home modifications due to disability, such as ramps, accessible bathroom fixtures, widened doorways, or mobility adjustments.

Together, these financial categories illustrate the immediate and long-term costs an accident victim may face, forming a crucial part of any compensation claim.

Non-Economic Damages

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: 

• Pain and suffering can affect daily comfort, rest, and long-term quality of life.
• Emotional distress, including feelings of fear, depression, or ongoing anxiety.
• Loss of enjoyment of life, such as difficulty engaging in hobbies, sports, or social activities.
• Scarring or disfigurement may bring not only physical reminders of the crash but also emotional challenges tied to self-image.
• Relationship strain or loss of companionship can impact marriages, partnerships, or family bonds.
• Anxiety and trauma from the accident often surface in the form of nightmares, flashbacks, or avoidance behaviors.

Together, these damages capture the personal challenges that extend beyond financial costs, underscoring how a crash can change not just a victim’s finances but also their well-being and relationships.

Punitive Damages

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.

A Portland Car Accident Attorney can help explain whether punitive damages may apply in your case and document these categories by working with your physicians, therapists, and sometimes even economists. Valuing damages is not just math; it is storytelling supported by evidence, showing both the extent of your losses and the conduct that led to them.

What Our Clients Have to Say 

“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!”

Brandon Ferguson | Google Review

“Jane Paulson took on my personal injury claim from a terrible car crash that I was seriously and permanently injured in. Defendant shenanigans drew out the length of the case and made it more complex, ultimately making it so the only way to get any sort of justice was to take it all the way to trial. The expert witnesses that Jane secured were clearly more credible than those offered by the defense. Jane made testifying so easy that afterwards I felt silly that I was so worried and anxious about it. Long story short, we won and got a very large but very fair judgment awarded.”

Nick L | Google Review

Read More Reviews

What to Do After a Car Accident in Portland

While each accident is different, certain actions can protect your health, legal rights, and financial recovery:

Call 911 

Get immediate medical help and ensure emergency responders arrive at the scene. Calling right away also creates an official record of the accident, which can be vital for insurance claims and any legal process that may follow.

Exchange Information 

Collect the other driver’s name, contact details, insurance information, and license plate number, and whenever possible, note the make, model, and color of their vehicle to ensure your records are as complete as possible.

Take Photos

Capture images of the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries. Take close-up photos of key details as well as wide-angle images that show the overall environment, traffic signals, skid marks, and weather conditions to provide a full record.

File a Police Report

Report the accident if there are injuries or significant property damage. Filing a report helps create an official record, supports future insurance claims, and can provide essential documentation if legal action becomes necessary in the future.

Avoid Admitting Fault

Stay calm, cooperate with authorities, but do not speculate or accept blame. Instead, focus on providing only accurate factual information, ensuring your statements are clear, consistent, and limited to what you directly observed or experienced.

Contact a Portland Car Accident Lawyer

Contacting legal counsel early may ensure that your rights are protected, evidence is preserved, and your claim is positioned as strongly as possible from the start. It also gives your attorney more time to investigate, interview witnesses, and anticipate potential challenges that could affect your recovery.

Contact Your Insurance Provider

Notify your insurer promptly and provide accurate details about the incident. Include when and where the crash happened, the parties involved, and any immediate injuries or damages so your claim is documented thoroughly from the beginning.

Seek a Medical Evaluation

Get checked by a doctor even if you feel fine, since some injuries appear later. Early evaluation helps detect hidden issues like concussions or internal injuries, and medical records provide crucial documentation for both insurance and potential legal claims.

Record Everything

Record your memory of the crash while the details are still fresh. Include the time, weather, traffic conditions, conversations you had, and anything unusual you noticed, since small details may later become important in understanding responsibility.

These initial steps help build a solid record. Even if the injuries are minor, having strong documentation can streamline claims and reduce disputes.

How Our Portland Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You

When insurance companies offer quick settlements, having our team on your side can make all the difference. Depending on your case, our team may: 

• Reviewing medical records and crash reports to understand the extent of injuries and connect them clearly to the collision.
• Consulting with accident reconstruction specialists who can analyze vehicle damage, roadway evidence, and testimony to explain how the crash occurred.
• Negotiating directly with insurers using detailed evidence and persuasive arguments to work toward fair compensation.
• Filing lawsuits when negotiations cannot move forward, ensuring that your right to pursue justice through the courts remains protected
• Gathering witness statements and supporting documents to provide a clearer narrative of what happened before, during, and after the accident.
• Preparing for litigation when necessary, including drafting motions, organizing exhibits, and developing strategies designed to present your story effectively in front of a judge or jury.

We don’t rely on generic strategies. Your case is unique, and your story deserves to be understood, not summarized. A lawyer from our team can guide you through the process and help you pursue compensation that reflects your situation.

Portland Car Accident Statistics and Dangerous Roads

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.

Contact Our Portland Car Accident Lawyer Today

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.

Portland Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Report an Oregon Car Accident?

Reporting a car accident in Oregon is almost always necessary. According to the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services, drivers have to file an Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Report within 72 hours after a crash if the following occurred:

• The damage to any vehicle or other property exceeds $2,500 (even in a single-vehicle crash)
• If any vehicle is towed from the scene of the crash
• If there are any injuries or fatalities as a result of the accident

In most cases, you will need to call 911 after a crash and let police and EMS come to the scene. By doing so, you could be helping your case by ensuring there is a police report to use.

Should I Accept an Insurance Settlement?

Very soon after an accident occurs, you will likely be contacted by the insurance carrier for the other party, particularly if the other party was at fault for the incident. It is not uncommon for insurance carriers to offer initial settlements relatively quickly after the incident occurs, and this may be tempting to take. If you need money for your injuries and property damage, a settlement offer will certainly be enticing.

However, please understand that initial settlement offers are likely far below what you should receive for your car crash in Portland. One of the most common tactics that insurance carriers use is to lowball the initial settlement offer and try and pay as little as possible at any point throughout the claim. You need to negotiate. An initial settlement offer should be met with a demand letter asking for the appropriate amount of money, and this will typically kick off negotiations between the parties involved. We strongly encourage you to have an attorney handle this process for you because they will understand this negotiation process and will not be bullied into settling for a low amount.

How Much Will a Portland Car Accident Attorney Cost?

Car accident victims often worry about how they will afford an attorney, but that does not need to be a concern. Most reputable car accident lawyers in Oregon will work on a contingency fee basis. This means that crash victims do not have to worry about paying any out-of-pocket or upfront costs related to their claim. In fact, crash victims will not have to pay a dime or legal fees until after their attorney successfully recovers the compensation they are entitled to. Under a contingency fee arrangement, the attorney will take a certain percentage of the final settlement or jury verdict award as their legal fee.

This means that, even though the attorney will take a percentage of the final settlement or jury verdict, the injury victim will typically end up with more compensation than they otherwise would have working by themselves.

Will Your Case Have to Go to Court?

The reality is that most individuals do not want to have to go to court. The good news is that most car accident claims in Portland and throughout Oregon are resolved through settlements with insurance carriers. However, insurance carriers are notoriously difficult to deal with, as we have mentioned above. They have one goal in mind, and that is to pay as little as possible in compensation to you.

Insurance settlements can take time, particularly if liability is in question. In some situations, insurance carriers may refuse to offer a fair amount of compensation, or they could deny the claim altogether. When this happens, it may be necessary to file a civil personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party in order to recover the compensation you are entitled to.

When you file a personal injury lawsuit, this does move the case into the civil court system. However, even though a claim is filed in the court system, it does not necessarily mean you have to go to court. Most of these claims will still be resolved through settlements with the insurance carriers and the at-fault party. During the discovery process, evidence will likely be uncovered that pushes one or both sides towards a settlement before a trial becomes necessary. Only if the at-fault party and the insurance carrier still refuse to offer a fair settlement will it be necessary to go to a jury trial. This means you would have to go to court. However, getting to this point often takes years.

Portland Car Accident Lawyer Near You

Find directions to our Car Accident Lawyer’s office.

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.