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Lake Oswego Car Accident Attorney

Car accidents happen every day on Oregon roads. These collisions can range from minor to severe, causing serious property damage, painful physical injuries, and financial hardship. If you are involved in a Lake Oswego car accident, you could file a claim against the at-fault driver—and the attorneys at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers can help.

Our Lake Oswego car accident lawyers have the skills, experience, and knowledge necessary to guide you through the claims process and hold the at-fault driver accountable for his or her actions.

Why Choose Our Lake Oswego Car Accident Lawyers

• Our attorneys have represented car accident victims throughout Oregon, securing millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts in their claims. We are dedicated to achieving the compensation you deserve.
• We understand how painful the aftermath of a car accident be. Our attorneys will handle all aspects of your case on your behalf so that you can focus on healing, not complex litigation.
• Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis for maximum affordability. If we do not secure compensation in your case, you will not be charged legal fees. 

Oregon Car Insurance Laws

Oregon is a fault accident state, meaning that the at-fault driver in a motor vehicle collision is financially responsible for the losses suffered by his or her victims. To uphold this financial responsibility, Oregon law requires all drivers to purchase the following minimum amounts of car insurance.

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person per accident
• $50,000 for total bodily injury or death liability per accident 
• $20,000 in property damage coverage per accident 
• $15,000 in personal injury protection coverage per person
• Uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident

Drivers can choose to carry higher amounts of insurance if they choose. If you are injured by a negligent driver, you can file an insurance claim or lawsuit against him or her to recover compensation.

If the driver does not have insurance, you can pursue compensation through your own personal injury protection or uninsured motorist coverage.

Most car accident claims begin and resolve during the insurance process. However, you may want to escalate your case to a lawsuit if the company denies the claim or offers an insufficient settlement.

In certain situations, you may want to file a lawsuit from the start, especially if you have very severe damages that exceed the driver’s policy limits. 

Your Lake Oswego car accident lawyer from Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers can evaluate your case and help you identify your optimal path to maximum compensation.

How to Prove a Car Accident Claim

To secure a settlement in an Oregon car accident claim, you will need to provide sufficient evidence proving the other party’s liability. The steps you will need to take to prove fault and collect compensation will depend on whether you are pursuing a lawsuit or insurance claim.

During the insurance process, a company representative will investigate your accident and determine how it occurred. He or she may speak to relevant parties, review evidence, and negotiate with your attorney.

At the conclusion of your case, the representative will determine whether you deserve a settlement and the amount of your award.

In a car accident lawsuit, you will need to prove to the court that the at-fault driver’s negligence caused your accident and resulting injuries. Specifically, you will need to gather enough evidence to prove the following four facts.

• The driver owed you a duty of care. All drivers have a duty to follow Oregon traffic laws and operate their vehicles in a reasonably safe manner.
• The driver breached his or her duty of care through a negligent act or failure to act. Running a red light, driving under the influence, and failing to yield to bicyclists are all examples of a driver’s breach of duty.
• The driver’s breach of duty caused your accident. You can use evidence such as surveillance footage, police reports, photographs, and witness testimony to prove causation.
• You sustained damages in the accident that you can collect in your lawsuit. Under Oregon law, you can collect compensation for economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Your attorney from Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers can help you gather the information you need to prove the other driver’s fault. He or she will work diligently to craft a compelling case in your favor, gathering evidence and enlisting the help of expert witnesses who can testify on your behalf.

What to Do After a Lake Oswego Car Accident

The aftermath of a car accident can be scary and overwhelming. However, these moments are some of the most crucial to your future claim.

After a Lake Oswego car accident, take the following steps to seek help, preserve evidence, and protect your right to future compensation. 

• Call 911 and report the accident to law enforcement. The responding officer will create an accident report that details how he or she believed the accident occurred, which you can use as evidence in your future claim.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not feel injured. Your medical records will be valuable evidence in your claim, and failure to seek medical attention could be used as evidence that your injuries were not serious. Visit a hospital as soon as possible and save all records related to your treatment and injuries.
• If you can move around the accident without the risk of further injury or danger, document evidence at the scene. Photograph your injuries, vehicle damage, traffic signs and signals, and any debris in the area. If there are witnesses at the scene, collect their contact information—these individuals could provide valuable testimony in your case,
• Exchange contact, insurance, and license information with the at-fault party. Keep your interactions brief and do not make any statements about your injuries or how the accident occurred. Anything you say could be used against you in your future claim.

After the accident, a representative from the at-fault driver’s insurance company may contact you and ask for a statement. Do not speak with this individual until speaking with your lawyer.

After you seek treatment for your injuries, contact a Lake Oswego car accident attorney at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss your legal options. 

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

If you are involved in a Lake Oswego car accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation—and the attorneys at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers can help. Contact us today to schedule your free case consultation and strategize your next steps with a Lake Oswego car accident lawyer.