After a car accident or pedestrian accident in Portland, it is our responsibility as drivers to pull over, provide assistance, and exchange insurance and license information. Hit-and-run accidents are not only illegal but can result in serious injuries and lasting complications such as expensive medical bills, weeks of lost wages, and emotional and physical trauma.
Our Portland hit-and-run accident attorneys at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers have recognition from prestigious legal bodies including Avvo and Super Lawyers. Call (503) 773-3333 today!
Why Choose Us For Your Hit and Run Lawyer?
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- Our firm gets real results, securing millions of dollars in compensatory damages on behalf of our clients over our years of operation.
- Our lawyers take all cases on a contingency fee basis to limit your out-of-pocket expenses. We only charge legal fees when we secure a settlement on your behalf.
- We practice honesty and transparency throughout the case process. Our attorneys are not only responsive to your present needs, but to what you need to make a full recovery in the future.
Insurance Claims in Oregon After a Hit-and-Run
Oregon follows a fault-based system for Portland car accident claims, which means that a driver responsible for a collision must pay for the victims’ damages.
If you cannot identify the driver responsible for the accident, you can still collect compensation for your injuries thanks to Oregon’s insurance laws. Unlike many fault insurance states, Oregon requires drivers to purchase a minimum of $25,000 in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) in addition to liability coverage.
You can file a claim under this policy after a hit-and-run, However, you can only claim damages up to your policy limit. This can be limiting, especially if you experience severe injuries and need to claim high amounts of compensatory damages.
Identifying the At-Fault Driver
To determine your best legal options, speak with your attorney immediately after the accident. Another option is to investigate and identify the at-fault driver so you can file a claim under his or her insurance.
Law enforcement officers may take the lead in this investigation, but your attorney can also assist in this process. Your lawyer may review important pieces of evidence and offer to collect additional information to identify who is responsible for your accident.
Filing a Hit-and-Run Lawsuit in Oregon
If you are able to identify the at-fault driver, you can choose to file an insurance claim under his or her policy. However, if the driver has insufficient insurance or not enough coverage to meet your needs, you can choose to escalate your claim to a personal injury lawsuit. While this civil action is often lengthier than the average insurance claim, policy limits do not apply, and you may be able to claim higher amounts of damages through a lawsuit.
The court may also assign punitive damages to deter the hit-and-run driver from committing the same actions again, which may increase your overall award amount.
Criminal and civil cases follow separate procedures. Even if law enforcement officers identify the hit-and-run driver and you pursue criminal charges against him or her, you can still file a civil lawsuit against the driver over the same accident.
A hit-and-run accident can have a devastating impact on your life. You deserve just compensation so you can make a full recovery — and the Oregon injury attorneys at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers can help. We can represent you and your best interests from consultation to settlement, advocating aggressively on your behalf to achieve fair compensation.
How Can a Portland Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Help Your Case?
A Portland hit and run accident lawyer plays a crucial role in navigating the complex legal landscape following a hit and run crash. These cases often involve unique challenges, such as identifying the hit and run driver, dealing with insurance companies, and understanding Oregon law regarding uninsured motorist coverage.
An experienced hit and run accident lawyer can help accident victims secure compensation in several ways:
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- Thoroughly investigate the accident scene, gathering evidence like eyewitness accounts, license plate information, and police reports, and work closely with law enforcement to locate the responsible party
- Assist in filing claims with your own insurance company if the hit and run driver cannot be found, ensuring you receive the uninsured motorist benefits mandated under Oregon law
- Advocate on your behalf against insurance companies that may try to avoid liability or offer a settlement insufficient to cover your medical expenses, property damage, and other losses
- Help you pursue a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation beyond policy limits, including punitive damages where applicable, in cases where the hit and run driver is identified but lacks sufficient insurance coverage
- Handle all communication and negotiation with insurance companies and opposing counsel so you can focus on your recovery
Their expertise in personal injury cases and knowledge of local laws ensure that your legal rights are protected throughout the process, from the initial consultation to settlement or trial. Ultimately, having a dedicated run accident attorney on your side increases your chances of obtaining fair compensation and achieving justice after a traumatic hit and run accident.
What Compensation Can You Receive for a Hit and Run Accident Case in Portland?
If you have been injured in a hit and run accident in Portland, you may be entitled to receive various types of compensation to cover the losses and damages you have suffered. Compensation can help you manage the financial burden caused by the accident and support your recovery process.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the measurable financial losses resulting from the accident. These may include:
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- Medical expenses: Costs for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatment.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to missed workdays or reduced earning capacity resulting from injury.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle or other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Rehabilitation costs: Expenses related to physical therapy or other rehabilitation services necessary for recovery.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses that affect your quality of life. These may include:
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- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and injuries.
- Emotional trauma: Psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Loss of enjoyment of life: The inability to participate in hobbies, social activities, or other aspects of life you previously enjoyed.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement: Compensation for lasting impairments or changes to your physical appearance.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish the hit and run driver for particularly reckless or malicious behavior, such as driving intoxicated or deliberately fleeing the scene of an accident. Punitive damages aim to deter similar conduct in the future and are awarded in addition to compensatory damages.
Claiming Compensation
If the hit and run driver is identified, you can file a claim with the liable driver’s insurance company to seek compensation. However, if the driver is uninsured, underinsured, or cannot be found, you may file uninsured motorist claims with your own insurance company under Oregon law.
Your Portland hit and run accident lawyer can help you navigate these options and advocate for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Understanding the types of compensation available and how to pursue them is crucial to securing your financial recovery after a hit and run accident in Portland. Consulting with an experienced hit and run accident lawyer can provide valuable guidance and support throughout this process.
Contact our Portland attorneys today to schedule your free consultation with our Portland hit-and-run accident attorneys.
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