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Negligence is a common cause of car accidents in Portland, Oregon. Passenger negligence is not as common as driver negligence. However, a passenger’s reckless actions can contribute to the cause of an accident. If you are being accused of causing an accident, you need an experienced accident lawyer to handle your case.
Our injury lawyers at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers have recovered millions for accident victims in Oregon. We have decades of experience in injury and accident law that we use to fight for a fair and just outcome in your case. Our attorneys are aggressive advocates for our clients.
Call Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with our Portland passenger negligence lawyers at (503) 773-3333. We are available 24/7 to discuss your case.
How Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You With a Passenger Negligence Claim in Oregon
A passenger who contributes to the cause of a car accident could lose their right to damages. If they receive damages, the court can significantly reduce the amount of damages they receive. On the other hand, if a passenger contributes to the cause of a car crash, they could be liable for the damages of other victims.
Passenger negligence complicates a car accident case. It is crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible. When you hire our top-rated car accident attorneys in Portland, you can trust we will:
- Thoroughly investigate the accident claim to determine fault and liability
- Identify all parties who contributed to the cause of the accident
- Gather evidence supporting your claim, including working with leading expert witnesses
- File claims and handle all matters related to negotiating a settlement
- Take your case to trial and aggressively advocate for your rights
Attorney Aaron Tillmann has received numerous awards and recognition for his legal services. He is included in The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, Super Lawyers for Oregon, the National Academy of Personal Injury Lawyers Top 10, and the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys 10 Best Under 40.
Call Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Portland personal injury attorney.
How Can Passenger Negligence Cause a Car Accident in Portland, OR?
Negligence is defined as failing to use reasonable care in a situation. If a person is negligent, they can be held responsible for damages caused by their negligence. One or more parties could be liable for damages in a car accident case, including a negligent passenger.
Examples of passenger negligence include:
- Grabbing the steering wheel
- Staring a physical fight inside the vehicle
- Yelling at the driver
- Distracting the driver
- Throwing objects in the vehicle
- Engaging in reckless conduct in the vehicle
- Trying to slam on the gas or brakes
- Covering the driver’s eyes or obstructing their view
A passenger’s conduct might be negligent, but it may not have caused the car crash. You must prove the passenger’s conduct was a direct and proximate cause of the car accident to hold them liable for damages.
How Does Passenger Negligence Impact Damages in a Car Accident Case in Oregon?
Accident victims can seek compensation for their economic damages. Examples of these damages include out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, medical bills, and other financial losses. Victims may also receive compensation for their non-economic damages or “pain and suffering” damages.
If a passenger’s negligence contributes to the cause of a car accident, their damages may be reduced or barred. Oregon uses a modified comparative fault standard for apportioning damages in a personal injury case. Oregon law states that contributory fault does not bar damages unless the victim is 51% or more to blame for causing the accident.
Therefore, if a jury determines the passenger is 60% to blame for the crash, the victim cannot receive damages. On the other hand, if the passenger is 40% at fault for the crash, they can receive damages. However, the court reduces the passenger’s damages by 40 percent.
You should never admit or imply that you could be partially to blame for causing a car accident without legal advice. Always talk with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident to learn about your legal options and rights.
What Is the Deadline to File a Passenger Negligence Claim in Oregon?
If you seek damages from a passenger because their negligence caused an accident, Oregon has a two-year statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit. However, exceptions to the statute and other factors could change the date. It is best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to avoid losing your right to pursue a legal claim.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Portland Auto Accident Lawyer
You deserve to be compensated fairly for your losses and injuries after a car accident in Portland, OR. Our legal team at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers fights to hold the parties responsible for causing the crash accountable for your damages. Call us today to schedule a free case review with our Portland passenger negligence lawyers.
We’re standing by to provide you with top-rated legal services. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our car accident attorneys in Portland. Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Portland at 101 SW Main St #1905, Portland, OR 97204. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 45.51612408324096, -122.6754185
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