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BREAKING NEWS: $24.6 million verdict in a medical malpractice wrongful death case. Read more.

BREAKING NEWS: $24.6 million verdict in a medical malpractice wrongful death case. Read more.

Tillmann Law

Portland Car Accident Lawyer

Portland Car Accident Lawyer

Have you been involved in a car accident in Portland, OR? If so, our experienced Portland car accident lawyers can help you achieve fair and full compensation for your losses. Call Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers at (503) 773-3333 today to discuss your legal options.

A Portland personal injury lawyer from our firm can connect you to quality doctors to tend to your car accident injuries, handle insurance settlement negotiations on your behalf, and protect your rights every step of the way.

Contact our Portland law offices to set up a free initial consultation with our legal team.

Why Choose Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers to Help Me After a Car Accident in Portland?

Why Choose Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers to Help Me After a Car Accident in Portland?

At Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we do what needs to be done to help injured people successfully resolve their car accident cases. Our skilled attorneys always go the extra mile to help our clients achieve the maximum recovery possible for their damages.

We understand how auto insurers handle claims. Our staff includes former insurance claims professionals with unique insights into how the other side operates, giving us an advantage in every case we handle.

We’ve used our resources, knowledge, and aggressive legal tactics to secure millions of dollars for our clients over the years. We’re ready to advocate for you, no matter what type of auto accident you were involved in.

Our team of Portland car accident attorneys takes all crash-related cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no fees unless we win. Call us today to learn more about our legal services.

Do I Need a Car Accident Attorney?

Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney?

Dealing with a car accident case in Portland isn’t always easy. If you have suffered serious injuries, for example, the insurance company may refuse to offer you a full settlement that covers all your losses.

It might take hiring an attorney to force the insurer to take your claim and demands seriously.

A lawyer will know precisely how to deal with aggressive insurance companies during the car accident claims process in Oregon.

While you concentrate on recuperating from your crash-related injuries, your Portland accident lawyer can take care of negotiations on your behalf. They can also take your case to court in Multnomah County, if necessary.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a  Car Accident Attorney?

Most car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This fee structure allows you to retain legal representation without paying any upfront costs – and you only owe attorney’s fees if your case is successful. 

Your attorney will simply deduct their fees from your monetary award. They typically take a percentage ranging from 33–40%. However, it might vary depending on the complexity of your auto accident case and whether it goes to trial.

We’ll answer any questions you have about our contingency fee representation during your free initial consultation.

How Much Is My Car Accident Claim Worth?

How Much Is My Car Accident Claim Worth?

The value of your car accident case will depend on various factors. All crashes involve different victims, types of injuries, and circumstances. Some claims are worth a few thousand dollars, while others may recover millions for their damages. 

The following may impact how much your claim is worth: 

  • The severity of your injuries and trauma 
  • Your medical expenses and out-of-pocket costs
  • Your lost wages due to missing time from work 
  • Whether you’re able to return to work in the same capacity as before the collision
  • The evidence available in your case 
  • Whether you share any fault for contributing to the crash 
  • The insurance coverage and parties involved
  • Your pain and suffering, and whether you sustained a permanent disability or impairment 

Car accident cases involving catastrophic injuries are typically worth more than others. However, multiple factors will be evaluated to calculate your losses and put a dollar value on your settlement.

Is Oregon a No-Fault Insurance State?

Oregon Insurance Laws

When it comes to auto accidents, states typically fall into one of two categories: fault or no-fault. In no-fault states, drivers are initially responsible for their own damages following an accident.

They pay for their losses using personal injury protection (PIP) insurance and can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver if their injuries meet certain severity thresholds.

Like most states, Oregon follows a fault-based system. Drivers who are responsible for collisions must pay for their victims’ damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages.

To uphold this financial responsibility, Oregon requires all drivers to carry the following amounts of liability insurance.

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

Drivers can choose to purchase higher amounts of coverage if they wish. If you are injured by a negligent driver, you can recover a settlement for your losses by filing an insurance claim or lawsuit against them.

If the driver does not have insurance, you can pursue a claim under your own policy. Different paths to compensation are ideal under different circumstances.

To identify your optimal path to recovery, speak to a Portland accident lawyer at Tillmann Law as soon as possible. 

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Portland?

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Portland?

It is normal to feel confused or overwhelmed after a serious car accident. It’s important, however, to take a few essential steps if you have been in a crash.

Print this list and keep it in your glove box, if necessary, or take a screenshot with your phone for future reference. Take these crucial steps after a crash in Portland to improve your odds of making a full financial recovery.

  1. Stay calm. Take deep breaths to help relieve the adrenaline coursing through your veins. Resist the urge to yell at the other driver, even if they are yelling at you.
  2. Check for injuries. Check yourself for pain, swelling, tingling, or bruising. Check others for injuries as well if it is safe to exit your vehicle.
  3. Call 911. If it appears that the auto accident caused personal injuries, deaths, or at least $2,500 in property damage, contact the police for assistance.
  4. Stay at the scene and exchange information. Stay where you are until the police arrive. While you wait, get the other driver’s name, phone number, and insurance information.
  5. Take photographs. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, your injuries, and the crash scene in its entirety, if possible.
  6. Do not admit fault. Don’t tell the other driver or the police that you caused the accident, even if you think you did. Wait for an investigation to determine fault.
  7. Go to the hospital. Visit a hospital for medical treatment immediately for a physical evaluation and any necessary medical tests. Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention from a doctor to make sure.
  8. Call your insurance company. Report your car accident to your own insurer as soon as possible, but keep the conversation brief.
  9. Create a crash file. Obtain copies of your police report, medical records, photographs, and other relevant information to document your car accident.
  10. Contact a Portland car accident lawyer. A lawyer can help you with all the steps involved with the insurance companies and/or litigation process in Portland. They can seek the compensation necessary for you to make a full recovery.

Call us as soon as you can for tailored, trustworthy advice as to what to do after a serious car accident. Our lawyers will listen to your story and outline your legal options for you.

Common Types of Car Accident Injuries

Common Types of Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can result in very painful injuries. In many cases, these injuries result in lasting complications and require long-term, sometimes lifelong medical care. Accident victims often need to spend weeks or even months recovering from this trauma.

Some of the most common traffic accident injuries include the following:

  • Traumatic brain damage: A driver or passenger can sustain severe brain injuries when their head collides with a hard surface or object, or when an object penetrates the skull. Many brain injury victims experience difficulties with learning, memory, concentration, movement, speech, and other critical tasks. 
  • Internal bleeding: During a car accident, a driver or passenger can sustain serious crushing injuries that cause severe organ damage and internal bleeding. Without prompt medical attention, these injuries can be fatal. 
  • Cuts, scrapes, and road rash: When a driver is involved in a collision, they can come into contact with flying glass, heavy objects, and other debris that cause cuts, lacerations, and bruising. In severe cases, a person can be thrown from the vehicle, leading to a painful abrasion known as road rash.
  • Broken bones: During an accident, a driver can experience extreme force, causing their bones to break. While any bone may break during an accident, facial and dental fractures are especially common. Broken arms, legs, ribs, wrists, and ankles may also occur.
  • Spinal cord injuries: The spinal cord helps the brain and the rest of the body communicate. During a car accident, the spinal cord can become severed and compressed, leading to lasting complications. Any damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete loss of feeling and function below the injury site.

If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident in Portland, you should seek emergency treatment, even if you do not feel injured.

You may have underlying injuries that you’re not aware of yet, or the shock of the accident may be numbing the pain. To avoid potentially life-threatening complications, seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

What Compensation is Available to Car Accident Victims in Portland?

What Compensation is Available for Accident Victims in Portland?

Portland car accident victims may be entitled to compensation for their economic and non-economic losses.

Economic damages are the financial impacts of your accident and injuries. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, address the harder-to-value losses you’ve sustained.

Examples include:

  • Medical bills: All medical expenses related to your collision, including surgeries, hospital stays, procedures, medications, and rehabilitation.
  • Disability accommodations: The money you need to pay for related expenses if you suffered permanent injuries, such as a spine injury, brain injury, amputation, or another long-term disability.
  • Lost wages: If your auto accident took you out of work, the defendant may owe you payment for lost income – past and future.
  • Pain and suffering: Intangible damages you suffered from the wreck, including physical pain, emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and mental anguish.
  • Vehicle damage: The money it will take to restore your damaged vehicle to its pre-crash state or replace a totaled vehicle.
  • Loss of consortium: The loss of a victim’s company, guidance, support, love, and household services after a serious disability or wrongful death.
  • Out-of-pocket costs: Any money you spent because of the accident, including fees for rental cars, attorneys, going to court, and traveling.

While we know that money will not reverse serious losses, physical injuries, or deaths, we also recognize the importance of a full financial recovery for a family trying to move forward. We can help you accurately calculate your damages and fight for every dollar you deserve.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

One of the first questions you should ask your lawyer is, “Have you handled cases similar to mine?”

While each claim is unique, you should choose an attorney with experience and proven results. Hiring a lawyer who has handled similar cases to yours will maximize your chances of a successful outcome.

At Tillmann Law, we represent clients who have been injured or lost family members due to:

Our attorneys are confident in their ability to handle any type of auto accident case sent their way. We will pursue the negligent driver and their insurance provider using our years of experience, commitment to client satisfaction, and passion for justice. We’ll help you deal with any obstacles that may come between you and fair financial recovery.

Our lawyers know how to navigate even the most complex car accident cases in Portland. Find out if we can represent you by speaking with us about your case during a free initial consultation.

Oregon Car Accident Laws

Oregon Car Accident Laws

One of the many benefits of hiring a car accident attorney is having a professional to guide you through the laws that may pertain to your case. Each state has unique laws in terms of liability, comparative fault, and filing deadlines.

This can be confusing without someone helping you interpret them. As an accident victim, a lawyer from Tillmann Law is happy to walk you through the laws you need to know to seek justice.

  • Fault-based insurance procedures: Every driver in Oregon has to carry the required amounts of vehicle insurance. After an accident, crash victims may be able to seek compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The correct insurer to submit your claim to will depend on the circumstances and your insurance coverage.
  • Comparative negligence rules: Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence law, giving victims the right to recover partial damages, even if they contributed to the accident in question. As long as your share of fault is less than 51%, you could still qualify for financial recovery.
  • Statute of limitations: In Oregon, the deadline to file a car accident lawsuit is typically two years from the date of the collision. Contact an experienced lawyer quickly to avoid missing this important deadline, and set yourself up to receive the maximum compensation available. Otherwise, the courts might not let you recover any damages.

Our lawyers can explain car accident laws in more detail for you, as well as give you insights into how they might apply to your unique case.

Whether your case involves a drunk driver, a distracted driver, or dangerous road conditions, seeking skilled legal advice can help you explore your options for recovery.

Portland Car Accident Statistics

Car Accident Facts and Statistics in Portland, OR

You’re not alone if you are the victim of a car accident. Unfortunately, these incidents are common in Oregon and throughout the U.S.

The state of Oregon experiences an average of 3,755 crashes each month. The city of Portland represents around 14% of these crashes.

Car accident statistics reveal that in a recent year, there were 45,070 reportable auto accidents throughout Oregon. These crashes caused 36,950 injuries and 603 deaths.

At Tillmann Law, while we keep up with local and state car accident statistics to better serve our clients, we recognize that each personal injury case is unique. Our legal team believes that every client is important, with a unique story to tell.

With us, you are not just a statistic. You can significantly benefit from legal assistance during the claims process. Our attorneys can guide you through the civil justice system in pursuit of fair compensation for your damages.

What Causes Most Collisions in Portland, OR?

What Causes Most Collisions in Portland, OR?

Unfortunately, most crashes could’ve been avoided if the driver hadn’t engaged in negligent or reckless behaviors behind the wheel. 

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), the most common non-fatal accident is a rear-end collision, which accounts for around 30% of crashes in the state each year. This type of accident is most commonly the result of driver error or negligence. 

The leading driving errors in Oregon are: 

  • Distracted driving or driver inattention
  • Failure to yield the right-of-way 
  • Running off the road 
  • Speeding or driving too fast for conditions 
  • Failure to maintain lane 
  • Disregarding stop signs and traffic signals
  • Tailgating or following too closely 
  • Dangerous left turns

Other causes of car accidents include: 

  • Impaired driving (driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol)
  • Fatigued driving
  • Road debris 
  • Defective auto parts 
  • Road rage or aggressive driving
  • Failure to follow other traffic regulations
  • Poor weather conditions

No matter how your crash occurred, our Portland personal injury attorneys are here to help you prove your case.

How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Oregon?

How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Oregon?

Under Oregon law, you have a limited time to file a lawsuit after a collision. The state’s statute of limitations gives most auto accident victims two years from the crash date to initiate their case. If you lost a loved one in a fatal collision, you have three years to file a wrongful death claim. 

Limited exceptions may exist – so it’s vital to consult an experienced car accident lawyer in Portland to preserve your legal rights. If you miss the statutory deadline, you’ll be unable to pursue a claim against the at-fault party. 

What Are the Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Portland, OR?

While a car accident can happen anywhere, certain roads and intersections tend to experience more crashes than others. 

Here are some of the most dangerous intersections in Portland, OR, according to the city:

  • NE 99th Ave and Glisan St
  • SE 136th Ave and Powell Blvd
  • SE 148th Ave and Stark St
  • SE 148th Ave and Powell Blvd
  • Ross Island Bridge and SW Naito Pkwy ramp
  • SE 122nd Ave and Division St
  • SE 122nd Ave and Powell Blvd
  • SE 122nd Ave & Stark St
  • SE Foster Rd/96th Ave/I-205 Northbound ramp
  • NE 82nd Ave and Glisan St
  • SE 82nd Ave and Powell Blvd
  • SE 92nd Ave and Washington St
  • SE 92nd Ave and Holgate Blvd
  • E Burnside St and 122nd Ave
  • SE Division St and I-205 Southbound ramp
  • SE 112th Ave and Powell Blvd

Whether your collision happened at one of these dangerous locations or elsewhere, Tillmann Law is here to help.

Contact a Portland Car Accident Attorney Today

Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Portland Today

The Portland car accident lawyers at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers are caring, compassionate, and sympathetic. Clients have trusted us with serious injury claims throughout Oregon for years.

We will treat you like our only client if you hire us, working closely together on each step of the legal process. From connecting you to the right doctors to fighting for fair case results, we can help you get your life back on track after a serious car accident.

We’re standing by to provide you with top-rated legal services. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our car accident lawyers 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

Visit our Portland Car Accident Law Firm

Our law office is located at 101 SW Main St #1905, Portland, OR 97204. Click here for driving directions.

At Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we are always available to take your call at (503) 773-3333.

Hours: We’re open 24/7

Areas We Serve

Downtown, Old Town, Goose Hollow, Boise, Homestead, Buckman, Central Eastside, South Portland, Pearl District, Northwest District, Portland Heights, Ladd’s Addition, Hosford-Abernethy, South Waterfront, Hazelwood, Cedar Mill, Multnomah, Markham, Riverdale, Sellwood-Moreland, Brooklyn, Hillsdale, Hayhurst, Bridlemile, Eliot, Irvington, Sullivan’s Gulch, Kerns, Richmond, Creston-Kenilworth, South Tabor, Woodstock, Brentwood-Darlington, and more.

Recent Car Accident Blog Posts

Auto Repair Shops

  • Everett Street Autoworks & Mechanics – 509 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209
  • Re-Born Automotive, Inc. – 1800 SE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
  • Bradshaws Auto Repair – Hawthorne – 1025 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214

What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

What Our Clients Have To Say About Us

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Car Accident Infographic

Car Accident Infographic