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Oregon Car Accident Lawyer

Call (888) 471-3714 to speak with a car accident attorney.

Each and every day people enter situations in which they put their lives at risk. And while most people may give it little thought, driving a motor vehicle is one of these situations. Motor vehicle accidents occur each day, resulting in injuries and fatalities; approximately 100 people are killed in motor vehicle accidents every day in the United States.

There are over 100 million motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs, on the road in America. Annually, approximately 5 million people are injured in car accidents and an estimated 40,000 people are killed. While driving a car or truck is an every day occurrence for many people, it is also an action that carries a great deal of risks and responsibilities.

While many people would consider themselves safe drivers, there are a number of factors that can lead to car accidents, some of which even the most cautious drivers may fall victim to. Leading factors of motor vehicle accidents include: driver inattention, driver fatigue, speeding, weather, driving under the influence of alcohol, and aggressive driving. These factors can result in drivers being involved in single- and multi-vehicle accidents.

The most common factor contributing to traffic accidents is driver inattention. Driver inattention can include talking on cell phones, dialing cell phones, text messaging, eating, applying makeup, reaching for an object in the car, changing the radio dial, or being distracted by objects outside of the car. While changing the radio station may seem harmless, glancing away from the road for only a moment can have serious results.

Weather conditions can play a significant role in driving, particularly during the winter months. Weather elements such as rain, sleet, fog, snow, or ice can be hazardous to drivers. Weather can be especially hazardous to drivers if they do not heed the conditions or drive without caution. One individual driving without caution on an icy day can ruin it for all of us.

Speeding can cause drivers to quickly lose control of their vehicles. In addition, if a driver is speeding and another driver around them changes lanes, or applies their brakes, or if an animal were to enter the road, the speeding driver may not be able to stop quickly enough and cause an accident. Speed can increase the danger of a crash significantly, more than doubling it.

Motor vehicle accidents are something that most drivers may not think of when they get into their car each day, but that is in fact a reality of driving. It is important to be aware of the risks of driving and to drive with caution. However, no matter how cautious a driver is, accidents are not always avoidable. In the event that you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is advised that you speak with an attorney.

A lawyer in Oregon who specializes in car accidents will guide you through the legal process, assess information from the accident, and aide you in your claims process. It is especially advisable to speak with a lawyer when it is not clear who is liable for an accident, if you are unsure how to evaluate your claim, or if your insurance adjuster has made an offer that you believe should be higher. You may also want to speak with an attorney if you do not think you can negotiate a settlement independently, if you have a claim of lost wages that is hard to prove, or if you have been offered a structured settlement instead of a lump sum payment from your insurance adjuster.

It is also strongly recommended that you speak with attorney if your insurance company has denied your claim and you think they should not have; if liability is being disputed; if you have been injured and will have a residual disability that will result in future medical expenses; or if the circumstances of your accident are complex and require an investigation.

There are a number of other circumstances in which it may be necessary to speak with a lawyer. If you are unsure about your accident and need to determine how to proceed, contact an Oregon lawyer who specializes in motor vehicle accidents. They will help determine what your next steps should be.