Car Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, make sure you have an expert on your side. Contact the auto accident attorneys at OlsenDaines. We’re here to answer all of your questions and make sure you receive any compensation to which you may be entitled.
At Olsen Daines, we represent clients who have been injured in vehicle collisions and need help navigating their next steps. There are few easy answers after a car accident. There will be a lot of questions.
For expert legal guidance from experienced car accident attorneys in Oregon and Washington, call us today. We offer free consultations.
What Types of Damages Can You Claim in an Auto Accident Case?
Compensation in an accident claim may cover a range of financial and non-financial losses, including:
- All current medical bills, such as those for doctor’s visits and surgical treatment.
- Anticipated future medical costs, including expenses for long-term care or future procedures.
- Physical and mental pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress or anguish, encompassing anxiety, worry, grief, and nervousness.
- Lost wages due to the inability to work following the injury.
- Loss of future earning capacity resulting from the severity of the injury.
- The value of any property lost or damaged in the accident.
- Loss of consortium, such as in cases involving the death of a spouse.
Schedule a Free Appointment!
Our appointments are free until you file and your concerns are addressed!Why Work with the Auto Accident Lawyers at OlsenDaines?
The world of auto accident law is unfamiliar and confusing for most. The sooner you call us after your accident, the better. Think of us like an experienced guide who understands the lay of the land and can help lead you on the path to a successful outcome. We don’t just whisper answers in your ear; we strive to help you understand.
From coordinating with your insurance company to standing up for you in court, these are some ways the car crash lawyers at OlsenDaines help ensure you reach a successful outcome in your case:
- Handling Insurance Companies: Insurance companies claim to always operate fairly, but your idea of fairness and theirs might differ. We can negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf.
- Determining Liability: We can help determine and prove who is at fault in the accident, which is crucial for your case.
- Maximizing Compensation: Calculating compensation for damages, injuries, and even emotional distress, can be complicated. We’ll make sure all factors are fully considered by insurance adjusters.
- No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win the case. If you don’t win, you don’t pay us.
- Representation in Court: If the case goes to court, we will represent you, ensuring that your rights are protected and your case is presented effectively.
- Access to Resources: We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other experts who can help strengthen your case.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that a professional is handling your case can provide significant peace of mind during a stressful time.
How Do You Prove Fault or Negligence in an Auto Accident Case?
Proving who is at fault is essentially about showing that someone was “careless” on the road and that this carelessness was the direct cause of your injuries. In legal terms, this breaks down into four elements.
- Duty of Care: You must show that the other driver had a legal obligation to drive safely. This is simple because every licensed driver automatically owes this to others on the road.
- Breach of Duty: You prove the driver broke that duty by acting unreasonably — for example, by speeding, texting, or running a red light.
- Causation: You must prove that the driver’s specific action directly caused the accident. It’s not enough that they were speeding; their speeding must be why you were injured.
- Damages: You must show actual losses, such as medical bills, car repair costs, or lost wages. To receive compensation, you must prove damages.
Experienced Local Car Accident Attorneys
In Oregon and Washington, the law mandates the at-fault party compensate the plaintiff for economic losses (e.g., medical bills, wage loss, and vehicle damage) and non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering caused by your injuries).
For over forty years, OlsenDaines has been dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered injuries in motor vehicle accidents in Oregon and Washington. Our team of skilled auto accident attorneys is ready to assist you in navigating the intricate process of pursuing a personal injury claim following your accident, all while ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Our car accident lawyers in Oregon and Washington are available via phone, email, or at one of our conveniently located offices. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Our team also specializes in:
- Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- And much more
Car Accident Claim FAQs
Have you recently been in an accident? You probably have questions. Check out the FAQs below, and if you don’t find what you need here, give us a call.
What you do immediately after a motor vehicle accident is pivotal in building a successful personal injury claim, regardless of whether it’s a major collision or a minor fender bender.
There are several critical steps to keep in mind:
- Ensuring Safety: First and foremost, check on the safety of all parties involved. If there’s any possibility of injuries, call paramedics right away.
- Medical Attention: Seek medical treatment promptly and adhere to all prescribed treatments and follow-up appointments. It’s essential to establish a thorough medical record documenting your injuries.
- Legal Responsibilities: In Oregon, drivers have specific duties after an accident. These include exchanging contact and insurance information with other drivers and reporting the accident to the DMV within 72 hours. A tip: document the information received from the other driver, including their license plate. In Washington, you must submit a collision report within 96 hours.
- Communicating with Insurance Companies: While it’s advisable to give a statement to your insurance company, be cautious about providing a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance. Keep track of your claim number and the name of your claims adjuster.
In Oregon, you have two years to file most injury claims, but in some cases notice provisions are six months or one year after the accident. We recommend contacting an attorney ASAP to discuss your options.
In Washington, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is typically three years, but again, there are exceptions and specific circumstances that may affect the deadline for your claim.
It’s highly advisable to consult with an experienced attorney who specializes in personal injury cases, especially car accidents, as they can provide you with precise guidance based on the specifics of your situation.
Yes, you can still file a claim if the other driver left the scene of the crash. Advising an auto accident attorney is the best way to go about this matter, as each case is different.
Many factors go into determining how much compensation you might receive after an accident. These range from the types of injuries to treatment after the accident. Here are some of the main factors to consider:
- The nature of injuries
- The total medical bills
- The duration of treatment
- The lasting impact of the accident
Accidents with rideshare drivers are common, and while they add a layer of complication, most of the fundamental rules are the same.
If you get into an accident with a rideshare driver, the same four criteria apply: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.
The biggest difference is which insurance policy is on the hook. It breaks down this way:
Driver Status | Who is Primary? | Typical Coverage Limit |
App Off | Driver’s personal insurance | Low (State minimums) |
App On (Waiting for request) | Driver’s personal + company contingent | Typically about $50k – $100k |
Trip Accepted / Passenger in Car | Rideshare company’s policy | $1 Million+ |
