Seasoned Portland Car Accident Attorney
The legal professionals at Newlin Law Offices are more than just advocates — we're your dedicated allies during one of the most challenging times in your life.
Our team, which is made up of veteran Portland personal injury attorney Todd Newlin and a capable group of legal aids and administrative experts, doesn't just see you as a case number. We see you as a one-of-a-kind individual with unique experiences and needs.
We know that the path to recovery after a serious auto accident can be overwhelming and fraught with uncertainties. With our deep understanding of Oregon's complex car accident laws, we can craft personalized legal strategies that are as unique as you are.
We aren’t here to offer generic solutions. We tailor our approach to your specific situation, addressing your concerns with the empathy, care, and attention to detail you deserve.
We Handle All Types of Car Accident Claims
With each and every case, we make it our mission to protect your rights and secure fair compensation. Our experienced team can assist with all types of car accidents, from minor fender-benders to severe collisions.
Here are just a few examples of the car accident cases we take on:
- Rear-End Collisions: We can help you prove liability and recover damages for injuries resulting from rear-end accidents, which are often caused by distracted or negligent drivers.
- T-Bone (Side-Impact) Collisions: We’ll work to establish fault and ensure that you receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering due to T-bone accidents.
- Head-On Collisions: Recovering from destructive head-on collisions can take time. We'll pursue compensation to cover your medical expenses, rehabilitation, and other losses.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents: When the responsible party flees the scene, we'll explore options for compensation through uninsured motorist coverage or other means available under Oregon law.
- Single-Vehicle Accidents: Even if you were the only driver involved in the accident, defects in the road or other factors could still entitle you to compensation.
- Multi-Vehicle Pileups: These complex accidents require skilled legal handling. We'll determine liability and pursue claims against multiple parties if necessary.
- Rollover Accidents: Rollovers often result in severe injuries. We'll help you seek compensation from the responsible party or parties, including vehicle manufacturers if defects are involved.
- Intersection Accidents: Accidents at intersections can be both dangerous and contentious. We'll build a strong case to demonstrate the other driver's negligence and secure compensation.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claims: If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, we'll help you navigate your own policy to recover damages.
- Lyft/Uber Accidents: If you were involved in an accident while using a rideshare service like Lyft or Uber, the process of determining liability and seeking compensation can be confusing. Our experience handling cases involving rideshare drivers and companies can ensure that you receive proper compensation for your injuries and losses.
- Parking Lot Accidents: Parking lot collisions are often minor but can still result in life-impacting injuries. We'll help establish liability and obtain compensation on your behalf.
No matter the type of accident you've experienced, we're here to provide top-tier legal assistance to help you get the compensation you deserve.
What to Do if an Insurance Company Contacts You After a Car Accident
After a car accident, especially one involving serious injuries, you may be contacted by an insurance adjuster — and not just your own. The at-fault driver's insurance company might try to reach you quickly. They might seem friendly and concerned, but it's important to remember that their primary goal is to protect their own interests, not yours.
Watch attorney Todd Newlin explain why you should NOT speak to the insurance company
In the video above, Todd Newlin emphasizes the importance of NOT speaking to the other driver's insurance company without legal representation. Here's why:
They're gathering evidence against you: Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that might lead you to say something they can use to minimize or deny your claim. Even seemingly harmless statements can be twisted to hurt your case.
They're not your friend: The insurance company is not on your side. Their goal is to settle your claim for as little as possible, even if that means delaying or denying legitimate claims.
Protect your rights: Anything you say to an insurance adjuster can be used against you in court. It's best to have an experienced car accident attorney handle all communication.
What to Do Instead:
Politely decline to give a statement: You can simply say, "Thank you for reaching out, but I've been advised by my attorney not to give a statement at this time. Please contact them directly."
Hire an attorney immediately: The sooner you have legal representation, the better protected your rights will be. An attorney will handle all communication with insurance companies, negotiate on your behalf, and fight to get you the full compensation you deserve.
Don't Delay – Contact Us:
If you've been injured in a car accident, don't wait to seek legal help. At Newlin Law Offices, we offer free consultations to discuss your case and explain how we can protect your rights.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Oregon?
In Oregon, car accident injury victims have two years to file a lawsuit. This countdown begins from the date of the accident. For wrongful death cases, the victim’s personal representative has up to three years from the injury discovery to initiate the lawsuit and must formally file it within three years of the decedent's death.
Timely action is crucial, as missing these deadlines may cause you to forfeit your legal rights. Attorney Todd Newlin can help ensure that your claim moves forward in a timely manner.
What Compensation Can You Receive for a Car Accident in Portland, OR?
If you've been involved in a car accident in Portland, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, depending on the specifics of your case. Here are the types of compensation typically available:
Medical Expenses
Your medical expenses may include costs for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing care related to the injuries you sustained in the accident.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for lost wages. If your ability to earn in the future is impacted, you may also be entitled to compensation for loss of future earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
Damages for pain and suffering are intended to compensate victims for the physical pain and emotional distress they endure as a result of an accident. This category of damages includes payments for long-term physical discomfort or mental anguish.
Property Damage
This category covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property lost or damaged in the accident.
Loss of Quality of Life
If your accident results in a long-term or permanent disability that affects your ability to enjoy life as you did before, you may be eligible to seek compensation for loss of quality of life.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the at-fault party's actions were particularly reckless or egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Wrongful Death Damages
When a car accident results in a fatality, the family of the deceased might be eligible for compensation. This can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
It's important to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney to understand the full extent of compensation you may be entitled to. A lawyer can help you understand the nuances of your claim and ensure that you receive fair compensation for all of your losses.
Our Proven Results:
Past Case Success
Based on analyses from the 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study and the Oregon Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes Quick Facts, the most common types of car accidents in Portland, Oregon, are as follows:
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions account for a significant portion of all crashes in Portland. They often occur when drivers follow too closely or fail to react in time to a stopped or slowing vehicle ahead.
Collisions With Fixed Objects
This type of accident is the most common among fatal crashes. It typically involves a vehicle colliding with a stationary object like a pole, tree, wall, or barrier.
Accidents Involving Vulnerable Road Users
A notable number of crashes in Portland involve bicycles, pedestrians, and motorcycles. These accidents often result in serious injuries or fatalities due to the lack of protection for these road users.
Driver Errors
Some of the top driver errors that contribute to accidents include failing to avoid stopped or parked vehicles, failing to yield the right-of-way, running off the road, and driving too fast.
Accidents Involving Young Drivers
A high percentage of fatal and injurious crashes involve drivers aged 15 to 20, highlighting the risks inexperienced drivers pose both to themselves and other motorists.
Medium/Heavy Truck Involvement
Portland also sees quite a few accidents involving medium-sized and heavy trucks. These incidents can lead to more severe outcomes due to the size and weight of the vehicle involved.
On a related note, recent Portland crash statistics indicate that the month of December, Fridays, and the hour between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. are peak times for traffic accidents within the city.
Car accidents in Portland can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be quite severe. The nature of these injuries can also vary, depending on factors like the circumstances of the accident, the types of vehicles involved, and whether the victims were wearing seat belts.
The following are some of the most common injuries sustained in Portland car accidents.Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries
Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and backward, often as a result of a rear-end collision. Soft tissue injuries can include muscle strains and ligament sprains.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage and are disturbingly common in high-impact collisions or rollover accidents.
Broken Bones
The force of a car crash can easily break bones in areas like the midsection, arms, and legs, especially in high-speed or head-on collisions.
Cuts and Lacerations
Broken glass and twisted metal can cause serious cuts, which might require immediate medical treatment to stop excessive bleeding and prevent infection and other complications.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries are particularly dangerous because they can go unnoticed immediately after an accident. Conditions like internal bleeding and organ damage often require urgent medical attention.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Catastrophic injuries like spinal cord damage and paralysis can result from severe car accidents and may lead to long-term disability and loss of quality of life.
Psychological Trauma
Apart from physical injuries, many accident victims suffer from psychological issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s strongly recommended that you contact an experienced Portland personal injury attorney. Your lawyer can guide you through the insurance claims process, deal with uninsured motorist coverage issues, and ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your medical bills, property damage, and future expenses.
How We Can Help You With Your Car Accident Claim
When you entrust your car accident claim to Newlin Law Offices, you’ll benefit from our:
- Legal Knowledge: Our experienced team understands car accident claims inside and out, ensuring that you get the guidance you need throughout the process.
- Investigative Skills: We’ll conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence and establish liability, building a strong case on your behalf.
- Tenacious Negotiation: We’ll negotiate with the insurance companies to maximize your compensation and secure coverage for your medical bills, lost wages, and more.
- Litigation Experience: If necessary, we're prepared to take your case to court, representing your interests and fighting doggedly for your rights.
- Personalized Strategies: Your case is unique, which is why we’ll tailor our approach to your specific circumstances to ensure that you get the best possible outcome.
- Emotional Support: Beyond practical legal matters, we make it a point to offer ongoing emotional support, helping you cope with the stress of recovery and legal recourse.
- Timely Action: We're well-versed in Oregon's statutes of limitations and will ensure that your case is filed within the required timeframe.
You need more than a mere legal advisor after a life-altering injury. You deserve a trusted advocate and friend, which is what attorney Todd Newlin strives to be for every client who comes through his doors.
