Newlin Law Offices: We Are Your Trusted Advocates After a Hit-and-Run Accident
At Newlin Law Offices, we're not just a team of Portland hit-and-run lawyers — we're advocates for justice. We're committed to helping individuals and families who have been affected by the negligence of others, especially those who've been victims of hit-and-run accidents.
Our founding attorney, Todd Newlin, understands the devastating impact of personal injury firsthand. This personal connection drives our commitment to providing empathetic and client-focused representation. We believe in open communication, personalized attention, and aggressive advocacy to help ensure our clients receive the maximum compensation they deserve.
Call us at 503-755-8539, tell us your story, and we’ll do everything in our power to make sure the negligent driver is brought to justice.
Decoding the Hit-and-Run Accident: What You Need to Know
In Portland, a hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver involved in a car accident leaves the scene without stopping to provide information or assistance. Under Oregon law, it's a driver's responsibility to exchange information with other drivers, provide aid if necessary, and report the traffic accident to authorities.
Unfortunately, drivers often flee the scene due to a fear of consequences. They may be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, have an outstanding warrant, or lack valid insurance.
On the other hand, the at-fault driver doesn’t always have a pre-existing reason to avoid law enforcement. Some drivers simply panic in the aftermath of an auto accident and make the wrong decision to flee.
When a Moment Changes Everything: The Real Effects of Hit-and-Runs
Hit-and-run accidents can leave victims with life-altering injuries and emotional trauma. While physical injuries vary, some common types include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Can cause a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges.
- Catastrophic injuries: Life-changing injuries like amputations, paralysis, or a fatality (wrongful death).
- Neck injuries and whiplash: Often caused by sudden, forceful movements.
- Back pain: Can range from mild discomfort to severe, chronic pain.
- Broken bones and fractures: Require medical treatment and can lead to long-term complications.
- Spinal cord injuries: Potentially leading to paralysis or other forms of permanent disability.
We’ll work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you need for medical and rehabilitative treatment.
Your First Steps to Justice: A Guide for Hit-and-Run Victims
We know you are overwhelmed, but taking immediate steps after a hit-and-run accident in Portland is crucial for both your safety and your future legal claims:
1. Call 911
Report the hit-and-run immediately. Make sure to describe the fleeing vehicle, the direction it traveled, and any information you can recall about the driver.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Don't delay seeking medical treatment, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some injuries may not be apparent right away. Medical records are also essential evidence for your injury claim.
3. Document the Scene
If you can, safely document the accident scene. Take photographs of vehicle damage, your injuries, and the surrounding area. Note any details, such as weather conditions or street lighting, that could be relevant.
4. Gather Witness Information
If there are witnesses, get their contact information. Their testimony can be vital for corroborating your account.
5. Contact Newlin Law Offices
The sooner you contact Todd Newlin, our experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer, the better we can protect your rights. We'll answer your questions and start working to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Navigating the Complexities: How We Fight for You
At Newlin Law Offices, we're ready to tackle all the challenges that arise from a Portland hit-and-run accident:
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claims
Even if the at-fault driver cannot be found or lacks sufficient insurance, you may still be able to obtain compensation through your own insurance policy. Our attorney understands Oregon's uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage laws and will aggressively pursue a claim with your own insurer to get you the maximum compensation allowed.
Identifying the At-Fault Driver
If the driver is unidentified, we use our investigative skills and resources to help track them down. This may involve analyzing police reports, interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras, and utilizing accident reconstruction experts to gather evidence.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
A liable driver's insurance company is notorious for trying to minimize payouts and avoid responsibility. Our team has years of experience dealing with insurers. We know their tactics and won't let them take advantage of you.
Building a Strong Case
We will diligently gather and preserve all evidence relevant to your case, including your medical records, police reports, witness statements, and expert opinions. This strong foundation allows us to pursue a fair settlement negotiation or, if necessary, take your case to court to fight for the justice you deserve.
Rebuilding Your Life: Seeking the Compensation You Deserve
Our legal team is dedicated to ensuring you receive the fullest possible recovery for all the damages you've suffered as a result of the hit-and-run accident:
- Medical expenses: This includes current medical bills and costs for any necessary future treatment, therapies, rehabilitation, and medications.
- Lost wages: If the accident prevents you from working, you can recover lost income, both past and future, based on your expected earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: These are non-economic damages to compensate you for physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological harm resulting from the incident.
- Permanent disability: We will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you need for long-term care, assistive devices, and lost earning potential.
Keeping track of your bills, receipts, and paystubs can help us piece together an accurate picture of your economic losses. We understand that the aftermath of an accident can be chaotic, which is why we’ll investigate thoroughly to ensure we don’t miss any vital evidence.
