Recently released data by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that 35,092 people died in auto accidents last year, 7.2% higher than in 2014. Among all the US cities that experienced large surges in fatal auto accidents, Portland, Oregon had the highest increase, with 71.7% more traffic fatalities.
Common Factors in Auto Accidents
Oregon State Police said that several factors often lead to deadly road accidents, particularly on Oregon highways. The most common causes are:
- Excessive driving speed
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
Just recently, 3 people died and 2 suffered severe injuries in a car crash in Oregon City. Investigators said that speed and alcohol were likely factors in the crash. If you or a loved one is involved in an auto accident, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately and obtain appropriate treatment for any injuries arising from the crash.
Importance of Personal Injury Attorney
Many factors can lead to car crashes. If another party’s negligent or reckless driving caused your injuries, you should be able to speak to an experienced auto accident injury immediately about it. Your lawyer can evaluate all the circumstances surrounding your accident, determine the causes, identify the persons with potential liability for it, and provide important advice about your legal options.
Claiming Compensation for Auto Accident
If a potential claim for compensation exists in your case, you may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages against the party who caused your injuries. Economic damages can include:
- The costs of past and future medical expenses
- Hospital bills
- Lost earnings
- Rehabilitative services
- Future impairment of earning capacity
Noneconomic damages cover other consequences of your accident and can include:
- Mental suffering
- Pain
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Inconvenience
Your lawyer can help you gather all the necessary evidence of your accident and injuries, represent you before insurance companies, and if necessary, litigate your claim for compensation before a jury. Your attorney can also help you obtain treatment from appropriate medical providers even if the other party does not carry insurance.
In Portland, Oregon, the law firm of Dwyer Williams Cherkoss Attorney PC has more than 100 years of combined experience, helping clients recover compensation from auto accidents and other types of personal injury cases. We also handle motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, slip and fall, and wrongful death cases.
We invite you to call us today at (541) 617-0555 to speak to one of our approachable attorneys about your situation.