Multi-Vehicle Car Accidents In Portland Create Major Risks for Drivers

Highways and local streets throughout our area are frequently congested with traffic during the summer months. As tourists flock to our area, they share already busy roads with locals commuting to work, running important errands, or enjoying time off over weekends. Unfortunately, this not only increases the risk of car accidents in Portland, but it makes multi-vehicle crashes impacting numerous drivers more likely to happen. Find out how these accidents often occur and how to get the compensation you need to recover in a claim.

Five People Injured In Multi-Vehicle Car Accident

A recent multi-vehicle car accident near Portland left five people suffering serious personal injuries. According to a July 9, 2021 KOIN News 6 report, it occurred on Highway 99W in Sherwood. Police are continuing to investigate the causes and the total number of drivers involved, but state that four people were rushed to local hospitals while one had to be airlifted due to critical injuries sustained in the crash.

Multi-vehicle car accidents are common on major highways and interstates. They are even more likely to happen in the summer months, when roads are typically congested with travelers. Common factors that are often involved in these crashes include:

• Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating and cutting other motorists off in traffic;
• Distracted driving, such as focusing on making calls, texting, or changing GPS settings, rather than on the road;
• Speeding and going too fast for conditions;
• Running red lights and disregarding other traffic signals.

All of these increase car accident risks under even normal conditions. On roads that are congested or heavily traveled, a snowball effect can happen, causing a chain reaction and impacting multiple drivers on the road.

Getting the Compensation You Are Entitled To For Multi-Vehicle Car Accidents In Portland

When car accidents in Portland happen due to the reckless driving behaviors of others involved, you have the right to hold them accountable. In multi-vehicle accidents, determining exactly who is to blame and therefore liable for your damages can prove challenging, as multiple drivers may show a portion of responsibility.

A legal theory known as comparative negligence applies. Under the Oregon Code, drivers may be held accountable for damages due to the portion for which they were to blame. For example:

• You suffer $100,000 in damages in a multi-vehicle car accident;
• You are determined to be 20 percent to blame, entitling you to $80,000 ($100,000 X .20);
• A second driver is 60 percent responsible, meaning they are liable for $48,000 ($80,000 X .60);
• A third driver is deemed 20 percent responsible and liable for $16,000 ($80,000 X .20).

Let Us Help You Today

Multi-vehicle car accidents are complex and getting the compensation you need to recover can prove challenging. At the Johnston Law Firm P.C., we provide the professional legal representation you need. To request a consultation, call at (503) 546-3167 or contact our Portland car accident attorneys online today.