BEAVERTON CAR
ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

We Handle Car Accident Claims for Clients in Beaverton and Throughout Oregon

Beaverton sits just seven miles west of downtown Portland, and thousands of drivers travel between the two cities every day on Highway 217, the Sunset Highway (US-26), Canyon Road, and the Tualatin Valley Highway. With heavy commuter traffic, busy intersections, and constant congestion, car accidents are an unfortunate reality for Beaverton residents and visitors.

Johnston Law Firm is based in Portland; however, we represent clients in Beaverton, Washington County, and communities across Oregon. Led by attorney Marc A. Johnston, who has handled more than 800 personal injury and wrongful death cases, our team knows how insurance companies evaluate claims because we have seen the process from the inside. We use that knowledge to fight for the full compensation our clients deserve.

Injured in a car crash? If you’re in Beaverton, reach out to a car accident lawyer at Johnston Law Firm. Call (503) 546-3167 or contact us online for a free consultation.

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How Our Attorneys Can Help With Your Beaverton Car Accident Case

After a serious crash, having an experienced attorney on your side from the start can make a major difference in the outcome of your claim. When you work with Johnston Law Firm, our team will:

• Investigate your accident by gathering police reports, photographs, witness statements, and any available video footage to establish what happened and who is responsible.
• Work with experts such as accident reconstructionists and medical professionals to strengthen your claim and document the full extent of your injuries.
• Handle all paperwork and deadlines so that your claim is filed correctly and on time while you focus on your recovery.
• Calculate your full damages, including future medical care and lost earning capacity, so nothing is left out of your claim.
• Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf to protect you from tactics designed to shift blame or minimize your claim.
• Review and negotiate settlement offers to make sure any offer reflects the true value of your case before you accept it.
• Take your case to trial if necessary. If the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, we are fully prepared to represent you in court.

Last but not least, we handle motor vehicle accident claims in Beaverton on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Compensation We Can Help You Recover After a Car Accident in Beaverton, OR

Oregon law allows car accident victims to seek compensation for both the financial losses and the personal harm caused by a crash. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, how they affect your daily life and ability to work, and the available insurance coverage.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the measurable financial losses that result from your accident. These may include:

• Medical expenses: Emergency room visits, ambulance transport, surgeries, hospital stays, prescription medications, and follow-up appointments.
• Future medical care: Ongoing treatment such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, or future surgeries for long-term injuries.
• Lost wages: Income you lost while recovering, attending medical appointments, or being unable to work.
• Loss of earning capacity: Reduced future income if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job or force you into lower-paying work.
• Property damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the crash.
• Out-of-pocket costs: Rental cars, travel to medical appointments, home modifications, and hired help for household tasks you can no longer do.

For example, a Beaverton commuter who suffers a broken leg in a rear-end collision on Highway 217 may recover the cost of surgery, months of physical therapy, the wages missed during recovery, and the cost of repairing their car.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate you for the personal and emotional impact of your injuries. While these losses do not come with a receipt, they are often a significant part of a car accident claim. They may include:

• Pain and suffering: The physical pain caused by your injuries and treatment.
• Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, sleep problems, or fear of driving after a traumatic crash.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: The inability to take part in hobbies, sports, or activities you once enjoyed.
• Disfigurement and scarring: Permanent changes to your appearance caused by the accident.
• Loss of consortium: The harm to your relationship with your spouse caused by your injuries.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases where a driver acted with extreme recklessness, such as driving drunk, Oregon law may allow punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the at-fault driver and discourage similar conduct, rather than to compensate you for a specific loss.

Immediate Benefits Through PIP

Oregon requires every auto insurance policy to include Personal Injury Protection (PIP). PIP pays at least $15,000 in medical expenses regardless of who caused the crash, and it can also replace a portion of lost income if you are unable to work for an extended period. We help clients access these benefits quickly while pursuing full compensation from the at-fault driver.

Steps to Take After a
Beaverton Crash

After a crash, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what your rights are or what steps you should take. Because our lawyers have dealt with many Oregon car accident cases and are able to guide you through the process and protect your right to fair compensation. Important steps to take after a crash (when possible) include:

• File a police report. You should file a report with the police as soon as possible, preferably while still at the scene of the accident. This will help in many ways if personal injury lawsuits occur.
• Gather evidence. If you are seriously injured, you may be unable to do this. However, if possible, gather evidence at the scene of the auto accident by talking with eyewitnesses, photographing damages at the scene, and getting the other driver’s information.
• Seek medical care. Perhaps the most important thing that you can do after a crash is to seek medical care. Getting treatment for your injuries is important for your health and wellbeing, but also establishes a link between the car crash and your damages.
• Report the crash to your insurer. Don’t make the mistake of failing to call your insurance company after the crash, even if you weren’t at fault. You must provide your insurer with notice.
• Reach out to a Beaverton car accident attorney. The sooner that you reach out to an attorney, the earlier that your attorney can start investigating your case and adding up your damages.

Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing With Insurance Companies

After a car accident, you will likely have to deal with an insurance company. You may have to file a claim with your own insurer to obtain personal injury protection (PIP) benefits. You may also have to file a claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company to claim additional compensation, such as pain and suffering. The insurance company may act as though they want to work to offer you the full compensation you deserve. Unfortunately, they do not. 

Insurance companies prioritize their own profits, not helping accident victims. They will use many strategies to try and shift the blame to you, so they can avoid paying out on higher settlements. Car accident victims often make mistakes that only make it easier for the insurer to reduce their settlement. You must avoid these mistakes to ensure you receive the full settlement you are entitled to. The most common mistakes made when dealing with the insurance company are as follows:

• Allowing the insurance company to record your statements
• Saying things unintentionally that could hurt your case, such as saying that you did not see the other vehicle coming
• Making statements that make it seem as though you were at fault, such as even apologizing the crash happened at all
• Minimizing the severity of your injuries
• Allowing the insurer to tell you where to receive medical treatment
• Signing a release that would allow the insurer to obtain your medical records
• Signing any documents before they are reviewed by an attorney

To avoid making the above mistakes and hurting your case, it is best to work with a lawyer. An attorney will know the tactics insurance companies use and how to avoid them to protect your case. A lawyer will speak to and negotiate with the insurer on your behalf so you claim the full damages you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beaverton Car Accident Claims