Common Causes of Car Accidents in Keizer
When unexpected events occur, many of our first questions is “how?” How could something like this happen to me? The answer to this question can have many different answers, but throughout all the car accidents that happen every year, we see a few similarities. The following are some of the most common causes of car accidents:
- Following too closely behind
- Illegal lane changing
- Reckless driving tactics
- Distracted driving
- Driving too fast for the current conditions
- Speeding
What Types of Compensation can I receive from a car accident in Keizer?
Economic Damages: compensate an injured plaintiff for direct financial losses, such as medication costs, hospitalization stays, surgery bills and lost wages. Economic damages are defined by Oregon law as “objectively verifiable monetary losses including but not limited to reasonable charges necessarily incurred for medical, hospital, nursing and rehabilitative services and other health care services, burial and memorial expenses, loss of income and past and future impairment of earning capacity”.
Noneconomic Damages: compensate an injured plaintiff for more subjective losses such as emotional trauma or distress. Oregon law defines these as “subjective, non-monetary losses, including but not limited to pain, mental suffering, emotional distress, humiliation”. These damages are more difficult to quantify, as emotional pain can be traumatic and long-lasting, as well as difficult to recover from.
Helpful Tips for Car Accident Victims
When a car accident occurs, so many thoughts and feelings go through the minds of all people involved. This influx of adrenaline and anxiety can be overwhelming for many of us. As it is difficult to expect the unexpected, there are some helpful tips for you to consider if you or a loved one are ever in an accident. On behalf of us at the Johnston Law Firm, here are a few of those tips:
- Do not speak about the details of the accident with the other party (comments have the potential to damage your credibility and possible evidence)
- Obtain photos of all vehicle damage (both your vehicle and theirs)
- Take pictures of their license, license plate and insurance coverage
- Seek medical attention if necessary: you may think you feel fine but going to the urgent care nearby might be a smart idea. Some injuries can go under the radar and after an accident, the adrenaline you feel might numb some pain that will come later on.
- Call your insurance company and report the accident. DO NOT give a recorded statement before first calling an experienced Keizer car accident attorney
- File an accident report through DMV within 72 hours of the accident
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