Lebanon Car Accident Attorney

Oregon Auto Accident Lawyer Representing Injury Victims in Lebanon, OR

Car accidents happen when we least expect it and can make our lives very difficult to manage. The process of getting in a car accident can go various ways, but no matter how it goes, the Johnston Law Firm will be there to help you not only jump through the insurance hoops, but also pursue compensation. We will handle the insurance companies while you handle your own recovery. We care about our clients and will care for you as if you were our family. Reach out to us today at 503-546-3167 to get a free case review.

Filing Your Personal Injury Claim On Time

In the state of Oregon, under law you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This date will also be the date of the accident. If you do not file within this time frame, the state will deem your claim “time-barred” and you will no longer be eligible for compensation.

Two years may seem like a lengthy period of time, but you should know, the more time that passes before you file a claim, the more likely possible evidence in your case could disappear or deteriorate. Missing any deadlines can result in you losing your legal rights. The sooner you contact us at the Johnston Law Firm, the sooner we can begin fighting for you.

Damages in Lebanon Car Accident Cases

When you are seeking compensation for your losses as a plaintiff in a Lebanon motor vehicle accident, there will be two types of compensatory damages you may be eligible to receive:

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.

Both of these types of damages are designed to compensate the victim for their losses. When you work with us at the Johnston Law Firm, we will listen to what you have been through, how you are recovering and progressing and fight to get what you deserve.

Contacting an Experienced Lebanon Car Accident Attorney

If you were or a loved one has been injured or passed away due to injuries in an auto accident in Lebanon, you may be eligible to pursue and acquire compensation. The Johnston Law Firm is here to help guide you through this unsure time whether you are filing an auto insurance claim or seeking compensation for your injuries. Do not hesitate to give us a call for any of your legal needs.

Oregon’s Comparative Fault Laws

Oregon is one of the states that follows the comparative fault law, which allows for both drivers in an accident to be liable for damages. If, for example, someone runs a red light and hits another person, but the other person who was hit was texting and could have seen the driver and moved, determining liability could become complicated. Accidents bring complications and the Johnston Law Firm will handle these complications while you focus on your recovery.

Important Items to Know in Car Accident Cases

Unexpected car accidents are scary for many reasons, but one main reason is the unknown. Who do I talk to when I get hit? What information do I need to get? These are just two questions out of many you might have after getting in a car accident in Lebanon, Oregon. Below are some helpful tips and things to know if you get in a car accident:

Obtain photos of the damage done to your vehicle and the other driver’s vehicle: could also be missing pieces of the vehicle in another location
Take pictures of their driver’s license, insurance information
Take pictures of where you are: street name, cross street, landmarks
DO NOT speak of any details of what happened with the other driver or witnesses
Make contact with any witnesses if possible: write down or record what they saw
DO NOT give any recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with an attorney. They will call, you can choose not to answer or simply tell them you are not ready to give a statement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I should call a lawyer?

When you file an auto insurance claim, it is always smart to call an attorney to get advice for your next step. If there was a moment that signaled you to call an attorney, it would be if you felt at all that you were not being represented in the way you should be by the insurance company. The insurance company cares about finishing the case as quickly and as cost-efficient as possible, attorney Marc Johnston and his team will care about you.

Can I handle my own car accident claim without a lawyer?

You certainly can try to handle everything on your own: filing the claim, communicating with the insurance companies, but chances are that the insurance company will have the upper hand because they want you to try this. They do not want a lawyer to get involved because they then know that they may have to give more money for compensation. They will know that it may not be a quick resolution. Attorney Marc Johnston and his team will not let the insurance companies play tricks on you and take advantage of you. They will fight for your rights and seek what you deserve.

Will my insurance pay for my vehicle and medical bills?

If you file an auto insurance claim for a car accident that was not your fault, the at-fault driver’s insurance will most likely cover the vehicle damage, or ‘total’ it and give you a check for a new vehicle. For the medical bills and treatment, depending on your insurance, your own insurance will handle this part. This is a common way to break down which insurance pays which bills. This can vary depending on case and types of insurance coverage.

Free Confidential Case Evaluation

to get a FREE, confidential case evaluation

We’re conveniently located in downtown Portland, and we offer flexible hours by appointment.