Lebanon CAR
ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Auto Accident Lawyers Representing Injury Victims in Lebanon, OR

Car accidents happen when we least expect them and can make our lives very difficult to manage. The process of getting into a car accident can go in various ways, but no matter how it goes, Johnston Law Firm will be there to help you not only jump through the insurance hoops, but also pursue compensation. Even though our law firm is based in Portland, we serve clients in Lebanon, OR, and throughout Oregon.

When you choose Johnston Law Firm for your Lebanon car accident case, we will handle the insurance companies and the whole legal process 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. 

About Johnston Law Firm

How Our Attorneys Can Help With Your Lebanon Car Accident Claim

Recovering from a car crash can demand your attention at the same time an insurance company is asking questions, requesting records, and evaluating what it believes your claim is worth. Johnston Law Firm steps into that process on your behalf. We handle the legal details while building a case that reflects both the immediate and long-term consequences of your injuries.

We also recognize that no two collisions affect people in exactly the same way. Our approach starts with learning how the accident happened, what you have lost, and what challenges you may face going forward.

These being said, when we begin to work on your Lebanon car accident case, this is what we actually do:

• We handle insurance communications: We communicate with adjusters and other parties so you do not have to manage the claims process alone.
• We investigate the collision: We gather police reports, photographs, witness statements, video footage, vehicle information, and other available evidence.
• We establish who was responsible: We analyze the evidence to identify negligent drivers and any other parties who may share liability.
• We document your damages: Medical records, bills, employment records, and other evidence help demonstrate the financial and personal impact of your injuries.
• We work with qualified experts: When appropriate, medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, and other experts can help clarify important aspects of your claim.
• We negotiate with insurers: We challenge attempts to minimize your losses and pursue a settlement that appropriately reflects your injuries and damages.
• We prepare for litigation: If a fair resolution cannot be reached through negotiations, we prepare your case to pursue compensation through the court system.

Throughout your Lebanon car accident claim, we keep you informed about important developments and help you make informed decisions. Our goal is to shoulder the legal burden, protect your interests, and give you the space to concentrate on your recovery.

Filing Your Lebanon Car Accident 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.

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.

Damages We Can Help You Pursue in Your Lebanon Car Accident Case

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lebanon Car Accident Claims