Newport CAR
ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Oregon Auto Accident 
Lawyer Representing Injured
Victims in Newport

People have been vacationing in Newport, Oregon for over 100 years, enjoying breathtaking coastal views and seafood dinners in the “Dungeness Crab Capital of the World.” While Oregonians and visitors to the Pacific Northwest alike often think about Newport as a holiday destination, it is important to remember that serious and deadly car accidents can happen here, too. When another motorist’s negligence causes a life-threatening or fatal collision, it is important to hold that driver accountable. Anyone who was injured in a crash caused by a careless or reckless motorist may have multiple options for seeking financial compensation. An experienced Newport car accident attorney can begin working with you today on the claims process.

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Common Causes of Car
Crashes in Newport, Oregon

Motor vehicle collisions can happen for many different reasons, from inclement weather or a defective vehicle part to drunk driving or aggressive driving. More often than not, car accidents result from human error. The following are examples of some of the negligent behaviors that can lead to car crashes and accident claims:

• Speeding;
• Running a red light or a stop sign;
• Following another vehicle too closely, or tailgating;
• Weaving between traffic;

• Drunk driving;
• Drugged driving;
• Drowsy driving, including falling asleep at the wheel;
• Texting while driving;
• Talking on a cell phone;
• Engaging in conversation with another passenger;
• Eating or grooming while driving;
• Using a GPS device while you are on the road.

These are just some examples of common causes of accidents in and around Newport. Our Newport car accident attorneys can discuss the specific details of your case and help you to determine your best option for seeking compensation.

Don’t miss out on these common personal injury mistakes.

Get the legal counsel you need to guide you through the process of filing an injury claim.

How to Seek Compensation 
After a Newport Car Crash

How do you seek compensation after a Newport, Oregon car accident? The following is the typical process:

• File an auto insurance claim;
• Negotiate an auto insurance settlement;
• If the auto insurance settlement is unfair or insufficient, file a car accident lawsuit against the at-fault driver;
• Attempt to negotiate a settlement with the at-fault driver; and
• If the at-fault driver will not settle, take the case all the way to a court verdict.

Most people will start the process of seeking compensation by filing an auto insurance claim. Under Oregon’s auto insurance law, an injured person typically has the option of filing a first-party insurance claim (through his or her own insurance policy) or a third-party insurance claim (through the at-fault driver’s insurance policy). While Oregon is a “fault” state when it comes to car crashes, it also requires drivers to have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This means that you may be eligible for up to $15,000 through your own PIP coverage, but filing a third-party claim through the at-fault driver’s insurance company might make more sense if you sustained substantial damages.

When an auto insurance claim is insufficient, your Newport car crash attorney can begin the process of filing your lawsuit. You should remember that the Oregon statute of limitations for most person injury lawsuits is only two years. What this means is that you will need to file a lawsuit within two years from the date of the car accident, regardless of the length of the insurance claims process. Do not wait too long to speak with an auto accident lawyer in Newport.

Seeking Damages 
in a Newport Motor
Vehicle Collision Claim

When you are injured in a collision, you should know that you may be eligible for two types of compensatory damages: economic damages and non-economic damages, both of which are aimed at compensating you for losses. Economic damages compensate for “objectively verifiable monetary losses,” while non-economic damages compensate for “subjective, non-monetary losses.”

You may be able to obtain compensation for any of the following, for example: 

• Medical charges;
• Hospital bills;
• Rehabilitative services;
• Loss of income;
• Loss of earning capacity;
• Pain;
• Mental suffering; and
• Emotional distress.

You may also be eligible for other types of compensation depending upon the facts of your case.