Were you or someone you love injured in a car accident in Hillsboro, Oregon? Sorting out the accident fallout (investigating the crash, seeking the right care, addressing insurer questions, and maximizing your claim) can be understandably overwhelming. After all, you did not plan for the accident and probably have little or no experience perfecting or negotiating claims. Take a deep breath. Set your concerns aside because you need not go it alone. The seasoned lawyers, paralegals, and staff at Rizk Law can provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.
Our Hillsboro car accident attorneys bring a deep understanding of Oregon law and years of experience to each case. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. We know how it feels to be injured after a car crash as each of our lawyers has been in your shoes. That’s why Rizk Law was created in the first place. We care and will put in the work as we doggedly pursue the payout you deserve, too.
We know how insurers think. Richard Rizk, founder of Rizk Law, once worked for the other side. As a young lawyer, he defended claims like yours and later as a claim manager, he authorized payment of large loss claims and he defended complex workers’ compensation claims. Richard has played a key role in authorizing substantial payouts for injury claims. He knows what motivates insurers to pay claims and how to untie the knotted fists of defendants and their insurers. Let Richard’s insider insights be your edge toward your road to recovery.
So, do not let the stress of a car accident weigh you down. Contact Rizk Law today for a free case review. We take care of legal needs so you can focus on getting better.
Benefits of Hiring a Hillsboro, Oregon, Attorney for Your Car Accident Claim
When you are still recovering from a car accident, the idea of tackling an injury claim can seem like an overwhelming thing. The good news is that an experienced attorney can handle this situation effectively on your behalf. A Hillsboro car accident lawyer from Rizk Law can assist you with your car accident injury claim by:
- Conducting a thorough and independent investigation into the auto collision
- Identifying all liable parties and potential sources of compensation
- Gathering evidence from the accident scene to support your claim
- Interviewing witnesses who were present when the accident occurred
- Consulting medical professionals to assess the extent of your injuries
- Calculating the full extent of your current and future financial losses
- Managing communication with all parties involved in the claim
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Filing all necessary paperwork for your claim promptly and correctly
- Countering unfair settlement offers that do not cover your needs
- Representing you in court if your case goes to trial
- Advising you on your options and advocating for your best interests throughout the entire process
What to Do After a Car Accident
Taking the right steps after a car accident can greatly impact your ability to demand fair compensation for your medical bills and other crash-related losses. Here are the things you should do to protect your rights:
- If you have not already, visit a doctor for a full medical evaluation.
- Follow your doctor’s advice and keep records of any treatments you receive.
- Contact a knowledgeable car accident attorney as soon as possible.
- Notify your insurance company about the accident and tell them you are considering legal representation.
- Save all medical bills and receipts related to your injury.
- Avoid discussing fault with insurers and others involved in the accident.
- Do not provide a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company.
- Refrain from posting about the accident on social media.
- Track any income losses or time missed from work due to your injuries.
- Document all out-of-pocket expenses you incur due to the accident.
- Avoid accepting any settlements or signing anything without legal advice.
Most importantly, contact Rizk Law for a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Hillsboro, and bring the above documentation with you to your free case review.
How We Investigate Hillsboro, Oregon, Car Accident Cases
When you bring your car accident injury claim to Rizk Law, our lawyers immediately get to work investigating your case. We know what evidence to collect to build a strong car accident case on your behalf, such as:
- Photos of the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Police accident reports
- Video footage from traffic cameras
- Your medical records
- Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists
- Testimony from medical experts
- Your employment records and wage loss information
- Repair estimates for your vehicle
- Photos of your injuries
- GPS and cell phone records
- Blood alcohol content (BAC) reports
- Vehicle maintenance records
- Weather and traffic reports from the accident date
- Traffic citations related to the accident
Compensation You Could Recover in a Hillsboro, Oregon, Car Accident Claim
If are injured in a motor vehicle accident, you can pursue financial compensation for the personal and financial harm it has caused you by filing a car accident claim against the responsible party. This compensation can help you manage the costs related to the accident and its aftermath.
Depending on the circumstances, you could seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Projected future care costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Legal fees and court costs
Parties Who Could Be Held Liable for a Car Wreck in Hillsboro, Oregon
Identifying all liable parties is essential to seeking maximum compensation for your injuries. Multiple parties might bear responsibility for a Hillsboro car accident, not just the other driver.
Here are some examples of parties who could be liable in a car accident injury case:
- Other Drivers – Another motorist involved in the accident can be liable if they contributed to the crash by engaging in unsafe behaviors like speeding, driving while distracted, or violating traffic laws.
- Vehicle Manufacturers – A vehicle or parts manufacturer could be responsible if a mechanical defect, such as faulty brakes, airbags, or tires, contributed to the accident.
- Government Entities – If poor road conditions or inadequate signage played a role in the accident, the government agency responsible for road maintenance might be at fault.
- Bars and Restaurants – In cases involving drunk driving, establishments that served alcohol to obviously intoxicated people who go on to cause accidents could be accountable under Oregon’s “dram shop” laws.
- Pedestrians or Cyclists – Sometimes, pedestrians or cyclists can contribute to an accident, such as ignoring traffic signals or darting into the road unexpectedly.
Could You Recover Compensation If You Are Partly to Blame for a Car Accident?
Yes, you can still recover car accident compensation even if you were no more than 50 percent responsible for the wreck. However, Oregon law will also reduce the compensation available to you in proportion to your percentage of fault.
For instance, say a court determines that you were 30 percent at fault for a car wreck that caused you $100,000 worth of personal and financial harm. In that case, the total amount of compensation available to you would decrease by 30 percent, meaning the most you could recover would be $70,000. If the court found you 51 percent or more at fault, you would be unable to recover any compensation from a lawsuit.
A lawyer can negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and the other party’s legal team to challenge any attempts to place undue blame on you. By skillfully presenting the facts and applying their thorough understanding of Oregon’s laws, your lawyer can work to minimize your percentage of fault for the vehicle accident and maximize your payout.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Oregon?
In Oregon, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a car accident lawsuit against an at-fault party. If you wait too long and miss this deadline, you lose your chance to seek compensation in court for the harm you have suffered. This strict timeline means it is important to act quickly after an accident.
Contacting a Hillsboro car accident attorney from Rizk Law immediately is the best way to avoid missing your opportunity for justice and compensation. Your lawyer will understand the urgency of your situation and work diligently to prepare your case, gather necessary evidence, and file your lawsuit within the relevant filing window.
Common Types and Causes of Car Accidents in Hillsboro, Oregon
Car crashes come in many forms, each differing in how they occur and what impacts they have. Common types of car accidents we see in the cases we handle at Rizk Law include the following:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Side-impact crashes
- Sideswipe accidents
- Vehicle rollovers
- Drunk driving accidents
- Multi-vehicle pile-ups
- Hit-and-run accidents
- T-bone accidents
- Parking lot accidents
- Uber/Lyft/rideshare accidents
- Highway accidents
- Intersection accidents
- Delivery truck accidents
- Uninsured accidents
No two auto accidents are exactly alike, but most stem from a handful of common contributing factors. Here are some of the top causes of car accidents in Hillsboro, Oregon:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Reckless driving
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Inexperienced driving
- Poor road conditions
- Tire blowouts and vehicle defects
- Tailgating
- Road rage
- Wrong-way driving
- Improper turns
- Failure to yield
Typical Injuries Resulting from an Auto Collision
An auto wreck can lead to a wide variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe, depending on the nature of the crash. Here are some examples of common types of car accident injuries in Hillsboro:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Bruises
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Herniated discs
- Knee injuries
- Shoulder, neck, and back injuries
- Burn injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Dislocated joints
- Facial injuries
- Amputations
- Crush injuries
- Eye injuries
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Hillsboro, Oregon, Today
Looking for professional support after a car accident in Hillsboro, Oregon? Our car accident law firm is here to help you understand your options and seek the compensation you deserve. Contact Rizk Law now for your free initial consultation.