According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 2 million people suffered injuries, and over 33,000 lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents across the United States in 2018. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) reports that more than 41,000 of those injuries and 500 fatalities occurred in Oregon alone, and that number rose in 2019.
Aggressive driving plays a major role in U.S. car accidents each year, many of which have fatal consequences. The NHTSA defines aggressive driving as that which occurs when “an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property,” and although Oregon boasts a low crime rate, Portland cannot say the same for their aggressive driving record.
If you or a loved one suffered serious or fatal injuries as the result of another driver’s negligence, a Portland aggressive driving accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for your damages. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 730-0233 for your free case evaluation.
Hard Braking May Indicate Aggressive Driving
The Allstate report also analyzed hard-braking instances in each city on the list. According to the data, Portland drivers hit their breaks more than the average American per 1,000 miles driven. While quick stops can save lives in emergency situations, their habitual occurrence may indicate aggressive driving.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), other aggressive driving behaviors include:
- Following other vehicles too closely
- Erratic lane changing
- Driving on the shoulder of the road, in ditches, or on sidewalks
- Passing in no-passing zones
- Exercising obvious recklessness in the operation of the vehicle
- Failing to signal or yield the right-of-way
- Failing to obey traffic laws, signs, or devices
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Making an improper turn
Aggressive driving can have dangerous consequences not only for the at-fault driver but for others involved in the accidents they caused.
For a free legal consultation with a aggressive driving lawyer serving Portland, call (844) 730-0233
How To Pursue an Aggressive Driving Accident Claim in Oregon
Victims of Portland accidents and their families have a right to file a claim against the driver who caused the accident to seek compensation for their injuries or the loss of a loved one. If you or someone you love suffered injuries that incurred significant damages, a Portland aggressive driving accident lawyer can help you determine liability and pursue your case.
Oregon’s Hybrid System
Most states have either a fault system, in which the at-fault party must cover the victim’s damages after an accident, or a no-fault system, in which each driver has coverage for their injuries regardless of who caused the injury. Oregon uses a hybrid of the two systems.
Drivers in Oregon must carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance of at least $15,000 per person to cover their own injuries as well as those of their passengers in the event of an accident. However, they can choose to file a claim with their own insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company if the other driver holds responsibility for causing the accident. They can also sue the other driver for additional damages if their own PIP does not cover the extent of their injuries.
Evidence That Can Help You in Your Case
If you plan to seek financial awards from the other driver, an attorney can help you gather evidence from your accident to prove their liability. Documentation, statements, and other items that can help you build your case may include:
- Police reports
- Photos and videos of skid marks, debris, and property damage
- Photos of your injuries
- Cell phone records
- Medical records and bills
- Eyewitness testimony
A Portland aggressive driving accident lawyer can help you establish the liability of the at-fault party and seek just compensation for your injuries.
Portland Aggressive Driving Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Financial Awards in Aggressive Driving Accident Cases
Once you prove the fault of the other driver, you can file suit against them to pursue financial recovery. The types and amounts of awards in aggressive driving accident claims vary by the circumstances of the case, but they may include compensation for:
- Emergency medical care, rehabilitation, medical equipment, and other injury-related healthcare expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
An attorney can help you evaluate your damages and pursue your claim against the liable driver.
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Oregon Statutes of Limitations
Oregon has time limits, or statutes of limitation, on how long a victim or their family has to file a claim for financial awards in an aggressive driving accident case. In most cases, victims have up to two years to seek compensation for the injuries they suffered due to another driver’s negligence, while certain family members of victims who suffered fatal injuries in a Portland car accident typically have up to three years to file a wrongful death claim.
This means that, during their allotted time frame, claimants must either settle their case or file a lawsuit. Lawyers prefer to settle out of court and can communicate and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to fight for a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to agree to an adequate amount, a lawyer can take your case to trial before the statute of limitations runs out.
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Ben Crump Law, PLLC Can Help You Pursue Legal Action
No matter how safely you drive, not everyone will exercise the same care to protect themselves and those around them on the road. If you or someone you love suffered a serious or fatal injury in an aggressive driving accident in Portland, the attorneys at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help you pursue fair compensation. Contact us today at (844) 730-0233 to discuss your case with our legal team.
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