Oregon Traffic Crashes

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, 331 traffic accident fatalities occurred in the state in 2011 along with 35,031 accident injuries. Driver errors which contributed to these numbers included driving too fast for the conditions at hand, failing to avoid a stopped vehicle, disregarding traffic signals, improper lane changes, failure to maintain one's lane, right-of-way errors, careless driving, following too closely, and driver inattention. Drivers under the influence of alcohol accounted for 37.4 percent of all fatal crashes that year. All of these driving behaviors may be considered negligence and form the basis of a personal injury or wrongful death claim or lawsuit.

A recent example of such driver errors leading to tragic consequences occurred in the state on September 16, 2013 on Highway 20 in Malheur County. A 1998 Pontiac was being sought by Oregon State Police troopers after witnesses reported a suspected drunk driver. The vehicle was later found when it was involved in a traffic crash. The driver of the Pontiac drifted into an oncoming lane where he collided head-on with a truck hauling a semi-trailer. The driver of the Pontiac died at the scene. The truck driver was hospitalized for his injuries. Troopers suspect that alcohol played in a part in the crash.

In another crash on September 5, 2013, another traffic accident occurred on US 199 near Grants Pass. A motorcyclist crossed the centerline of the highway and collided head-on with a semi-truck coming the opposite way. Despite wearing a helmet, the motorcyclist died at the scene. The truck driver was unhurt.

Portland Car Accident Attorney

Traffic accidents involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicyclists, and pedestrians can range from minor shake-ups to serious injuries and death, as shown above. Such accidents can result in a devastating impact on victims and their families, involving staggering medical bills accompanied by an inability to work along with emotional trauma, pain, and suffering. Most people involved in a traffic accident will have to deal with an insurance carrier in submitting their claim for damages. While these companies may appear to be friendly, their interests are strictly geared to protecting themselves and their bottom line. That is why accident victims need a strong legal advocate protecting their rights and fighting for their interests as early as possible.

For those in the greater Portland area, the Law Offices of Timothy Grabe offers the legal representation of a trial lawyer with 30 years of experience. He has been providing legal assistance and support to his clients since 1983 and has personally won a total of $1.5 million in combined jury verdicts in his last six trials. These were cases where insurers had offered only a total of $150,000 in settlement compensation. These facts reflect the quality and dedication of Mr. Grabe's legal work and approach to every case he takes on. To learn more about how he can help you in the aftermath of a negligence-based traffic accident or other personal injury incident, contact his firm for a free case consultation. You will pay nothing unless the firm recovers legal compensation for your claim or lawsuit.