The High Cost of Car Accidents in Oregon

Aside from the adverse impact on the families and friends of those killed in traffic accidents, these tragic events exact a huge economic cost for individuals and states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that traffic collisions are the leading cause of death in the U.S. for children, teens, and young adults (ages 5 through 34) and that these accidents cost approximately $41 billion in medical expenses and work losses in 2005. In that same, the cost of traffic crash fatalities in the state of Oregon was estimated by the CDC to be $422 million. This was broken down into $4 million for medical costs and $418 million in work loss costs. Work loss costs are calculated as the estimated salary / wages, fringe benefits, and the value of the household services that an individual would have earned had he or she lived an average lifespan.

The majority of those who died in motor vehicle accidents in Oregon in 2005 were the occupants of cars, SUVs, and light trucks at 63 percent. The breakdown of other groups who died in such accidents that year was pedestrians (13 percent), motorcyclists (10 percent), bicyclists (3 percent), and an unspecified remainder (11 percent). Many actions can be taken to prevent traffic deaths, including buckling up on seatbelts, placing children in the back seat and never in a front seat where they may be subject to an air bag, ensuring younger children are buckled properly into car seats, wearing a helmet when on a motorcycle, and driving defensively.

Car Accident Attorney in Portland, Oregon

A traffic accident can cause serious injuries which can have a long-term impact on one's health and finances. Those who are unfortunate enough to experience such an accident may be so injured, traumatized, or confused that dealing with the legal consequences is impossible. Turning to a trusted legal source can be necessary to ensure that the matter is handled properly and in your best interests. At the Law Offices of Timothy Grabe you can rest assured that your legal rights will be protected and asserted following a car accident or any other type of personal injury.

The firm applies a team approach, including medical and financial experts, who will work on your behalf to ensure that your injury claim or lawsuit is handled in the most effective manner. Attorney Grabe has been in practice since 1988 which means he has extensive experience in dealing with large insurance companies who may try to discount your claim. The firm offers an initial consultation which is always free; contact their offices to discuss your potential injury claim to get the skilled legal help you need following any negligence-based accident in or around the Portland area.