Personal Injury Practice Area
Motor Vehicle Collisions
Car Accident Attorney in Oregon
Mandekor Law Firm represents victims of severe or catastrophic motor vehicle collisions. These types of collisions involve significant impact, often at high speeds under dangerous conditions. The consequences of such accidents are profound, affecting not only the victims but also their families and communities.
How do catastrophic motor vehicle collisions happen?
High-speed collisions
Excessive speeding: When drivers exceed speed limits, they have less time to react to unexpected situations, increasing the likelihood of catastrophic accidents.
Highway crashes: Accidents on highways often involve vehicles traveling at high speeds, resulting in more severe impacts and injuries.
Distracted driving
Texting and driving: Using mobile devices while driving significantly diverts attention from the road.
Other distractions: Eating, adjusting the radio, and other in-car activities can also lead to loss of focus.
Impaired driving
Drunk driving: Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, leading to dangerous driving behavior.
Drug-impaired driving: Both illegal drugs and prescription medications can impair someone’s ability to drive.
Reckless driving
Aggressive driving: Behaviors such as tailgating, erratic lane changes, and road rage can lead to serious accidents.
Ignoring traffic signals: Running red lights or stop signs can cause high-impact collisions.
Poor weather conditions
Rain, snow, and ice: Slippery roads reduce traction and increase stopping distances, often leading to crashes.
Fog and heavy rain: Reduced visibility can prevent drivers from seeing hazards in time to avoid them.
Roadway hazards
Poor road conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, and debris on the road can cause drivers to lose control.
Inadequate signage: Missing or unclear traffic signs can lead to confusion and accidents.
Driver negligence
Ignoring traffic signals: Drivers who run red lights or stop signs can cause serious accidents.
Unsafe maneuvering: Sudden lane changes, weaving through traffic, or riding against the flow of traffic can lead to collisions.
Distracted driving: Drivers using mobile devices or listening to music with both earbuds can miss crucial audio cues.
Driver fatigue
Drowsy driving: Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and are more likely to lose control or fall asleep at the wheel.
Multi-vehicle pile-ups
Chain-reaction crashes: Particularly on highways, one collision can trigger multiple subsequent crashes.
Catastrophic injuries from these collisions can include:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): These injuries can lead to permanent cognitive impairments, emotional instability, and physical disabilities.
Spinal cord injuries: Such injuries often result in partial or complete paralysis, dramatically altering a person's quality of life and independence.
Amputations: The loss of limbs due to severe trauma requires lifelong adjustments and rehabilitation.
Severe burn injuries: Burns can cause extensive scarring, and require numerous surgeries and ongoing care.
Multiple fractures and crush injuries: These injuries can lead to long-term mobility issues and chronic pain.
Victims of catastrophic motor vehicle collisions can experience:
Extensive medical treatment: This includes emergency care, multiple surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, and ongoing medical expenses.
Emotional and psychological trauma: The aftermath of a severe accident can result in PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Financial burden: The costs of medical care, combined with lost wages and reduced earning capacity, can create significant financial stress.
Lifestyle changes: Catastrophic injuries often necessitate modifications to the home, assistive devices, and support services for daily living.
Oregon Personal
Injury Lawyer
Practice Areas:
Common questions about motor vehicle collision cases:
What should I do if I’m involved in a car accident?
Move to a safe place, out of the way of other vehicles when possible.
Call 911 to report the accident.
Seek medical attention.
Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved.
Document the scene and any injuries with photos.
Gather contact information from any witnesses.
Avoid speaking to an insurance adjuster before you’ve consulted an attorney.
Consult a personal injury lawyer – contact Mandekor Law Firm to schedule a consultation, so we can determine if we can help you.
How long after the car accident do I have to file a claim?
In Oregon, you typically have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. There may be a shorter time frame, depending on the type of case. It’s essential to act within this period to protect your right to compensation.
What types of compensation can I receive after a car accident?
Compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. Each case is different, and your ability to receive compensation will depend on your specific situation.
How can I prove the other driver was at fault?
Establishing fault often requires gathering and presenting evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, expert analysis of the accident scene, and vehicles or other equipment involved. Our legal team will handle this process to build a compelling case on your behalf.
Why is having an experienced trial attorney important in catastrophic injury cases?
Insurance companies are more likely to offer substantial settlements to attorneys with a successful track record in court. Our team has tried nearly 100 cases to verdict. We handle the biggest cases in Oregon and dedicate ourselves to victim advocacy.
Contact Mandekor Law Firm
If you or a loved one has experienced a catastrophic injury in a motor vehicle collision, schedule a consultation to learn how we can help. Our team is committed to fighting for your rights so you can focus on healing.
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