Portland Hit and Run Accident Lawyers
EXPERIENCED HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS REPRESENTING INJURED PERSONS IN THE GREATER PORTLAND, OREGON AREA
In Portland, if you get hurt in a car accident, you can seek compensation from the “at-fault” driver. But what if the driver flees the scene of the crash? Who will you turn to for help, and how will you get the money you need to recover?
Hit-and-run accidents are a crime. While the police try to track down the hit-and-run driver, who is looking out for you and your financial future?
At Schauermann Thayer, our Portland hit-and-run accident attorneys understand the hurdles you face when a driver runs from the scene. We know that insurance companies are often reluctant to work with you at first because they’re hoping authorities find the at-fault driver.
Our lawyers work for you — not insurance companies. We will fight for your best interests after a hit-and-run accident leaves you stranded. Call us today to learn more about your legal options. You can contact us today by filling out a contact form, or calling now (360) 695-4244 to schedule a free consultation.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur?
Hit-and-run accidents occur when a driver leaves the scene of an accident without providing their personal information or rendering aid to any injured parties. In Portland, a hit-and-run is a criminal offense that can result in jail time, fines, and the loss of one’s driver’s license.
There are several reasons why someone might flee the scene of an accident, including being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, having outstanding warrants, or not having insurance.
Regardless of the reason, leaving the scene of an accident is dangerous for everyone involved. Victims may not receive the medical attention they need on time, and drivers who flee risk being caught by law enforcement and facing severe consequences.
Hit and Run Accidents in Portland
Oregon Revised Statute ORS 811.705 addresses hit-and-run accidents. Generally, all parties involved in a car accident must legally stop, remain at the accident scene, and exchange contact and auto insurance information. A failure to do so amounts to a hit-and-run violation.
In the last decade, fatal hit-and-run accidents increased from 1,342 to 1,939 yearly. In 2019, more than 2,000 lost their lives in hit-and-run crashes across the country. Sadly, many of these fatalities involved pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists.
Oregon ranked 31st in fatal hit-and-run accidents compared to other states. In 2019, 121 fatal hit-and-run car accidents occurred, resulting in the loss of 128 lives.
Who Pays Your Bills After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
In Portland, drivers must meet minimum insurance requirements. In addition to bodily injury and personal injury protection insurance, Portland drivers
must purchase uninsured motorist coverage. This insurance kicks in after sustaining a physical injury in an accident with an uninsured driver. If you purchase minimum State requirements, you likely have $25,000 per person/ $50,000 in coverage available.
If law enforcement cannot identify the at-fault driver, you must seek compensation from your own insurance company. However, even though this is your policy, remember that insurance companies are not necessarily on your side. They can make it challenging to get full and fair compensation on your case.
For this reason alone, you need an experienced Portland car accident attorney on your side. We can handle the insurance company for you so that you can focus on your recovery.
If the police find the hit-and-run driver, our attorneys can shift focus as needed. We can file an insurance claim with the liable driver’s insurance company and hold that driver accountable for your injuries and the damages you suffered.Sometimes, a hit-and-run driver’s insurance company refuses to offer you a sufficient amount of compensation. When this occurs, our Portland hit-and-run accident attorneys will file a personal injury lawsuit to help you get the money you need for your damages, including:
- Medical expenses;
- Loss of income;
- Loss of future earnings;
- Property damage;
- Pain and suffering;
- Permanent disability;
- Loss of enjoyment of life; and/or
- Punitive damages (if applicable).
Contact Our Portland Hit and Run Accident Lawyers Today
If a hit-and-run driver hurts you or someone you love, you may not know where to turn for help. Without identifying the “at fault” party, how can you collect the compensation you need?At Schauermann Thayer, our Portland hit-and-run accident attorneys can represent you during this difficult time. We know how to work with your own insurance company to collect on your UM/UIM policy. If the hit-and-run driver is found, we can pursue your daamages from that person instead.
Contact Schauermann Thayer to explore your legal options in a free consultation. You can contact us today by filling out a contact form, or calling now (360) 695-4244 to schedule a free consultation.
