Accidents can happen anywhere in the Portland area. If you’re commuting in from Gresham or just over the state line in Vancouver, local traffic could cause serious injuries in a crash. For people driving on the highway, there’s an even greater risk of catastrophic injuries. When car collisions occur, you need our skilled car collision lawyers near me location on your side. Rob Kline and his team are here to help.
To request a free consultation with our trusted car collision lawyers near me location, contact our Portland-based legal team today. You can also reach Rob Kline by phone at (503) 224-6246.
What Makes Collisions So Common in Portland?
The City of Portland identified some of the top causes of fatal collisions in Portland, Oregon. These factors in fatal crashes also apply to non-fatal collisions:
- Driver Impairment: When people are drunk or under the influence of another controlled substance, it affects their reaction times and their decision-making skills. The city estimated that 31% of fatal collisions in 2024 involved alcohol impairment.
- Speeding: When people exceed the posted speed limit, it puts other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians in danger. The city estimates that speeding played a role in 48% of all fatal collisions in 2024.
- Poor Lighting/Low Light: Poor visibility often means drivers do not notice a potential crash risk until it is too late. The city found that 83% of all fatal crashes in 2024 occurred at night or in dark conditions.
- Wide Streets: Wide streets mean any streets that are at least four lanes wide. Drivers tend to speed on wide streets, and the length of these streets means that cyclists and pedestrians face major dangers while they cross, even at designated intersections.
- Increase in Large Vehicles: More people are buying big vehicles, especially large pickup trucks. The size of these vehicles means they have bigger blind spots, which makes accidents more likely. In addition, the size of these vehicles generates more force during impact, even in low-speed collisions.
The City of Portland also noted that hit-and-run drivers are a leading cause of fatal collisions each year. Approximately 17% of fatal injuries involving pedestrians and cyclists are caused by hit-and-run incidents.
How Long Do I Have to File a Collision Lawsuit in Oregon
Per Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) § 12.110, people usually have two years from the date of a collision to file a claim. Once that two-year deadline has elapsed, you can no longer take legal action.
There are some exceptions to the two-year deadline. For example, there is a shorter statute of limitations for collisions that involve government vehicles or entities. There is also a shorter length of time to file a claim against a vendor or establishment that serves alcohol for contributing to a DUI crash.
It’s best to speak with a Portland car collision lawyer near you as soon as possible. Avoiding delays means the case resolution process can get underway sooner rather than later.
You Can Still Receive Damages If You Were Partly at Fault
Many people feel reluctant to seek legal remedies because they were partly at fault for a car collision. However, partial liability does not bar you from seeking compensation in the state of Oregon. This is because Oregon is a modified comparative negligence state (ORS § 31.600).
As long as you are less than 50% at fault, you can still receive damages. Your percentage of liability will be deducted from the jury award.
Even though partial fault will not prevent you from seeking compensation, you should not discuss who is at fault with the other driver or their insurance company. This is something you can discuss with your lawyer during the consultation process.
The Benefits of Hiring Local Car Collision Lawyers Near You
There are many advantages to hiring Portland-based car collision lawyers near you rather than picking a national law firm. Local attorneys are familiar with the region and the concerns in the community when it comes to road infrastructure and unsafe driving conditions. Portland accident lawyers are also familiar with local courts and know how to present cases in a compelling way.
As a local car collision lawyer here in Portland, Rob Kline is familiar with the findings of the High Crash Network. This lists the 30 streets and intersections where the most serious accidents happen in the city. While these locations east of the Willamette River account for just 8% of Portland streets, this area is where 67% of all fatal collisions have occurred from 2020–2024.
You simply do not receive the same familiarity and regional knowledge from a lawyer from out of state, no matter the firm’s size or name recognition.
How Rob Kline and His Team Can Help You
When you contact Rob Kline, you will receive personal attention and a high level of dedication. He brings compassion and a great attention to detail to every collision case.
- Decades of Legal Experience: Rob Kline has over 25 years of legal experience. He knows the finer details of Oregon personal injury law, which has helped countless locals involved with their collision cases.
- Perspective from Both Sides of the Table: Rob Kline started his legal career advocating for large corporations and insurance companies. He’s since turned to representing Portland’s collision victims and their families. He knows how the other side operates, and he can use that knowledge to your advantage.
- Recognition from Clients and Colleagues: Rob Kline is a well-regarded accident lawyer. He holds a perfect 10.0 “Superb” score on Avvo and earned the prestigious AV Preeminent® peer-review rating from Martindale-Avvo, the highest level of professional excellence. He served as President of the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association (OTLA) from 2023-2024.
Request a Free Case Review from a Car Collision Lawyer Near You
Don’t take on insurance companies alone. Speak with someone who knows how insurance companies operate and the concerns of everyday motorists like you. To request a free and confidential consultation with one of the most experienced car collision lawyers near you, contact Portland attorney Rob Kline today. Rob and his team are ready to listen and discuss what steps you need to take next.
Collisions on Major Portland Streets
Major accidents with cars, pickups, and SUVs can happen anywhere in Portland, whether you’re on Southeast Powell Boulevard, Northeast Glisan Street, or trying to get around downtown. The dangers of local collisions are heightened whenever there are drunk and intoxicated drivers present. If you get hit by a negligent motorist, our law office can help.
Collisions on Interstates and Oregon Highways
Major crashes can occur on Interstate 5 or Interstate 84 along the Columbia River. There’s also a risk of crashes on Highway 26 and other local Portland highways. The injuries in these collisions can be severe due to the speed of the vehicles as well as the number of vehicles that could be involved in a crash.
Collisions in Residential Neighborhoods and Portland Suburbs
While many serious crashes happen in Portland proper, collisions can happen in PDX suburbs like Happy Valley and Hillsboro. When serious crashes happen, you can count on our law office for legal guidance. Remember that low-speed accidents can still cause injuries, and the symptoms may not be immediately apparent. It’s important to see your doctor after any kind of collision just to be safe.
Collisions with Out-of-State Drivers in Portland
Many drivers from California and Washington visit Portland on vacation or commute to the city on a regular basis. When tourists or out-of-towners get into accidents in PDX, there may be a fair amount of confusion about legal liability and whether accident survivors should consult lawyers in their home state.
If you get into a car collision in Portland Oregon, state laws will apply to any claim or litigation you wish to pursue. Rob Kline and his team can help out-of-state drivers understand their legal options, using his knowledge of the local area to help build a strong case.
Collisions with Other Types of Vehicles
We’ve predominantly focused on car collisions, but our Portland law office can also assist you if you were in a crash with a commercial vehicle, motorcycle, bike, or person on foot.
- Tractor-Trailer Accidents: Accidents with big rigs on city streets or local highways can cause major injuries. There’s also the risk of catastrophic multi-car pileups involving 18-wheelers.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists face greater risks on the road than any other driver. Quick lane changes, sudden stops, or drivers failing to check their blind spots can all put riders in danger. While some people assume motorcyclists take unnecessary risks, most riders are skilled, defensive drivers who pay close attention to their surroundings — yet they’re still the ones who suffer the most when others fail to share the road safely.
- Rideshare Crashes: Accidents involving Uber and Lyft can be complicated since they often depend on whether the driver had a fare at the time of the collision.
- Delivery Vehicle Crashes: If you were hit by a delivery driver for Amazon, UPS, FedEx, DHL, or the USPS, our law office can make sure the negligent party is held accountable.
- Collisions Caused by Bicyclists: While many cyclists are careful and responsible, there are some who do not observe the right of way, nor do they signal while sharing the road. Such actions make collisions more likely.
- Collisions Caused by Pedestrians: We’ve mentioned in an article that jaywalking is not legal in Oregon, but people do it anyway. When pedestrians are not mindful of drivers or their surroundings, their negligence could cause a serious crash.
The Lasting Effects of a Catastrophic Collision
Major collisions can cause catastrophic injuries that have lasting effects on a person’s life and livelihood. These kinds of injuries are often associated with permanent disabilities and significant impairment of a person’s normal function and range of motion.
Examples of catastrophic injuries in a car collision include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and brain damage
- Severe injuries to the neck and back
- Spinal cord injuries that cause paralysis
- Bone fractures and joint dislocations
- Loss of fingers or limbs
- Hearing or vision impairment
- Damage to internal organs
- Severe burns
People who sustain catastrophic injuries in a collision may need to change their careers due to physical or cognitive limitations caused by their injuries. Some accident survivors may no longer be able to work.
Severe injuries like these are why you need to work with compassionate car collision lawyers near you like Rob Kline. Our team can review the full extent of your injuries and how they’ve changed your ability to earn a living and contribute to your household.
Damages in a Car Collision Case
Damages refer to the compensation you receive for the financial losses experienced as a result of a car collision. Our team can go over the different ways the accident has affected your life so you can understand the full value of your claim. Collision victims will usually receive a combination of economic and non-economic damages; in rare instances, punitive damages could also be awarded.
Economic damages in a car collision case refer to losses that have a concrete value. These include:
- Medical bills
- Ongoing healthcare needs
- Damage to your vehicle and other property
- Lost wages during recovery
- Lost future earning potential due to disability
Non-economic damages in a car collision case refer to different kinds of non-monetary losses that have a significant impact on a person’s life. These include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Physical disfigurement
- Diminished quality of life
Punitive damages are intended to punish the negligent party in a collision. These kinds of damages are rarely awarded in the state of Oregon since there is strict criteria that must be met (ORS § 31.730). Rob Kline and his team can review the circumstances of your collision and let you know if punitive damages are a possibility.
What to Do If You Lose Someone in a Fatal Collision
A fatal collision can be devastating to the family members of the deceased. In these kinds of tragic cases, our team can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit.
While no amount of money can be commensurate with what you’ve experienced, we can at least seek damages to cover funeral expenses, the cost of grief counseling, and the myriad pains associated with a loved one’s passing and the loss of their companionship and financial support..
Contact Our Portland Car Collision Lawyers Near Me Law Firm
Do not delay. The sooner you speak with a car collision lawyer near you, the better. To request a free consultation with a trial-tested collision attorney, contact our Portland law office today. You can also reach Rob Kline and his team by phone at (503) 224-6246.
