Car accidents are an unfortunate reality, and for college students balancing academics, part-time jobs, and social lives, they can be particularly disruptive. When faced with such situations, many students may wonder, What does a car accident lawyer do? Understanding their role can help students navigate insurance claims and legal procedures more effectively.
For students in Oregon, having access to Mighty’s local auto accident attorneys can be invaluable in navigating the legal process and ensuring fair compensation. While legal representation can lead to better settlement outcomes, specific statistics on the percentage increase in settlements vary. Consulting experienced attorneys can help students navigate their cases effectively. Understanding the legal aspects of a car accident can significantly impact the financial outcome and ensure students are not taken advantage of by insurance companies. Many students face challenges such as handling insurance disputes, understanding Oregon’s comparative negligence laws and ensuring they receive fair settlements for medical bills and vehicle repairs. Understanding the legal aspects of a car accident can make all the difference in protecting yourself and your financial future.
The Rising Concern of Car Accidents Among College Students
College students appear to be at a greater risk of sustaining injuries from car accidents. NHTSA states that 16- to 19-year-olds make up 3.6% of all licensed drivers but represent 6.1% of all drivers involved in fatal accidents. Lack of experience coupled with distracting mobile phone usage and pressures from college life increase the risk for these students.
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) states that in 2021, drivers aged 15-20 were involved in 18.31% of all fatal and injury crashes. The most recent reports from ODOT can show the most current numbers. This shows how important it is to be informed and to understand what your defenses are.
Immediate Steps You Should Take Following a Car Crash
In a car accident, the steps you take immediately can determine the possible legal and financial implications you face afterwards.
- Assess injuries and, if necessary, call 911 for medical assistance.
- If able, move to a location that is safe to mitigate further accidents.
- As specified by law in Oregon, if an accident involves an injury or damage exceeding $2500, the police must be called.
- Share details with the other driver.
- Take photos and notes of the scene to help document the situation.
- Seek medical attention for any possible neglected injuries.
- Reach out to your insurance agent to initiate the claim.
Car Glimpse Accident Laws in Oregon for Oregon Drivers
In this case, Oregon has one of the most unique systems because it follows a fault car accident system—and whoever is at fault gets to claim for damages. On the other hand, the state follows a modified comparative negligence rule, where if you are less than fifty-one percent at fault, you still have the capability of recovering damage, although you may suffer a proportional reduction of it.
As stipulated in Oregon law, all drivers are required to have liability insurance coverage of the minimum amounts of:
- $25,000 per individual for injuries to a particular person
- $50,000 per accident for injuries involving more than one person
- $20,000 for damage to property
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) for up to $15,000 incurred Medical Expenses
Problems That a Student Might Face After Falling into an Accident
Students face particular challenges that are accrued from the fall of the accident:
- Combination of medical bills and car repairs, accumulating debt
- Complexes caused by legal and insurance claims procedures
- Doctor’s visits and case management causing missed classes, accumulating stress
- Lack of motivation after the person’s car is destroyed and repairs are done
How Mighty’s Local Auto Accident Attorneys Can Help You
Car accidents can be troubling. Our local auto accident lawyers at Mighty can offer advice on what was unfair and unjust in the law as it relates to the student’s out-of-pocket expenses for medical treatment, time off work and damages to their automobile.
Legal support services include:
- Reviewing your file for faults and damages.
- Bargaining with the insurance companies to avoid unreasonable deals.
- Defending you in court if need be.
- Helping with some or all of the medical expenses and other damages so you do not have to worry financially.
Why Students Should Care About Legal Representation
Most students are not willing to get a lawyer because of how much they think the lawyer’s bill will be. Most think there is a huge retention. The majority of personal injury lawyers, even those who are with Mighty, practice contingency fee arrangements. This means the clients only pay the lawyers if they win the case. Legal help becomes easier to access, especially for students who do not know their rights and are used to getting unfair compensation claims without paying a lot.
Legal help will help prevent defendants from easily wrecking students who are not knowledgeable in claims. Lawyers also guarantee that the claims will be filed within the Oregon statute of limitations of two years from when the accident occurred.
Avoiding Car Accidents: What College Students Need to Know
Legal advice can be incredibly helpful after the fact, but proactive measures can often supplement their value. The chances of legal issues can be mitigated through:
- Minimizing the risk of phone-related distractions by putting cellphones out of reach while driving.
- Avoiding unnecessary risk by abiding by traffic laws and speed limits.
- Using ridesharing services or designated drivers when alcoholic beverages are consumed.
- Reducing the likelihood of skidding or hydroplaning by cautiously driving during the rain in Oregon.
- Preventative vehicle maintenance to reduce the chances of mechanical failures.
Summary
Car accidents can be emotionally stressful. But staying proactive through understanding traffic laws, their legal implications and “active” legal advice goes a long way. In case you’re ever involved in an accident, speak to an attorney so they can help defend your interests and guarantee you receive fair compensation. Proper preparation can help face a multitude of challenges head-on, be it dealing with insurance claims, medical bills, or ensuring proper compensation. Having legal aid is key.
Mighty’s seasoned local auto accident attorneys extend their legal help to students from the University of Oregon. Those learners face many issues and by staying informed and seeking the appropriate help, students can shift their attention towards academics and self-development instead of legal questions.
