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Oregon and Washington State Car Accident Lawyers

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident crash in Oregon or Washington, you need the trusted Portland personal injury attorneys at Eder Sturm Eder. From exploring your legal options to standing up for you in court, our experienced team is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Oregon's Experts in Car Accidents and Motor Vehicle Collisions

Discover Why Oregon Chooses Eder Sturm Eder for Motor Vehicle Accident Cases

With more than 70 years of combined experience and over 15,000 satisfied clients, Eder Sturm Eder is proud to be among Portland’s leading personal injury law firms. Our seasoned team handles every type of motor vehicle accident, from minor collisions to cases involving catastrophic injury. We have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our injured clients all over Oregon and Washington.

Proven Experience

Motor vehicle accidents, including car, truck, and motorcycle claims, require a detailed understanding of the rules of evidence, federal motor carrier rules, traffic and highway safety standards, state and local laws, liability thresholds, and other nuanced legal issues. For more than 70 years, Eder Sturm Eder has successfully advocated for car accident victims, establishing a reputation for excellence and attention to detail.

Just like injury claims more broadly, understanding medical causation, reasonableness, and necessity, and the support necessary to prove a claim are essential to a successful recovery.

Exceptional Results

With over 15,000 satisfied clients spanning more than two decades, our Portland car accident lawyers have resolved cases with strong outcomes, over and over again. The more difficult the circumstances of the crash, from crash causation, legal hurdles and catastrophic injuries, the the more the attorneys at Eder Sturm Eder rise to the task. We understand what it takes to resolve even the most challenging car accident cases effectively.

Clear Communication

At ESE, our dedicated team listens carefully, stands by your side, and takes the time to present your story with clarity and compassion. We know that hiring a personal injury attorney can be a stressful process; we only work on a contingency fee basis, which means that we only get paid after you do. In the meantime, we’re here to help explain your legal options throughout the process.

Even if your injuries appear minor, we highly recommend speaking with an attorney after a motor vehicle accident. Speak to an Oregon Car Accident Lawyer today by calling (503) 227-4601.

The Statute of Limitations on Car Accident Claims

Oregon and Washington both set specific time limits for filing car accident or personal injury lawsuits. These deadlines determine how long you have to take legal action for injuries or damages resulting from an auto collision.

In Oregon, injured drivers and passengers generally have two (2) years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury. Claims for vehicle damage or other property loss must be filed within six (6) years of the accident.

In Washington, the statute of limitations for car accident injury claims is three (3) years from the date of the crash. This same three-year deadline also applies to vehicle damage and other property claims arising from the accident.

There are limited exceptions to these deadlines. Both states may extend the statute of limitations if the case involves a minor, a person who was or is mentally incapacitated, or if the at-fault driver concealed their identity or committed fraud. Still, delaying your claim can permanently bar your right to compensation.

If you believe you have a car accident claim, contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible: (503) 227-4601.

Car Accidents and Motor Vehicle Collisions FAQs

Common questions about car accidents and motor vehicle collisions cases in Oregon

Take photos of the vehicles and their positions on the road whenever possible. Get the names and contact info of all witnesses. Stories change after a crash, and you may need a witness to verify the facts of the crash. Exchange insurance and contact info with the other driver. Take a picture of the other driver’s license or identification.
If a crash is severe, you do not feel safe, or the other driver has fled the scene or will not cooperate, then call the police. Police can help investigate the facts of a crash, determine if another driver is under the influence of intoxicants, and help the involved parties exchange information and document the crash. Do not rely on the police to say who is at fault for the crash. Many police reports will not provide an opinion on who is responsible for the crash.
In most states, you have 2-3 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, it's best to start the process as soon as possible while the evidence is fresh and the witnesses' memories are clear.
If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may still have options. We can help you file a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage, which is designed specifically for these situations.
Every case is unique, but compensation typically covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. The value depends on factors like injury severity, long-term impact, and available insurance coverage. The advice and guidance of an attorney will maximize the recovery on a case. A skilled attorney knows what information is essential to a successful recovery. An attorney can also file suit if an insurance company is not cooperative or refuses a fair valuation of a claim.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, having an experienced attorney on your side can greatly improve your outcome. The Eder Sturm Eder team knows how to evaluate claims, handle insurance companies, and pursue full compensation. Without legal help, you could miss deadlines or settle for far less than you deserve. Consultations are free, and there is no downside to getting advice on your next steps.
In Oregon, you can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 51% at fault for the accident; your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. (If you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation from the other parties involved.) Washington follows a pure comparative fault system, which allows you to pursue damages even if you are more than 50% responsible. Your recovery will be reduced by your fault percentage. If you think you might be partly at fault, it’s important to speak with a car accident attorney to protect your rights.
After being hit by a drunk driver, you can pursue compensation for your injuries and losses through the at-fault driver’s insurance, and potentially through a civil lawsuit if the damages exceed insurance limits. Oregon law also allows victims to seek punitive damages and possibly hold businesses or social hosts responsible under “dram shop” laws if they continued to serve the driver when visibly intoxicated. Consulting with a personal injury attorney ensures that you exhaust all areas of potential recovery and can navigate these legal options effectively, and helps protect your right to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

WHO WE ARE

We are dedicated, consistent, driven personal injury attorneys.

We are trial attorneys first and foremost and we are eager to tell your story. We work tirelessly to help you reach the best possible legal outcome.

EDER STURM EDER

Dedicated.
Consistent.
Driven.

BY THE NUMBERS

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WHAT WE DO

We use our experience and expertise to help injured clients maximize their financial recovery.

We accomplish this through our knowledge of the legal system, insurance defense strategies, vehicle code, and understanding of medical treatments, procedures, and diagnoses. We combine this knowledge with years of courtroom experience.

OUR APPROACH

Unlike many firms, we build every case like it's going to trial.

We know the extra effort will make the case stronger in terms of settlement or trial. Let us narrate your story, set your case up for success, and be your ferocious advocate throughout your case.

BECOME A CLIENT

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