Most car accidents are straight-forward and liability is easy to understand. But did you know that there are more factors than the two drivers? The accident could have been caused by a faulty car, or a poorly designed intersection, or even bad weather. Before contacting the insurance company, make sure you understand the real cause of your accident.
Here are the most common causes of Oregon car accidents:
1) Driver error. This is the #1 cause of accidents and injuries. If someone's bad judgement or negligent driving caused your crash, you should be able to get compensation through their auto insurance.
2) Distracted driving. This is pretty much the same as negligent driving, and often involves a cell phone. Again, auto insurance can compensate your damages.
3) Bad weather. Unfortunately, snow, rain, fog, and other weather conditions make it more difficult to drive. But in most cases, the driver is still responsible for maintaining proper speeds and distances so auto insurance will still cover any damages.
4) Poor road design/poor road conditions. In cases where the road has caused an accident, it may be possible to file a claim with the public body responsible for road maintenance and design, usually the city or the county (for city streets) or the state (for freeways). Time limits for filing a claim against the public body are shorter than normal insurance, so contact an attorney for help.
5) Vehicle defects. If something went wrong with your car or the other driver's car, the vehicle manufacturer may be held accountable for damages. Filing a claim with a car manufacturer can also be complicated, however, so consult an attorney.
