Car accidents can be devastating to victims and their families. The recovery process can be long, both mentally and physical, even in situations where the injuries are seemingly minor. If a negligent driver was partially or completely at fault for your accident, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses (e.g. ambulance costs, surgical procedures, hospital stays, physical therapy and rehabilitation)
- Lost wages for time you were out of work due to injuries
- Loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to the work you did prior to the accident
- Disfigurement and impairment
- Mental and physical pain and suffering caused by your injuries and the accident itself
- Mental health issues (e.g. depression, insomnia, PTSD, anxiety) and/or aggravation of pre-existing conditions
- Loss of consortium or companionship for inability to bond with loved ones
Victims can recover damages even if partially at-fault for the accident
Car accidents are not always straightforward, with one person clearly at-fault. In many cases, multiple parties can be partially at-fault for the accident due to different forms of negligence. Under Oregon’s “modified comparative negligence” statute, accident victims can recover damages as long as they are less than 50 percent at-fault for the accident. However, their damages will be reduced depending on their percentage of fault. For example, a driver found 20 percent liable for an accident will only recover $80,000 out of the $100,000 in damages that were awarded to them.
Recovering damages following a car accident can make the entire recovery process easier for you and your loved ones. A personal injury attorney in your area can help you get the compensation you deserve.