Hillsboro, Oregon, has seen an increase in automobiles on the road in recent years. This, unfortunately, also resulted in an increase in car accidents. Although most car accidents can be prevented by following traffic rules, this does not mean that you are completely safe on the road.
Car accidents occur in various ways and for different reasons, yet if you are ever involved in one, you should consult with a Hillsboro Car Accident lawyer. A dedicated car accident lawyer can help you establish liability and negligence in a car accident claim and help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other losses. Here is a quick view of the most common types of car accidents that occur in Hillsboro and what you should do after one occurs:
Rear-end Collisions
Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents. They occur when a vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle. Such accidents are common during peak traffic hours when drivers fail to keep a safe following distance, engage in sudden stops, or drive too fast.
These types of accidents are commonly linked to distracted driving, apart from tailgating. On a state level, Oregon has seen around 13,251 read-end collision accidents in 2021. About 26 of these collisions were fatal, while 7,749 rear-end collisions resulted in injuries.
Intersection Accidents
Many car accidents often occur when vehicles collide at intersections. T-intersections or four-way stops across the state see numerous such types of incidents. Intersection accidents mainly occur due to the following:
- Drivers running red lights or stop signs
- Misjudging the distance/speed of other traffic participants
- Failure to yield the right of way
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Intersection actions often result in minor injuries or property damage. However, there are many instances where more severe injuries occur or worse, depending on the speed of the crashing vehicles.
Side-Impact Collisions
Side impact collisions are known as broadside collisions, side impact collisions, or T-bone accidents. These types of car accidents occur when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another. Usually, when drivers fail to yield the right of way or run a red light, such crashes occur. Side-impact collisions mostly occur in intersections and are, unfortunately, common. There were 13,663 angle collisions in Oregon in 2021. About 74 such collisions resulted in fatalities, while 7,582 resulted in injuries.
Head-On Collisions
In head-on collisions, a vehicle crashes frontally with another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. These types of car accidents are usually severe since both vehicles are moving at high speeds, rather than one vehicle smashing into a stationary or slow-moving vehicle.
Head-on collisions result from various factors, such as driver impairment, wrong-way driving, or overtaking on undivided roads. In Oregon, there were 822 head-on collisions in 2021, 96 of which resulted in fatalities, while 524 resulted in injuries ranging from mild to severe.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
Single-vehicle accidents refer to car accidents where only one vehicle is involved. These types of car accidents mostly occur due to:
- Driver error or speeding
- Weather conditions or road hazards
- Driver impairment or fatigue
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In many of these types of car accidents, vehicles run off the road, strike fixed objects or roll over. Such types of accidents result in severe injuries or death and extensive property damage. If this type of car accident was caused by road negligence on the part of the administrating authorities or product defects, car accident victims can still pursue a personal injury claim against the liable entities.
To understand exactly who might be responsible for your single-vehicle accident, abide by Oregon’s statute of limitations, and pursue a claim legally, victims should consult with a car accident attorney. A lawyer can help you identify the liable parties and prove fault so that you can recover some damages for your losses.
Parking Lot Accidents
Parking lots or parking structures often result in car accidents in Hillsboro. Although these types of accidents may not always result in injuries, since the crashes typically occur at slow speeds, they might result in extensive property damage.
Common parking lot accidents include fender benders, collisions with pedestrians, or backing-out collisions.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
Multi-vehicle pile ups are a type of car accident situation often encountered on highways or during adverse weather conditions. For example, these types of accidents occur during heavy fog or snowstorms.
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Since these types of accidents involve multiple vehicles and can result in extensive injuries or property damage, it’s essential to consult with a lawyer to seek compensation. There might be multiple parties responsible for the accident. However, identifying them and proving fault is much more complex than in regular car accidents.
Dealing With a Car Accident
Various types of car accidents can occur in Hillsboro, Oregon. Yet, in many instances, drivers can pursue a personal injury claim against the negligent parties responsible for the accident and recover damages.
However, what you do during and after your car accident can influence the outcome of your claim. Here is what you should do after a car accident occurs in Hillsboro:
Seek Medical Attention
Immediately call an ambulance to the accident scene if you or someone else is injured. Move your vehicle to the side of the road if it is safe to do so to ensure the safety of the others. Prioritize your health and seek medical attention regardless of your symptoms. Injuries aren’t always visible in car accidents and you will need the medical reports and other documents associated to pursue compensation.
Report the Accident
Report the accident to authorities so that a police report is issued after an investigation. Let your insurance company know about the accident as well, and follow their instructions.
Gather Evidence
Before leaving the accident scene, try to take photos or videos of the accident scene, highlighting your injuries, the damage to all vehicles, road conditions, and anything else related to the event.
Write down the contact information of the other drivers involved and that of eyewitnesses. This will help you later to pursue a claim.
Consult With a Car Accident Attorney
Search for a skilled car accident attorney serving in Hillsboro. A lawyer can help you understand if you have the legal grounds to pursue a claim, help you with gathering evidence, prepare witnesses and other relevant documents, and negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf while you rest and heal.
With a lawyer by your side, you get a fighting chance at maximizing your compensation and ensuring you receive a fair offer for your injuries and other damages.
