The Dangers of Careless Driving in Oregon
Every year, millions of car accidents are reported across the United States. Daily, there are more than 100 people in the United States who die in car accidents, making crashes the leading cause of death in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Most crashes happen because of some type of driver error or mistake. When driving an automobile, it is imperative to do so responsibly, abiding by the rules of the road, and with a reasonable duty to others so as not to cause bodily harm or damage to property.
Yet, Oregon reports over 45,000 crashes that have caused hundreds of deaths and well over 24,000 injuries. Many of these accidents are caused by careless driving which is a serious traffic offense in Oregon, not to mention a very dangerous thing to do.
If you were harmed in a car accident because another driver was careless, then you may be able to file a suit against them for financial compensation. A Portland car accident injury attorney at Rosenbaum Law Group can assess your case and help you get the compensation you need and deserve.
The Consequences of Careless Driving
Erratic driving behaviors like rushing through traffic signals, failing to yield, and improperly and unsafely changing lanes may lead an officer to cite you with careless driving, a Class B traffic violation. As a result, you will have to pay a costly fine. When your careless driving causes an accident, though, the fines double, and the offense is upgraded to a Class A traffic violation. In addition, when an accident caused by careless driving leads to seriously injuring another party, here, too, the punishments are greater, and the court may mandate traffic safety classes, community service, thousands of dollars in fines, and a long license suspension.
In addition to fines and other repercussions of careless driving, when an accident occurs, harmed victims may take civil action against you and file an injury suit for financial compensation. Depending on the losses sustained after an accident, an Injury suit may include damages suffered, such as:
- Medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Property damages
- Missed wages
- Future medical expenses
- Punitive damages
An attorney will know how to value a car accident case and identify the most robust evidence to build a claim so that a victim will have the best chance of getting a fair settlement for what they had to endure.
Speak to an Oregon Car Accident Injury Attorney Today
The aftermath of a car accident can be difficult to deal with, especially when there are serious injuries and extensive property damage. It is imperative to be a safe driver, but not all drivers abide by the rules. When a careless driver hits you and causes your accident, you have the right to secure legal counsel and representation to help you get the compensation you are entitled to.
For help with an Oregon car accident injury claim, please call the experienced Portland personal injury attorneys at the Rosenbaum Law Group today at (503) 288-8000. Initial consultations are complimentary.
Source:
cdc.gov/transportation-safety/about/index.html
