Clackamas County Auto Accident Lawyer
Although drivers are required to carry insurance, far too many drivers disregard this requirement. A recent study estimate that as many as 10 percent of Oregon drivers are uninsured. While this percentage is much lower than the national average, that is no consolation to someone who has been in an accident with an uninsured motorist.
If you or a loved one has been in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you still have options. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights under the law and help you recover the damages you are entitled to under law. I am Portland personal injury lawyer Christopher T. Hill. I have helped many injured motorists across the area.
A Comprehensive Understanding of Oregon Insurance law
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is required by Oregon law. This coverage applies to four situations.
- When you are in an accident caused by a driver without insurance
- A hit-and-run accident
- A phantom vehicle accident. A phantom vehicle accident occurs when an automobile does not contact your car, but still creates an accident.
- When you are in an accident caused by a driver with lower limits than you
In any of these situations, your insurance company will take the place of the uninsured driver and compensate you for your medical expenses and other damages.
If you have been in a hit-and-run accident, your insurance company can require you to take some additional steps. You are required to report your accident to the police or DMV within 72 hours of the accident. You may also be required to submit a statement under oath within 30 days about the nature of your accident. More likely, you will be asked to complete a written proof of loss statement.
In a phantom vehicle accident, your insurance company can require that you report the accident within 72 hours and make a statement under oath. The insurance company can also require a statement from an unbiased witness to the accident. An unbiased witness will not have an accident claim against the phantom vehicle. When you work with my law firm, you can take comfort knowing that I will work hard to maximize all available sources of compensation.
Contact Portland Uninsured Motorist Lawyer Christopher T. Hill · 503-548-2537
An uninsured or underinsured motorist can cause untold damage in your life. Call or e-mail my law firm today to schedule your free phone consultation.
