Trusted Pendleton car accident attorneys fighting for maximum compensation for injured victims throughout Eastern Oregon.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Pendleton, you know how quickly life can change. Medical bills pile up. You miss work. Insurance adjusters pressure you to accept a quick settlement that doesn’t begin to cover your losses.
At Hess Injury Law, our experienced Pendleton car accident lawyers understand what you’re going through. We’re here to protect your rights, fight for the compensation you deserve, and help you get your life back on track.
Car Accidents in Pendleton: Local Dangers and Common Causes
Pendleton’s unique location and traffic patterns create specific hazards for drivers. From busy highways like I-84 to rural country roads, our community faces several common causes of car accidents:
- Distracted driving, especially on long interstate stretches
- Harsh winter weather conditions, including ice and snow
- Wildlife crossings on rural roads
- Heavy commercial truck traffic
- Dangerous mountain passes and curves
- Fatigued drivers on long-distance routes
- Speeding and aggressive driving behaviors
- Impaired driving, particularly after local events
Our local knowledge gives us unique insight into how and where accidents happen in Pendleton and throughout Umatilla County. This understanding helps us build stronger cases for our clients.
Types of Car Accidents We Handle in Pendleton
Our experienced legal team has successfully represented clients in all types of car accident cases, including:
- Rear-end collisions
- T-bone and intersection accidents
- Head-on crashes
- Multi-vehicle pileups
- Rollover accidents
- Hit-and-run incidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Distracted driving crashes
- Weather-related accidents
- Highway and interstate collisions
No matter what type of accident you’ve experienced, our Pendleton car accident attorneys have the knowledge and experience to help you navigate the aftermath and secure the compensation you deserve.
Common Car Accident Injuries in Pendleton
Car accidents often result in serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment and can affect your life for years to come. Some of the most common injuries we see include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Burns and lacerations
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
Even seemingly minor injuries can lead to chronic pain and long-term complications. That’s why it’s crucial to have an experienced car accident lawyer who understands the true cost of your injuries – both now and in the future.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Pendleton Car Accident
After a car accident, you’ll quickly find yourself dealing with insurance adjusters who may seem friendly but have one goal: minimizing the amount their company pays you. Common tactics include:
- Pressuring you to give recorded statements before you understand the full extent of your injuries
- Making quick, lowball settlement offers hoping you’ll accept before consulting an attorney
- Questioning the severity of your injuries or suggesting they were pre-existing
- Delaying the claims process hoping you’ll give up
- Misrepresenting your policy coverage or the law
At Hess Injury Law, we’ve seen these tactics time and again. We know how to counter them and advocate effectively for your interests. Once we’re representing you, we handle all communication with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Compensation Available After a Pendleton Car Accident
If you’ve been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including future care needs
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Rental car expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- In some cases, punitive damages
Every case is unique, and the amount of compensation depends on factors including the severity of your injuries, your prognosis for recovery, and the impact on your quality of life. Our Pendleton car accident attorneys will carefully evaluate your case to pursue all available damages.
Oregon Car Accident Laws You Should Know
Understanding Oregon’s car accident laws is essential to protecting your rights after a crash:
- Statute of Limitations: You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to compensation.
- Comparative Negligence: Oregon follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault in the accident. If you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.
- Minimum Insurance Requirements: Oregon drivers must carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 for property damage.
- PIP Coverage: Oregon requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which pays for medical expenses regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
These laws can significantly affect your case, which is why having experienced legal representation is so important after a Pendleton car accident.
How Hess Injury Law Helps After a Car Accident
When you choose our firm to represent you after a car accident in Pendleton, we:
- Provide a free, no-obligation consultation to evaluate your case
- Conduct a thorough investigation to determine liability and gather evidence
- Document your injuries and damages through medical records, expert opinions, and other evidence
- Calculate the full value of your claim, including future expenses
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Negotiate skillfully for a fair settlement
- Prepare your case for trial if a fair settlement can’t be reached
- Keep you informed throughout the process with clear, regular updates
Our goal is to handle the complex legal work while you focus on what’s most important – your health and recovery.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Pendleton
If you’ve been in a car accident, these steps can protect both your health and your legal rights:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured
- Report the accident to police and obtain a copy of the accident report
- Document the scene with photos of vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries
- Exchange information with other drivers involved
- Gather contact information from witnesses
- Notify your insurance company that an accident occurred, but provide only basic facts
- Keep records of all medical treatment, expenses, and how your injuries affect your daily life
- Contact a Pendleton car accident lawyer before giving statements or accepting settlement offers
Remember that some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Always get checked by a medical professional after an accident, both for your health and to document your condition.
Why Choose Hess Injury Law for Your Pendleton Car Accident Case
When you’re dealing with injuries after a car accident, choosing the right legal representation is crucial. Here’s why Pendleton residents trust Hess Injury Law:
- Local Experience: We know Pendleton and Eastern Oregon roads, local courts, and how insurance companies operate in our region.
- Personal Attention: You’re not just a case number to us. We provide individualized attention and accessibility throughout your case.
- Results-Driven Approach: We have a strong track record of successful car accident settlements and verdicts.
- No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only pay if we recover compensation for you.
- Comprehensive Support: We help with every aspect of your recovery, from connecting you with medical providers to handling insurance issues.
Our commitment to injured car accident victims goes beyond just legal representation. We’re dedicated to helping you rebuild your life after a serious accident.
Contact a Pendleton Car Accident Lawyer Today
The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Hess Injury Law in Pendleton, we’re here to guide you through this challenging time and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Remember, the consultation is free, and we only get paid if we win your case. Don’t let concerns about legal fees prevent you from getting the help you need.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Pendleton or anywhere in Eastern Oregon, don’t wait. Contact Hess Injury Law today. Let’s discuss your case and explore how we can help you move forward. Your road to recovery starts here.
(509) 525-4744
