Highway 217 Flyover Ramp Tort Claims

Highway 217 Flyover Ramp Tort Claims

HWY 217 Accidents – Flyover Ramp & Tort Claims

Over the last 6 months, there have been dozens of car accidents on the Highway 217 flyover ramp where I-5 meets Highway 217 in Tigard, Oregon. The flyover ramp was constructed in 2001 and since then the expansion joint on the ramp has developed a gap that is approximately one inch wide. The gap in the expansion joint has caused numerous drivers to spinout and crash on the ramp. Experts speculate that the soil beneath the ramp could be partially to blame for the growing gap; however, this has yet to be proven. Officials from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) maintain that the Highway 217 expansion joint is within safety regulations and the high number of car accidents are due to drivers exceeding the designated speed limit. Motorists counter that the car accidents are instead a result of rain, which makes the flyover ramp increasingly slick and dangerous, and not irresponsible driving.

Tort claims filed against State of Oregon and Oregon Department of Transportation

Multiple car accident victims have filed tort claims against the State of Oregon and ODOT claiming negligence as they are seeking restitution for damages associated with the accidents, including for medical bills and car repair bills. If you have been a victim of the flyover ramp on Highway 217, it may be in your best interest to file a tort claim. Torts are essentially civil wrong doings and tort claims must be filed against the governmental entity within 180 days of the incident in order to preserve the right to file suit within the two year statute of limitations if you are unable to resolve your claim. These are negligence claims alleging that ODOT and the State have been negligent in the design, construction and maintenance of the 217 ramp.

Car accidents on HWY 217

There have been recent reports in the news of an ODOT official who expressed concern over the quality and stability of the ramp’s structure shortly after its completion. Furthermore, the company responsible for the construction of the flyover bridge has also been accused of finishing the bridge before the scheduled completion date, implying corners were cut, to receive a payment incentive from ODOT.

As a result of the dozens of car accidents on the Highway 217 flyover ramp, ODOT has installed large electronic warning signs to warn drivers to slow down as they go over the flyover ramp. This, however, does not compensate or address the victims of the car accidents; nor does it recognize the extreme damage and problems that result from the car accidents caused by the bad flyover joints. Automobile accidents are known to result in death, physical and emotional trauma, as well as expensive medical bills, missed work, stress and multiple other negative consequences. Victims of the Highway 217 flyover ramp are encouraged to consult a qualified Personal Injury Lawyer to discuss a possible tort claim and their legal options.

What to do in the event of a car accident in Oregon

What to do if you are in a car accident in Oregon

BE PREPARED BEFORE A CAR ACCIDENT EVER HAPPENSWhat to do if you are in a car accident in Oregon

No one can predict when an accident might occur, so it’s important to plan ahead. Always carry your insurance card, drivers license, and vehicle registration form. The scene of an accident or a traffic stop can be chaotic and very stressful.  Keep required documents readily accessible and check them on a regular basis to make sure nothing has expired.Continue reading

Personal Injury Attorneys: How to get a favorable settlement on your injury case

Personal Injury Attorneys in Portland and Hillsboro OR

Personal Injury Claims and Settlements

Injury settlements can be complicated by various factors.  As a result of an auto accident, it’s possible that you can receive money to pay for the medical expenditures, loss of income, pain, and suffering and property damages by way of a personal injury settlement

The Personal Injury Attorneys at the Law Offices of Matthew H. Kehoe, LLC represents clients in Portland and throughout Oregon in lawsuits against insurance companies.  Personal injury law seeks to preserve the rights of people seriously injured, physically or otherwise, as a result of the fault of another.  Personal injury settlements are the funds paid to the injured party in a personal injury case.  Injury settlements are possible, but it helps to have an experienced lawyer assist in obtaining the best possible result.

Personal Injury Compensation

Accidents happen for a reason.  Someone is texting or putting a new CD into the radio and they take their eyes off the road.  When a person behind the wheel of a 4,000-pound vehicle does this, they run the risk that their choice will harm someone.  And, if they harm someone through their negligence, then the injured party is entitled to compensation resulting from that personal injury.  If you’re in a car accident, most likely your car or truck won’t be the only thing injured.  You should not have to pay for the vehicle repairs if it’s not your fault.  If you are seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident a result of another motorist, you are entitled to have your car or truck repaired as well as your medical bills paid for by the other driver’s insurance company.  And, if that other driver does not have insurance, then you can make a claim against your own company under the “uninsured motorist” coverage.

Choosing a Personal Injury Attorney

In case you have been injured in an auto accident through no fault of your own, you will probably find yourself in a sea of personal injury attorneys with no idea who to hire to assist you. Choosing an attorney based on experience in personal injury related claims with a proven track record of obtaining maximum settlements for their clients means a lot.  You need someone who is experienced in fighting for their clients and standing up to the insurance companies.  You also want an attorney who has positive client testimonials backing up their claims in order to make the right decision and get the best assistance in your case.

When to retain a Personal Injury Attorney

There is nothing wrong with hiring an experienced injury attorney shortly after a collision.  They can help you in making sure the medical bills are paid promptly, get the wage loss payments coming from your own insurance company if you are off for more than 14 consecutive days from work and relieve the stress of trying to fill our paperwork and navigate the process following a collision.  If you’ve been injured, contacting our Personal Injury Law Office can set the wheels in motion to getting your situation resolved, and getting the money you will need to cover your medical bills, lost wages and later, money for your pain and suffering.

Insurance Company Settlements in Personal Injury Cases

Insurance settlements that are paid to you are a way of resolving the claim without the need to go to the court. Insurance companies have formulas that they use to calculate the damages they are willing to pay for various injuries, including serious personal injuries sustained in automobile related accidents.  Insurance companies will never offer you what your claim is worth.  They will offer you what they think they can get you to take to close your claim.

As a general rule, insurance adjusters try to settle injury claims as soon as possible.  These adjusters will try to discount your case by saying you must not have been injured if you did not seek medical attention immediately.  A lot of people get injured and don’t feel really bad until the next day.  They wake up the morning after an accident and feel all the things that hurt whereas the day before when the adrenaline was rushing through them after the injury, they felt like it would be okay.  As experienced Personal Injury Attorneys, we know the ploys and games adjusters and insurance company attorneys use to discount the merits of your case, pressuring you as the victim to take a settlement that’s in their best interest and not yours.

Don’t play these games with the insurance company.  The Law Offices of Matthew H. Kehoe, LLC brings 28 years of experience fighting for the rights of injured people against the insurance companies.  We have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and judgments for our clients, and have many client testimonials that speak to our professionalism, ethics and legal skills.

Call today for a Free Legal Review of your injury case.

Documenting the scene of a car accident

Documenting the scene of an auto accident

Using your cell phone to document the scene of a car accidentusing a cell phone to document a car accident scene

Using a cell phone to document the scene of a car accident can help a lot down the road when it comes to getting a car accident claim settled.

The first thing when involved in a car accident is to make sure everyone is okay.  If someone is injured, call 911 right away.  If you did not sustain an injury, most people start by asking questions like “How did this happen?” and “Who is at fault?”.  Car insurance companies will want to know the answers to these questions as well.  Using your smart phone to take pictures or video of the accident scene can help if one or both of the insurance companies claim that you are to blame for the car accident.  Documenting things like debris in the road, construction, bad weather, traffic signals and signs can help prove your case.

Even minor fender benders can become a real headache to resolve.  Damage claims can be compromised if the adjuster for the insurance company doesn’t take into account all damages or they don’t realize the full extent of the damage.  Taking pictures or video at the accident scene of your vehicle, as well as other vehicles involved, helps protect you during the claim process.

Exchanging information at a car accident scene

information exchange at the scene of a car accidentThe exchange of information at the collision scene is the first and most important step to getting your car accident claim off to the right start.  Taking a picture of the other driver(s) licenses ensures that valuable information is not forgotten or written down wrong at a stressful time.  Many of today’s smart phones have voice recorders.  Taking the time to record the facts of the accident, license plate numbers, location of accident, how the accident happened and what the end result was can assist in remembering valuable information that later may be forgotten.

Using your cell phone at the scene of a car accident can save you from troubles down the road.  Preserving the facts of the accident, those involved, witnesses and damages will help when talking to insurance companies, and ultimately getting your car accident claim resolved in a positive manner whether it’s by settlement or if you end up going to trial on your claim.

Our office provides free legal consultations to car accident injury victims.

Car Accident Settlements

Auto Accident Settlements in Oregon

How an Experienced Automobile Accident Attorney helps fight the insurance picture of a medical billcompany

A person who has been injured in an automobile accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence may be frustrated from dealing with the insurance companies. The insurance carrier for the driver at fault may deny their insured’s liability for the automobile accident. This makes it harder to obtain a fair insurance settlement, and often can drag the process of a car accident settlement out for months and even years. An experienced automobile accident attorney can help solve these and more issues stemming from an accident that was caused by another person.

An injured person who hires an attorney after an automobile accident receives immediate assistance. Often the attorney will refer the injured client to a qualified physician who will direct all of that person’s medical care. Instead of battling with the insurance companies for medical coverage or paying out of pocket, the injured person’s medical bills are held until after either a favorable insurance settlement is reached or until a winning trial verdict.

No fees unless your Car Accident claim is settled

Most automobile accident attorney’s don’t charge up-front attorney’s fees, either. These fees are paid if, and only if, the case settles prior to trial or after receiving a winning verdict at trial. So, just as with the medical costs, the client doesn’t have to worry about paying for his or her attorney out of pocket. The only thing that the injured person needs to do is attend all medical appointments and focus on healing from the injuries caused by the collision.

While the client is healing, the lawyer is collecting all of the information and investigating the accident. The injured person no longer has to deal with the insurance companies and their attorneys. This is the job of the automobile accident attorney. When the client is physically stable again, the attorney begins negotiating with the insurance company or their attorneys for an equitable settlement for the injuries caused by the automobile accident. This settlement will include monetary compensation for all medical care, pain and suffering, time lost from work and any other expenses resulting from the accident.

A qualified auto accident attorney will negotiate with the insurance company attorneys to reach a fair and equitable settlement figure. If a settlement is not reached prior to the date of trial, the injured person’s attorney will try the case in front of a jury. Then it is up to the jury to determine what the appropriate amount of compensation is for the injured person.  If the plaintiff’s attorney proves the case to the satisfaction of the jury, then the plaintiff will be awarded the amount determined by the jury to be fair compensation for the injured person’s injuries and other damages.

Experience counts in Car Accident settlements

When involved in an automobile accident, it is extremely important to hire a qualified and experienced attorney who specializes in injury related cases, and more importantly has extensive experience and a proven track record in reaching favorable settlements with insurance companies.