The largest city in Oregon, Portland has a population of 619,360 as of 2014. Located in Multnomah County, there are more auto accidents in Multnomah County than anywhere else in the state.
According to the Department of Transportation, more than 13,700 crashes occurred in the county during 2012. Those crashes caused 44 deaths and 9,580 injuries.
The chances of being in a car accident in Portland are high.
If you have been involved in a Portland car accident, you might be wondering what to do or where to turn. Car accidents lead to numerous damages.
You might encounter medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future loss of compensation, permanent scarring and disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and property damages.
A Portland personal injury attorney can help you recover compensation for those damages so you can focus on healing.
The Most Dangerous Roads in Portland
While accidents occur on all roads, there are some roads that consistently have more accidents reported on a regular basis.
Here are some of the more dangerous roads in the Portland area where a high number of crashes are regularly reported:
US 26 and I-405
The most dangerous intersection in Oregon is located in Portland. The interchange at US 206 and I-405 had 318 crashes reported during 2013 leading to 213 injuries.
Northeast Broadway
Northeast Broadway has seen its fair share of accidents. Many of the accidents from 15th Avenue to Broadway Bridge have involved bicycles.
There were 61 auto accidents involving bikes reported along the one-mile stretch from 2000 to 2009.
Northwest Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue
This is a heavily traveled stretch through Portland, but it also has a significant number of auto accidents reported every year.
Crashes are much more likely to occur at the intersections along the route.
What To Do After A Crash
Anyone can be involved in a car accident in Portland. If you have been involved in an accident, you need to stay on the scene until an accident report has been completed by local law enforcement.
Even if the accident seems minor at first, you should stay on the scene and get a report filed. Here are some tips on what to do after a Portland auto crash:
- Call the police because an accident report must be filed.
- Exchange names, contact information, and insurance information with the other driver.
- Get witnesses statements and make sure you get their full names and contact information.
- Get photographs of the accident scene and any damage that resulted.
- Seek medical treatment from the closest emergency room.
Portland Hospitals
You might have injuries that are more serious than you even realize. You should get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. After an accident, you need to visit the nearest emergency room and get checked thoroughly.
Here are some Portland hospitals with emergency rooms open 24 hours:
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Legacy Emanuel Medical Center
2801 N. Gantenbein Ave.
Portland, OR 97227 -
Adventist Medical Center
10123 SE Market St.
Portland, OR 97216 -
Providence St. Vincent Medical Center
9205 SW Barnes Rd.
Portland, OR 97225
Portland Auto Repair
If you have been injured in a Portland auto accident, your car is going to need repairs. You should keep receipts for any towing, rental cars, and repairs that you have done such as purchasing a tire or replacing a radiator so the car can be driven in the meantime.
You should get written estimates from auto body shops for fixing your car completely. Here are some local auto body repair shops and towing services:
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Central Auto Body, LLC at John's Landing
6805 SW Macadam Ave.
Portland, OR 97219 -
McCollum Auto Body
7510 SE Foster Rd.
Portland, OR 97206 -
Speed's Towing
14333 NE Whitaker Way
Portland, OR 97230
The Most Valuable Resource: A Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been involved in a Portland auto accident, your most valuable resource is an experienced personal injury attorney. You will have to file a personal injury claim in order to recover damages suffered in the accident.
Accidents and injuries vary, so the kind of damages you are entitled to receive are dependent upon your individual situation. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing to lose.
Schedule an initial case evaluation with a personal injury attorney right away.
