Car accidents can go from minor to severe, depending on the intensity. Various factors contribute to a car accident, but negligence is one of the common reasons behind car accidents. This means one driver may fail to fulfill their legal duty of care. Similarly, in some situations, both drivers may be involved or be at fault for the accident.
Every state has different laws to protect car accident victims. Unfortunately, if you get into a car accident in Salem and you are proven more than 50% guilty of the accident, you cannot seek financial compensation. Oregon is a fault-based state, meaning that the person found 50% or more at fault for the accident cannot get compensation. Instead, they are liable to pay for the damages and injuries that occurred to the other person.
However, you cannot guarantee if you are sometimes at 50% or more at fault. This is because, unless you are sure your carelessness led to an accident, there may be a chance to prove that the other driver contributed highly. An experienced auto accident attorney Salem, can help you understand if you are eligible for seeking compensation.
What damages can you recover from a car accident in Salem?
Each car accident case varies from the other. Therefore, the law does not have a specific number when it comes to granting compensation. Generally, you get compensation based on the damages you have incurred. However, you can get compensation for the following economic and non-economic damages:
- Lost wages due to missed time at work (which happened due to the injured you faced from the accident).
- Medical bills, including ambulance costs and emergency room expenses.
- Damages to your vehicle.
- Present medical costs such as current hospital stay, medicines, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and more.
- Any lost income or earning capacity due to your injuries that resulted from the accident.
- Pain and suffering.
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral costs.
- Loss of enjoyment.
What should I do if I am at fault for the accident?
Unless it is proven by the insurance company or the other driver with reliable evidence that you are at complete or more than 50% fault for the accident, you still have a chance to determine liability. It would be in your best favor to speak to a car accident attorney in Salem who can understand your case and let you know if you can seek financial compensation. Lawyers have experience handling various car accidents, so you can rely on legal guidance before taking any step.
