By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Garrett Monteagudo, Esq. | Last reviewed December 08, 2022
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Auto accidents are a very common occurrence in Oregon, which makes familiarity with Oregon car accident compensation laws an unfortunate necessity for many drivers. This article discusses what you need to know about Oregon car accidents, including what to do after an accident, types of damages and their limitations, and how to get appropriate compensation for your injuries and losses.
Here is a list of what to do if you are in an accident:
You can and should consider doing all of this before bringing a personal injury lawsuit.
Below, you'll find a table outlining key sections of Oregon's car accident compensation laws, including limits on damages and the statute of limitations.
| Statute of Limitations | |
|---|---|
| Limits on Damages | $500,000 cap on non-economic damages (O.R.S. § 31.710) |
| Other Limits | Modified comparative negligence fault system may prevent or diminish damages (O.R.S.§ 31.600); nonuse of seatbelt may reduce the award by no more than 5% (O.R.S. § 31.760) |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
If you've been in a car accident, there are typically two types of damages to consider: economic and non-economic. Economic damages are the concrete monetary losses you've incurred as a result of your injury or damage to property, while non-economic damages, on the other hand, are the more subjective, nonmonetary costs of an accident, like emotional distress and the loss of spousal companionship.
Economic damages can include:
Non-economic damages can include:
In Oregon, you may recover damages even if you were partly to blame for causing the accident, but you must not be more than 50% at fault to do so. According to the modified comparative negligence standard, any damages that are awarded will be reduced in proportion to the degree that you were at fault. For example, if you were 10% to blame for the accident and the other driver was 90% at fault, you may file a lawsuit, but an award of $1000 will be reduced by $100.
In Oregon, there is no cap on economic damages like medical expenses and lost future earnings. However, the state does limit some non-economic damages to $500,000. Additionally, the failure to use your seatbelt could reduce your award by up to 5%. Lastly, there is a timing issue with filing your lawsuit in court, known as the statute of limitations. For personal injury cases, you have two years, and for property damage cases, you have six years. Finally, if your claim is against the state government, you must file within 180 days or within one year for a wrongful death claim against the state.
The modified comparative negligence rules can significantly affect your ability to recover damages after a car accident. Fortunately, you can speak with an experienced car accident attorney. That way, you'll know more about the strength of your claim and potential compensation amounts moving forward.
Contact a qualified attorney.
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions about your accident. Many attorneys offer free consultations.