Volume of Oregon Vehicle Accidents Surpass Most US Cities!

Oregon Vehicle Accidents Are Worse Than Most US Cities

One of the largest insurance companies in the U.S., has recently published Oregon vehicle accident statistics about Oregon drivers and it is not good! Allstate’s report, America’s Best Drivers Report 2016, lists the largest 200 cities in the US and provides data about which cities have the safest drivers, and even more telling, the average number of years between collisions.

As I began to scan the list there was Brownsville, Texas at the top #1 position. Yes … a city in Texas, with an average of 14.6 years between collisions – 31% better than the national average. Surely a city in the state of Oregon would be in the top 20?!

Oregon Vehicle Accidents Graph

No, none in the top 20.

Impossible, none in the top 40.

And then, Eugene, appeared at #42, with an average 10.5 years between collisions.

Six pages later, Salem, appeared at #139, with an average 8.4 years between collisions – 18% worse than the national average.

Just 2 rows from the last page was Portland, at #181, with an average 7.2 years between collisions – 39% worse than the national average.

At the very bottom of the list sits #200, Boston, with an average 3.7 years between collisions – 167% worse than the national average.

What does this report tell us about Oregon vehicle accidents?

The average timeframe between car accidents is getting shorter for Oregon drivers. While this doesn’t mean you as a Portland driver, are going to have a car accident every 7.2 years, it does mean that the average Portland driver will experience about 7 car accidents during their lifetime of driving. (As opposed to 4 car accidents for a Brownsville, TX driver) While I don’t associate Texas drivers as the safest in the world, this report clearly shows that 21 cities in Texas have better rankings for driver safety than Portland, Oregon.

Can Oregon Drivers use the Information in this Report to Improve their Safety?

Pedestrian_rain_185x120Yes. If Oregon drivers know that Portland and Salem are not statistically safe cities for driving compared with other large U.S. cities, then they can be extra cautious and hyper vigilant in their driving. By knowing your surroundings, carefully watching other drivers and driving defensively Oregon drivers, can reduce their risk of being injured in a car crash. Drivers in Portland, Salem and throughout Oregon should follow the speed limit, obey traffic control signals and only turn or change lanes when it is safe to do so. Drivers should always maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Perhaps most importantly – Oregon drivers should completely refrain from texting, talking and using a cell phone while driving. It is my hope that many Oregon drivers will read the Allstate report, or even this blog, and implement safer driving as a result.

Oregon Vehicle Accidents Cause Serious Injuries — What Are My Rights?

Unfortunately, even with increased awareness and defensive driving, there will always be Oregon vehicle accidents that result in personal injuries and sometimes death. If you have been injured, or your family member was killed, in a Portland or Oregon vehicle accident that was not caused by you then you have the right under Oregon law to seek financial compensation.

You may seek compensation for your past and future medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and for pain & suffering and emotional distress.

In wrongful death cases, the decedent’s estate may also seek funeral expenses, the loss of earnings to the decedent’s estate and money to compensate the family for their loss of society and companionship of their loved one. While the amount of compensation you are entitled to will vary depending on the extent and seriousness of the injuries suffered in the Oregon car crash, seeking compensation is your right. You only have two years (3 years for wrongful death) from the date of the crash to resolve your claim so you must act fast.

Seek Advice From An Oregon Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Personal Injury Attorney Travis MayorAs a Portland car accident lawyer, my sole focus is to represent victims and their families who have been wrongfully injured as a result of another’s careless or intentional conduct. I hope this website is a place to learn more about our law firm, as well as, an educational resource for Oregonians who have been victims of Oregon vehicle accidents.  It is not intended to be legal advice, as every case is unique and should be accurately evaluated.

If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of another person’s conduct, and you are looking for a skilled attorney to lead you through the insurance and regulatory roadblocks, please call today for a free and confidential case evaluation. Local (503) 610-0005, Toll-free 1-800-949-1481 or email  travis@mayorlaw.com.

For more information on car, truck, motorcycle, and bicycle accidents and related insurance issues, visit the following blog and web page articles: