Oregon Roads Are Becoming More Deadly-Fatal Crashes Are on the Rise

As a Oregon Personal Injury Lawyer I am constantly speaking with people injured by the negligence of others.  I often find myself in constant awe of the stupid things people do behind the wheel despite knowing the risk involved.  Oregonians are constantly reminded that they shouldn't do stupid things while driving.  For example: Don't Drive Impaired, Don't text and Drive, and Don't exceed the Speed Limit.  There are numerous television ads, radio ads, and billboards all designed to remind driver's to not do stupid things.

Despite the various reminders fatal crashes are rapidly increasing in the United States.  The National Safety Counsel recently released some troubling statistics.   Roughly 19,000 people were killed on U.S. roads from January 2016 to June 2016.  This number is more than 18 percent more than the same six month period two years ago.   A staggering 2.2 million people were seriously injured in car crashes during the first six months of this year.  Oregon had the second highest increase in traffic deaths since late 2014.

It is projected that over 40,000 people will die in car crashes if this continues.  The Counsel claims that the estimated actual costs of the deaths and injuries is roughly $205 billion.  However it is unclear from the article I read how exactly that figure was calculated.  

The Counsel blames complacencyas the root of all of these traffic deaths.  We know certain activities are dangerous, but disregard the risks because we become comfortable with all of the risks we are taking.  Others claim that more people are working and gas is cheaper, so more people are driving.   Whatever the cause of the increase is, it is clear that Oregon drivers must change their driving habits.  We cannot risk injuring or killing people because we knowingly make risky choices behind the wheel.

If you would like to learn more you can visit the recent article on the subject.   If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a car crash, call Portland Personal Injury Attorney Jeremiah Ross at 503.224.1658.  Ross Law LLC provides FREE personal injury consultations to people injured by others.   We are happy to discuss whether or not you have a legal claim against another, the insurance issues, and the likely outcome of pursuing a claim.  

Oregon Consumers Beware-Flooded Cars from Louisiana May Flood Into Oregon

Louisiana has recently suffered some of the worst flooding in the Nation's history.   At least 60,000 homes have been damaged and it is estimated at least 13 people died as a result of the flooding.  These are staggering numbers, and the destruction is anticipated to take months or years to clean up.  

It is difficult for us in Oregon to imagine how this flood could possibly affect us.  However, car buyer's need to beware because the numerous Louisiana cars that were flooded may be heading to Oregon.  These cars usually suffer from numerous electrical issues, power-train issues, and can often be plagued with mildew problems.  These issues can create a dangerous situation when the vehicle loses power and this can result in the injury or death to the driver and others on the road.

It is unknown how many flooded cars may be entering the markets, but there could be tens of thousands of vehicles flooding into the used car markets. Dealers can buy these cars at a reduced price, clean them up, and sell them to unknowing consumers.  Vehicles without a  "branded title" ( Branded Titles are basically titles that note"water damaged vehicle" or a "Salvaged Title") may be sold to an unknowing customer even though it has been in a flood.  This occurs when the dealer's attempts to conceal any water damage and sell the vehicle without disclosing the fact the vehicle is a flood car.

If the vehicle's title is "branded" or notes the vehicle is a water-damaged vehicle then the dealer may attempt to "wash" the title.  Louisiana Law notes that if a vehicle's electrical system or power train is damaged by flood damage and totaled by an insurance company as a result, then it will receive the "water damaged" brand on the title.  

Title washing can occur when a person purchases a vehicle with a salvaged title or a water-damaged title and registers it in a state that does not recognize that particular "brand" on the title.  The new state then issues a clear title and the vehicle can be sold anywhere in the United States and passed off as a clean title.   Some states make it easy to "wash" a title.  For instance some states will not issue a branded title to a vehicle that is more than 7 years old.  What that means is that a purchaser can buy an 8 year old vehicle with a water-damaged title in Louisiana and then register in the new state an receive an unbranded title.  Once the vehicle has an unbranded title it can be sold anywhere in the US as a "clean title" vehicle.  

Title washing can also take place when a person actually physically alters the title in an effort to conceal the "brand" on the title (think photo-shop or white-out).  This is more difficult to do, but it does occur.   This is big problem if the title is held by the bank, as the bank employee may not scrutinize the title as closely as they should. 

What you Can Do To Try And Ensure You Do Not Purchase a Flood Damaged Car:  It is important for Oregon Consumers to inspect any vehicle they may buy.  That great deal on Craigslist may actually be a terrible deal for a car that is plagued with electrical issues.   Oregonians should inspect the vehicle.  They should examine underneath the vehicle to ensure there are not any mineral deposits, a "silt line," or significant mud.  The headlights may have mud or debris lines inside of them.  The interior and trunk should be inspected for any discoloration that indicates flooding.  If the vehicle smells funny (either of mold or heavy chemicals) that may be an indication of flooding.  The consumer should turn on and off all of the lights and radio, and operate any electrical features (windows, sunroof, rear windshield wiper)to ensure they all function properly.  

The consumer should also pull a title history report from Carfax or AutoCheck to determine: 1) if the vehicle has a branded title, and 2) to determine if the vehicle is from Louisiana.  However, these reports are not always accurate so they shouldn't solely be relied upon.   If the vehicle was bought or sold at a "Copart" auction yard that is a big red flag that the vehicle had a salvaged title. These tips may assist consumer's in protecting themselves from buying a flood car, but it may not completely protect you.

If you or someone you know unknowingly purchased a "flood car" or a car with a branded title in Oregon then please call Ross Law LLC at 503.224.1658.  Jeremiah Ross may be able to assist you with your consumer case in Oregon. 

Buy Here Pay Here-Questionable Auto Loans

As an Oregon Consumer Lawyer I regularly represent Oregonians who are ripped off by car dealers.  I regularly receive calls from consumers who has issues with Auto lenders.  These issues can relate to the interest rate being charged, yo-yo scams, issues with the financing disclosures, or dealers trying to make consumers provide false information in order to obtain financing.  Sometimes, in their effort to get the car off of the lot, dealers will flagrantly violate the various laws that apply to them.  Other times, the dealer's conduct is legal, but morally questionable.

I have seen this as a growing issue in Oregon.  I am not alone with my concerns.  It appears there is a national trend in providing questionable auto-loans to consumers.  These questionable loans are sometimes written with very high interest rates (29% APR) and for extremely long terms (7 years).  What this means is consumers buying an $8,000.00 car may end up paying almost $15,000.00 for the car after the interest is added into the price of the cars.

The dealer's justify the high interest and lengthy terms of the loan by asserting that the consumer is a huge credit risk.  Most of the consumers that obtain these loans have horrible credit and are likely to default on the loan.  I have litigated cases where the dealers have stated that my client's credit was terrible and that my clients were fortunate enough to have someone like the dealer take the chance to finance the vehicle. 

From the consumer's perspective, these loans set them up for failure.   The high interest rate for lengthy terms sets the consumer up for failure.  The dealer knows that most people need a car for transportation.  Vehicles are almost necessities in many cities.  Additionally, the dealer already knows the consumer has issues with paying creditors, because the consumer has terrible credit.  Despite that, the dealer piles on more debt in an effort to get the car off of the lot.  Then when the foreseeable missed payment happens then the dealer repossesses the car and can re-sell it to another customer.   

 The dealer makes money on the transaction by: 1) getting to keep the trade-in or down payment the consumer made on the car and, 2) keeping the interest on the loan from payments already made on the loan before missing a payment, 3) sometimes dealers will attempt to re-finance the purchased vehicle or agree to take the vehicle back if the consumer purchases another vehicle from the lot (this usually re-starts the cycle), 4) the dealer gets to re-sell the purchased vehicle to another consumer and make money on that transaction. 

Additionally, the dealer's risk is much more manageable than the dealer leads people to believe. Dealer's can place devices in the vehicles that allows the dealer to track the vehicle.  If a consumer misses a payment then the device can shut the vehicle down until a payment is made.  If the consumer fails to make a payment the dealer uses the device to locate the vehicle and repossess it.   I believe these devices are one thing that is allowing these bad loans to become more prevalent. 

The Comedian Jon Oliver recently did a great piece on Auto Lending and how these sub-prime loans are affecting consumers.  The piece has some shocking statistics and stories of people being ripped off by Auto Lenders.  

If you or someone you know has been ripped off or scammed by an Auto Dealer, please call Jeremiah Ross.  Please call Ross Law LLC at 503.224.1658 .   Please remember there are some reputable and honest car dealers, and just because you have a questionable loan that does not mean the dealer broke any laws or you have a case against them.   

NO DRIVER, NO PROBLEM- UBER'S DRIVER-LESS CARS ROLL OUT IN PITTSBURGH

I have previously posted on the advent of driver-less cars and the various legal issues that arise from these driver-less cars.  In theory, driver-less cars are a great idea.  However, in practice you have to question whether or not they are a safer alternative to a human brain.  Software glitches, hardware malfunctions, and unforeseen circumstances can all have deadly consequences.  

I have also written on the various safety issues that ride share programs such as UBER pose.  Drivers assaulting passengers, drivers driving recklessly, and insurance issues that arise with ride share programs are all significant issues that have arisen since these companies began transporting people in Portland, Oregon.

It appears UBER is now attempting to mitigate the risk posed by driver's assaulting passengers, driving recklessly, and even the insurance issues.  UBER is now testing driver-less cars in Pittsburgh, PA.   The idea is that if you don't have to pay anyone to drive the vehicle then transportation becomes extraordinarily cheap.   

UBER has a driver-less car test-lab in Pittsburgh and is using the citizens of Pittsburgh as its test subject for this experiment.   The cars will be on the open road putting members of the public at risk.  Engineers assert these cars are specially designed to drive without a driver.  However these cars will have a "back-up" driver.   You have to wonder why is a back-up  driver necessary if the technology is safe.   

There are not any current plans to bring UBER's driver-less cars to Portland, Oregon.   However, should that occur we need to be ready to address the various safety issues that arise from driver-less cars.  I have concerns regarding the efficacy of the software and hardware.  I also have concerns over the proper maintenance of the vehicles and computer systems.  Lastly, I have concerns over the software not being able to account for the numerous tasks that a driver's brain performs.    We will see what happens....

If you or someone you know has been injured, assaulted, or killed by UBER, LYFT, or another rideshare program, please call Personal Injury Attorney Jeremiah Ross.  Ross Law offers free personal injury consultations.   Please call Ross Law at 503.224.1658.  Please refer to the article at this link  for information regarding UBER's driver less program.  

Hit by a DUII Driver? How Much is your case worth?

As a personal injury attorney that also represents crime victims I am called upon to represent people that were in a car crash with a drunk driver (DUI Driver).   The crashes and injuries vary.  Some people are in minor fender benders.  These fender benders often injure people and can cause soft tissue (whiplash) injures.  More significant crashes can result in broken legs, broken arms, and even death.  Often people want to know how much their injury is worth.  In other words, how much compensation should the injured person receive for the hell the drunk driver put them through?   That is not an easy question to answer because each case is different. 

For example I represented a young woman who was stopped at a stop sign.  All of the sudden a driver crashed into the back of her car.   The vehicles suffered some minor damage.  The bad-driver approached my client.  My client immediately smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage on the bad driver.  The bad driver asked if my client was OK.  She replied she was.  The bad driver then gave her a high five, sprinted back to his vehicle and drove off.  He did not exchange insurance information or wait for law enforcement to arrive.  My client called the police and they later found the bad driver at a local bar.  My client had soft tissue injures to her neck and lower back that lasted a few weeks.  She did not seek medical treatment.  Almost two years later she came to my office.  We ended up resolving the case for over $20,000.00, exclusive of PIP benefits.  Most cases with those types of injuries will resolve for well under $10,000.00.

I also represented a woman that was a passenger in a vehicle that engaged in a high-speed police chase.  In that case the driver was also drunk.  The driver hit another vehicle head on and caused a significant crash.  My client went to the Emergency Room for treatment the next day and was diagnosed with soft-tissue injuries.   She had minimal treatment with a chiropractor.  She received almost $20,000.00 in addition to PIP benefits.  

I have also received policy limits of $100,000.00 for a cyclist that was hit by a suspected drunk driver.  Law enforcement did not arrest the bad driver after giving him field sobriety tests, but we had witness testimony to support our claim he was intoxicated and disposed of a liquor container at the scene.  In that case the insurance company was faced with the prospect of trying to defend a driver that had hid evidence from law enforcement and injured a cyclist so they tendered policy limits. 

The short answer to the question "How much is my case worth if a DUII driver hit me?" is, It depends.  There are too many variables to give an accurate case valuation without determining the extent of your injuries, the treatment sought, the bad-driver's conduct, the bad driver's driving record, the investigation, and other issues.  

The equation becomes more complex when you consider the types of damages available.  In addition to receiving compensation for your injuries, you may also be entitled to punitive damages from the DUI driver.  These punitive damages are designed to punish the DUII driver for their reckless and outrageous conduct.  These damages add value to the case, but are affected by various variables.   

These types of cases also open up additional sources of compensation.  This issue arises when there is not enough insurance to compensate you for your injury, or a bar or social host clearly violated the law.  In that case you may have a "dram shop" claim.  This allows you to attempt to hold the person that over-served alcohol to the DUII driver accountable for causing your injuries.  Dram shop cases are very nuanced and have notice requirements, so you should call a lawyer immediately if you wish to pursue a case against a driver or social host.

If you, or someone you know, were hit by a DUII driver then you should call Portland Oregon Personal Injury Attorney Jeremiah Ross.   Ross Law LLC provides free personal injury consultations for people hit by drunk drivers.  Don't settle with the insurance company for pennies on the dollar.  Know your rights and get the compensation you are entitled to.  Please remember each case is different, your case may be worth more or less than the cases noted above.    At the end of the day only a Jury knows the true value of your case.  Jeremiah Ross is happy to take your case to trial if necessary to ensure we do our best to get you the compensation that you desire.  

Distracted Driving Kills, But Should We Have a Law Outlawing Eating and Driving?

As a personal injury attorney I am constantly exposed to the gruesome consequences of distracted driving.  My clients are typically injured by someone that is driving and not paying attention.  These injuries can range from bruises, soft tissue and whiplash type of injuries to serious catastrophic injuries that require hospitalization, surgery, and months of rehabilitation.   I never get to meet some clients because they were killed by the negligence of another.

With that said, there is an interesting law being proposed in New Jersey to attempt to outlaw anything that can result in unsafe driving.  I have not seen the text of the bill, but reports note that it is aimed with outlawing a driver from participating in any activity that is unrelated to the safe operation of a motor-vehicle. Lawmakers are attempting to make roads safer by outlawing things like shaving and driving, putting make-up on while driving, watching a movie on a ipad while driving, and all of the various other distracting things people do while driving. Depending on the language of the law, it may be challenged on Constitutional grounds for being over-broad. 

A compilation of teen driver vehicle crashes caused by driver distraction.

In any event, I agree with the spirit of the law, but have concerns about its Constitutionality and the power it may provide law enforcement.  Distracted driving is an issue that needs to be addressed.  An article noted that according to the AAA foundation for Traffic Safety, the three main sources of distracted driving are:  

1) Visual (failing to keep a proper lookout)

2) Manual (taking hands off of the wheel)

3) Cognitive (thinking about something else aside from driving)

Those results are in line with the  personal injury cases I see. The AAA study noted that studying whether or not a person is thinking about something aside from driving is the most difficult thing to study.  This seems  fairly obvious, because it is impossible to see into a person's actual thoughts in real time.  For example, it is difficult to prove a person caused a crash because they were day dreaming. 

At the end of the day what does this mean for Oregon drivers?  The data seems to question whether or not these laws are effective.  However, I am sure more studies will pop out of the wood work affirming the validity of these laws.  

I think everyone will agree that texting and driving is unsafe and should be outlawed even if the empirical data from one particular group does not conclude it is.  Should Oregon Law Makers want to eliminate distracted driving, they can probably look to the current Oregon Revised Statutes that outlaw: texting while driving (ORS 811.507), careless driving (ORS 811.135), and reckless driving (ORS 811.140).  Oregon lawmakers may need to decide whether these laws provide a sufficient deterrent to distracting driving.  

Until the lawmakers address the issue, I will be here to hold distracted drivers accountable for the harms and losses they cause to my clients.   If you or a person you know is injured as a result of distracting driving, please call Portland personal injury attorney Jeremiah Ross at 503.224.1658.   Please call Ross Law LLC today for your free personal injury consultation.  

Don't Be "That Person" -Drivers Blocking The Crosswalk While Waiting In Traffic

Anyone that has walked or ran downtown has been a victim of "that person."  "That person" is the person that feels the need to make the selfish move of entering the crosswalk in heavy traffic as the light is turning red.  That Person's car is now stopped in the middle of the crosswalk acting as a barrier for those that are trying to lawfully cross the street.   

You can see it in That Person's facial expression as the anxiety and embarrassment sets in.   The light turns yellow and traffic isn't moving.  You can observe That Person check their mirrors looking for a place tor drive their car.  Sometimes That Person is able to get out of the way by pulling quickly into a parking spot off to the right or left side of the street.  Other times they simply stare straight ahead actively ignoring the chaos around them that they have caused.  

Notice the Walk Sign is Illuminated, but it is not safe to cross the street.  To cross you have to exit the crosswalk.

Usually by pulling ahead at the last minute while the light is turning red, "that person" has blocked the crosswalk and may be blocking traffic that is trying to move forward on the cross street.   This creates a very dangerous situations for pedestrians that may result in personal injury  or wrongful death.  Last, but not least, blocking the crosswalk is also a violation of the law.  (See ORS 811.028)

Pedestrians see the "walking sign" illuminated, but then see their path is blocked by a vehicle. This is obviously an issue.  Pedestrians then have the option of 1) going in front of the car, 2) going behind the car, or 3) waiting until the car has cleared the intersection until it is safe to cross.  Some of these are bad options for the reasons stated below:

Option 1)  Going in front of the car:  If the car is blocking the crosswalk it may seem like the safest option to walk in front of the car.   Walking in front of the car usually involves leaving the safety of the crosswalk.  In doing so, the pedestrian is now in "no man's land" where there is not any law to protect them.  If they are injured the bad driver will argue they left the safety of the cross-walk.   Additionally, the pedestrian must hope that the driver who is blocking the intersection does not suddenly pull forward.   I have seen this occur, as it seems the driver is so worried about getting out of the crosswalk they have blinders on as to who is crossing the sidewalk in front of them.   Obviously Option 1 is not a great option.    It also may result in a violation of violation of ORS 814.040 (failure to yield to a vehicle.) 

Option 2) Going behind the Car:  The pedestrian may think that going behind the car may be the best option for safely crossing the street without getting injured. However, similar to crossing in front of the car, crossing behind the car will result in the pedestrian leaving the crosswalk.  Going behind the car also presents a unique safety issue, because now the pedestrian may be susceptible to being hit by a car crossing the intersection from the cross street.   Also, cars that are turning onto the street where "that person" has blocked the crosswalk may be pulling forward to get close to the car that is blocking the crosswalk.  Obviously, this puts the pedestrian at risk of being hit or sandwiched between the two cars.  Again, similar to Option 1, leaving the crosswalk may result in a violation of ORS 814.040 (failure to yield to a vehicle.) 

Option 3) Waiting for the Car to Clear the Crosswalk: Waiting for the car to clear the crosswalk is probably the best option.  Most lights in Portland and other Oregon Cities don't take that long.  At most you may lose a few minutes of your day by waiting for it to be safe to cross the street.   It is my opinion that it is best to wait until the cross walk is clear and it is safe to cross the street.  This is the only way to attempt to mitigate the risk of injury from being struck by a car while crossing the street.   

If you, or a person you know, has been hit by a car while crossing the street, please call Portland Oregon Personal Injury Lawyer Jeremiah Ross.  Ross Law LLC is happy to provide you a free personal injury consultation.  Please call Jeremiah Ross at 503.224.1658.  Please also remember that each situation is different do not solely rely on this post to ensure your safety.   

Uber Sexual Assault Survivor Fights Back and Sues Uber

I have previously posted about safety issues with Uber, Lyft, and other ride shares.  These ride share programs market themselves as a safe alternative to getting around town. However, that is not always the case.  A Los Angeles woman was brutally raped by an Uber driver that picked her up.

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She is fighting back and filed a lawsuit against Uber for its failure to conduct a background check.  Currently Uber simply has an on-line application process and hires a company to run cursory criminal record checks.  Therefore, if for whatever reason the criminal records check doesn't pick up an issue then passengers are put at risk of being assaulted, raped, or drugged by a ride-share driver.  These lawsuits are necessary to force the ride-share programs to take pro-active steps to discover any possible issue with their drivers.   For more information about the Los Angeles case click here:  LA Times Article.

If you or someone you know has been assaulted, sexually assaulted, or raped by a ride share driver then please call the police immediately.  If you have questions about your civil rights and your rights as a crime victim, please call Jeremiah Ross at 503.224.1658.  It won't cost you anything and you should know your rights.