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Lance D. Youd

Albany Car Accident Attorney

CASE REVIEW

Accidents happen all the time in Albany. In fact, state statistics show that Albany experienced 454 accidents in 2020. These resulted in 243 nonfatal injuries, 207 instances of property damage, and four fatalities. Put differently, about 20 people are injured in Albany car accidents each year.

If you’ve been involved in a wreck, you need expert legal advice. Contact Attorney Lance D. Youd today to find out more about how to bring a claim for compensation.

Covering Bills & Expenses

Car accidents are expensive.  Victims may suffer devastating injuries which can leave them recovering for a long time.  Some require surgery, rehab, and prescription drugs to improve their stages of recovery. There are some instances where, it is impossible to work, therefore putting a strain and stress on the family finances.

A car accident settlement should cover:

  • Vehicle damage
  • Medical bills
  • Future medical expenses
  • Lost income and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering and similar intangible losses

How to Obtain a Settlement

Most car wrecks are caused by negligent drivers. These drivers fail to use reasonable care when behind the wheel, usually because they aren’t paying attention or are driving recklessly.  They may fail to consider the consequences of hurting not only themselves but innocent victims as well. Common examples of negligence include:

  • Texting and driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Failure to yield
  • Failure to follow traffic rules
  • Driving while fatigued
  • Careless vehicle maintenance
  • Driving while impaired

To receive compensation, we gather as much evidence as we can find. Remember, no insurance adjuster was at the accident scene. We need to “recreate” the accident to establish who was at fault. Evidence gathering can include speaking to witnesses, reviewing police reports, and looking at photographs of the cars involved in the wreck.

We also need to fully document your injuries, pain, and medical care. We recommend keeping all bills and paperwork related to medical treatment. Gather paystubs or proof of self-employment income to show how much income you have lost.

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6 Steps to Take after a Car Accident In Albany

Any Albany car accident attorney will tell you that some cases are won or lost at the accident scene. Victims can make a mistake which ends up undermining their case, and there’s no way to pick up the pieces later.

Attorney Lance D. Youd recommends that you do these 6 steps, if you can. Maybe you are in so much pain you need to wait for an ambulance to arrive. But other victims should work down through this list:

  1. Call the police to the accident scene. An officer can create a crash report after talking to witnesses and observing the vehicles.
  2. Swap insurance and personal information with all drivers involved in the crash. Without this information, you won’t know where to file an insurance claim.
  3. Speak to witnesses, if you can. They might provide helpful details about the crash. Ask for their name and contact information.
  4. Photograph the accident scene. We recommend getting a photograph using your phone of each side of the vehicles. Also take a picture of anything that contributed to the crash, like an obscured stop sign or pothole in the road.
  5. Head to the hospital to have a doctor check your injuries. A doctor should come up with a treatment plan, which you should follow closely.
  6. Refuse to give a statement to the insurance companies without a lawyer present. They might dig for admissions to use against you in settlement negotiations or court. For example, if you say you were tired the day of the crash, they might claim your fatigue caused you to crash.

A Strong Hand While Negotiating

Most car accident cases are negotiated to settlement. Attorney Lance Youd has broad experience in this process. He understands how insurers think, what tricks they use, and why they try to limit legal liability. He can collect evidence to show who was at fault and why you deserve compensation.

We strongly recommend that Albany accident victims avoid negotiating a settlement themselves. Many insurers will offer the lowest amount possible. Without a lawyer, you might not know how much your case is worth.

When negotiations falter, Youd Law will represent you in court and present your case to a jury. This option only comes into play when each side can’t settle, often because there are disputes about who is to blame.

Call Experienced Albany Car Accident Lawyers Today

Car accidents are traumatizing events. But legal help is nearby. Please reach out to Youd Law as soon as possible following a crash. We offer a free consultation with an experienced Albany car accident lawyer, who can explain the claims process in more detail. Call (503) 399-8967 to get started today.

Lance D. Youd with man

Our clients say it best

At Youd Law, we pride ourselves in offering unmatched service. Lance and his staff are responsive and respectful, providing efficient, expert assistance in a kind and courteous manner.

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We cannot thank you enough for your generous intervention for our dear friends. It shows how God used you to answer prayer!

K H Family Family Law 2019

I wouldn’t want to go up against you Lance. Thanks to you and your team for your hard work.

KW July 2019

It’s been a long battle and I want you to know I appreciate all you have done.

RD July 2019

God answers…..One of our dear friends reached out to a lawyer she knows for me. What a great man! He contacted me and spent over a half an hour on the phone answering my questions.

D & D FAMILY LAW 2019

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Lance D. Youd, Attorney at Law proudly serves clients in Salem, Portland,and all surrounding areas in the greater Willamette Valley, OR.

OFFICES

1596 Liberty St SE Salem, OR 97302
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17036 Canal Circle Lake Oswego, OR 97035
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FAX:

503.399.0545

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