Salem Oregon Personal Injury Legal Blog

You can hold others liable if you're hurt by defective products

On behalf of Harris, Wyatt & Amala, LLC posted in products liability on Friday, February 15, 2019.

Product liability laws hold businesses and manufacturers responsible for the products they create. They are able to be held responsible for dangerous or defective products because of U.S. product liability law, which sets up rules that make it easier for people who get hurt by products to seek assistance and recover damages.

There could be several parties responsible for defective products including the manufacturer, distributor, a manufacturer of component parts, the wholesaler or a retail store or outlet.

How much is your claim worth after an accident?

On behalf of Harris, Wyatt & Amala, LLC on Sunday, February 3, 2019.

The aftermath of a car accident can be expensive and overwhelming. In fact, you may be unsure of how you will ever be able to reclaim your life and move forward after such a traumatic incident. If your accident was the result of the reckless or negligent actions of another person, you could have grounds to move forward with a civil claim. It would be wise for you to seek the full amount to which you are entitled.

It is not easy to determine how much an accident claim may be worth. There are multiple factors to consider, including the extent of your injuries and the amount of your financial losses. If you are considering a claim or the insurance company offered you a settlement, it is in your interests to know what your claim may be truly worth.

Follow these 3 tips for safer motorcycling in winter

On behalf of Harris, Wyatt & Amala, LLC posted in motorcycle accidents on Thursday, January 31, 2019.

Riding your motorcycle in winter is a risk that you may be willing to take, but you must keep in mind that there are hazards that wouldn't normally be present in the spring, summer or fall. One of those hazards is the likelihood of snowfall and ice. The other, potentially more dangerous, hazard is that drivers don't expect to see motorcyclists in the winter.

If you plan to ride in the winter, there are several things you can do to help yourself stay safe. Here are three tips to help keep you warm and visible on your ride.

Do truck drivers always know they've been in a crash?

On behalf of Harris, Wyatt & Amala, LLC posted in truck accidents on Friday, January 18, 2019.

Highway collisions involving large trucks are common, particularly in areas where these vehicles transport goods. Large trucks can be tens of thousands of pounds, which makes them some of the most dangerous vehicles on the road, if not the most dangerous.

The average passenger vehicle weighs around 4,000 pounds, while an 18-wheeler may weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. As you can imagine, getting into a collision with a vehicle of that size is going to do incredible damage to the smaller car.

Wrongful-death lawsuit filed for father's death

On behalf of Harris, Wyatt & Amala, LLC posted in wrongful death and catastrophic injuries on Tuesday, January 1, 2019.

In a slightly unusual case, a lawsuit has been filed over the violent death of a 33-year-old man who was killed at a house party in Lynnfield. The death occurred in an incident that happened in 2016 at a mansion that had been widely advertised for rent on AirBnB and other places.

The renter told the owner he was having a college reunion, although he actually intended to host a pool party. The party was a commercial enterprise featuring plenty of girls and "invited" men. The advertised event had at least three DJs there for the party.

80-year-old man dies in rear-end crash caused by fog

On behalf of Harris, Wyatt & Amala, LLC posted in motor vehicle accidents on Thursday, December 20, 2018.

Car crashes have the potential to lead to serious injuries or fatalities. One of the major issues on the roads today is that some people do not pay attention to what is happening in front of them. As a result, they end up causing crashes that seriously impact those around them.

Take, for example, a crash that happened in Salem, Oregon. The Oregon State Police reported that there was a two-vehicle crash on Highway 22. A man had been rear-ended by a commercial vehicle with a 53-foot trailer while driving his 1975 Volkswagen Beetle.

Winter weather brings slipping hazards

On behalf of Harris, Wyatt & Amala, LLC on Thursday, December 6, 2018.

Weather forecasters may not be expecting multiple feet of snow in Oregon this winter, but it only takes a glazing to create hazardous conditions for drivers and walkers. While you may take great care to keep your sidewalks and steps as clear and dry as possible, you cannot always expect the same diligence from other property owners.

Slipping on snow or ice is the most common cause of falls in winter. Ground level falls can result in critical injuries, including head trauma, spinal cord injuries and serious bone fractures. Injuries from a slip-and-fall accident may leave you with lifelong pain and recurring complications. While there are simple steps a business or property owner can take to prevent such accidents, not everyone is looking out for your safety.

Driver loses job after causing 3-vehicle crash in Oregon

On behalf of Harris, Wyatt & Amala, LLC posted in truck accidents on Tuesday, December 4, 2018.

Crashes can happen anywhere, and they have the potential to cause significant harm to those involved. Take, for example, the news report posted on Nov. 21 about a tow-truck driver who was cited for rear-ending another vehicle.

The driver was cited for careless driving after causing a three-vehicle collision. All three drivers had to be taken to the hospital, though none had life-threatening injuries.

Motorcyclists: Watch out for these high-risk situations

On behalf of Harris, Wyatt & Amala, LLC posted in motorcycle accidents on Friday, November 23, 2018.

You cannot always avoid a motorcycle accident, but it does pay to stay vigilant and aware on the road. Keep your eyes out for high-risk situations, and you might be able to spot an accident waiting to happen. Below are a few risks to be aware of:

1. Drivers who want to turn left

Follow these tips to drive safely around commercial trucks

On behalf of Harris, Wyatt & Amala, LLC posted in truck accidents on Wednesday, November 7, 2018.

Even if you do your best to avoid commercial trucks on the road, there will be times when you find yourself in proximity to these vehicles. When this happens, you must alter your driving style to improve your safety.

Here are several steps you can take to drive safely around commercial trucks:

Don't take chances: Follow the rules of the road at all times, even if it means slowing down to maintain a high level of safety. For example, if a truck is attempting to change lanes, you may get the urge to speed up, so you don't get stuck behind a slow-moving vehicle. Rather than do this, back off and take your time.
Be careful when passing: It's important to never pass a slow-moving truck in the right lane. Also, after you pass a truck, leave ample space before moving back in front of it.
Watch for turns in tight quarters: In the city, a commercial truck may swing to the left to set up a right turn. If you get stuck behind or next to a truck doing this, it could result in an accident.

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